Norman Gene Macdonald

Norman Gene Macdonald was a Canadian actor, comedian, writer and a poker player who made an appearance on Poker After Dark. He regularly attended the WSOP and hosted “High Stakes Poker” for one season. Unfortunately, he passed away at 61 following a private battle with cancer in September 2021. Norm was one of the legendary “Saturday Night Live” cast members in the 1990s, where he famously served as the comedic anchor on the Weekend Update segment. 

Norm has amassed over $59,019 in live tournament earnings, with his most notable cash being $20,915 from winning the Bellagio Weekly Tournaments in Las Vegas. 

Norman Gene Macdonald: Early Life

Norman was born October 17, 1959 in Quebec, Canada. He has been playing poker since he was 15 years old, mostly cash games. Norman began his career in stand-up comedy. Macdonald’s first job was writing for The Dennis Miller Show in 1992 and then Roseanne in 1988. While writing for Roseanne in 1988, he was noticed by Lorne Michaels, who liked Norm’s stand up, and gave him his job on Saturday Night Live in 1975 .Macdonald became widely popular when he became the Weekend Update anchor. 

He was also a poker enthusiast and made an annual trip to Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker. Even while battling cancer, Norman still made time for poker, and continued his annual trips to Las Vegas for the WSOP. He often played in high stakes Hollywood cash games. 

Norman Gene Macdonald: Poker Journey on Poker After Dark

Norman debuted on January 6th, 2018, in PAD Season 9 Episode 4. He participated in a $100/200 +$200BBA No Limit Hold ’em game with Jennifer Tilly, Eli Elezra, Daniel Weinand, and others. Norman ended the night up $46,500.

His most recent appearance was on January 7th, 2018, during PAD Season 9 Episode 5. He competed in another $100/200 +$200BBA  No Limit Hold ’em game against Randall Emmett, Jeremy Ausmus, Robert Sanchez, and others. He lost $13,500.

Norman Gene Macdonald: Live Tournament Participation

Norman Macdonald recorded his first live cash in November 2003. He participated in a No Limit Hold’em – Hollywood Home Game II at the World Poker Tour – WPT Hollywood Home Game II in Los Angeles. Norman finished in 5th place and took home $2,000.

He then earned his biggest live tournament earnings in July 2007. Norman sat down in the $ 1,000 No Limit Hold’em at the Bellagio Weekly Tournaments, Las Vegas. He walked away with $20,915 winnings for finishing 3rd place. 

Norman’s most recent live tournament participation was in October 2019. He competed in a $ 5,000 No Limit Hold’em at the Poker After Dark (PAD) Season X, Las Vegas. Norman finished in 7th place.

Conclusion

Norman Gene Macdonald’s life was a lively mix of comedy and poker, making a significant impact in both areas. Famous for his clever humor as the Weekend Update anchor on “Saturday Night Live,” he also stood out at the poker table, gaining respect from his peers. Despite his private struggle with cancer, Macdonald’s love for comedy and poker was a core part of who he was, and his vibrant spirit will be cherished by everyone who knew him.