Childhood and Education Journey of Norm Macdonald in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Norm Macdonald. From birth to education, explore key events.

Norm Macdonald was a Canadian comedian, actor, and writer celebrated for his deadpan delivery and understated style. He was a stand-up comedian with a folksy style. He was a frequent and popular guest on late-night talk shows. David Letterman regarded him as the best stand-up comedian. He appeared in many movies and tv-shows.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1916: Birth of Percy Lloyd Macdonald

In 1916, Percy Lloyd Macdonald, Norm Macdonald's father, was born. He later became a teacher.

October 17, 1959: Birth of Norman Gene Macdonald

On October 17, 1959, Norman Gene Macdonald was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. He became a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer.

1988: Marriage to Connie Vaillancourt

In 1988, Norm Macdonald married Connie Vaillancourt.

1990: Death of Percy Lloyd Macdonald

In 1990, Norm Macdonald's father, Percy Lloyd Macdonald, died of heart disease.

1992: Birth of Son Dylan

In 1992, Norm Macdonald and Connie Vaillancourt had a son named Dylan.

April 1999: Separation from Connie Vaillancourt

In April 1999, Norm Macdonald and Connie Vaillancourt separated and later divorced that same year.

November 12, 2000: Appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

On November 12, 2000, Norm Macdonald appeared on the Celebrity Edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, winning $500,000 for charity.

July 2006: Poker Tournament Result

In July 2006, Norm Macdonald achieved his best live poker result, cashing for $20,915 in the $1,000 Bellagio Weekly Tournament.

2006: Discusses Influences at The Daily Show

In a 2006 interview on The Daily Show to promote his album Ridiculous, Norm Macdonald discussed his comedy influences, including Bob Newhart, Sam Kinison, Rodney Dangerfield, Dennis Miller, Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, Cheech and Chong, Bill Cosby, and George Carlin.

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2007: World Series of Poker

In 2007, Norm Macdonald finished 20th out of 827 entrants in the $3,000 No-Limit Texas Hold 'em event at the World Series of Poker, winning $14,608.

2011: Gambling Addiction Revelation

In 2011, Norm Macdonald revealed on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast that he had lost all of his money gambling three times, with his largest single loss being $400,000. It was reported he went bankrupt twice.

2013: Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis

In 2013, Norm Macdonald was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a diagnosis he only shared with family, his agent, and his producing partner.

2018: Comments on Online Poker Shutdown

In a 2018 interview, Norm Macdonald discussed playing up to 20 online limit hold 'em games at once before the shutdown of online poker in the United States through the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, stating it "kind of saved my life."

2020: Developed Treatment-Associated Myelodysplastic Syndrome

In early 2020, Norm Macdonald developed treatment-associated myelodysplastic syndrome, a cancer that often develops into acute myeloid leukemia.

March 2021: Final Stem Cell Transplant

In March 2021, Norm Macdonald received his final stem cell transplant, using aliases to maintain privacy.

July 2021: Hospitalization for Chemotherapy

In July 2021, Norm Macdonald entered the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, for a round of chemotherapy, where he developed an infection. During his hospitalization, he recorded a voice-over role for the television series The Orville.

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September 14, 2021: Death of Norm Macdonald

On September 14, 2021, Norm Macdonald died. He was a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his deadpan delivery and appearances on late-night talk shows.