Lorne Michaels
Biography
Lorne Michaels, born Lorne David Lipowitz on November 17, 1944, is a distinguished television and film producer, comedian, screenwriter, and director, with dual Canadian and American citizenship. He is best known for founding and producing the iconic sketch comedy show *Saturday Night Live*, which has been a fixture of American television since its debut in 1975, with runs from 1975 to 1980 and then from 1985 to the present. Michaels has played a pivotal role in shaping late-night television through his work on the *Late Night* series since 1993 and has produced *The Tonight Show* since 2014, further cementing his legacy in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his groundbreaking work with *SNL*, he produced the Canadian sketch comedy show *The Kids in the Hall* from 1989 to 1995, which has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Michaels has been recognized with an impressive 24 Primetime Emmy Awards out of 112 nominations, making him the individual with the most nominations in the history of the Emmys. His contributions to comedy and television have left an indelible mark, and he continues to influence new generations of comedians and writers.
Filmography
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I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not
2026 • Self
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert
2025 • Self
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
2025 • Self
Will & Harper
2024 • Self
Love, Gilda
2018 • Self
Belushi
2020 • Self (archive footage)
Cracked Up
2019 • Self
Live from New York!
2015 • Self
Paul Simon: Under African Skies
2012 • Self
The Story of Late Night
2021 • Self