Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lorne Michaels
Discover the career path of Lorne Michaels, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Lorne Michaels is a highly influential figure in television history, renowned as the creator and producer of Saturday Night Live (SNL). His impact extends beyond SNL, as he's also produced other successful shows like 'Late Night,' 'The Kids in the Hall,' and 'The Tonight Show.' Michaels' career reflects a keen eye for talent and comedic sensibilities, shaping the landscape of American comedy and late-night television for decades. His work has launched the careers of countless comedians and writers, solidifying his status as a key figure in entertainment.
4 hours ago : Lorne Michaels' documentary explores the SNL creator's life, career, and legacy.
The documentary 'Lorne' delves into the life and career of Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, revealing his elusive persona and impactful contributions to comedy, seemingly with no retirement plans. The documentary is directed by Morgan Neville.
1968: Moves to Los Angeles
In 1968, Lorne Michaels and Hart Pomerantz moved from Toronto to Los Angeles to work as writers for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show.
1973: Lorne Michaels Writes for The Burns and Schreiber Comedy Hour
In 1973, Lorne Michaels returned to the United States to write for The Burns and Schreiber Comedy Hour, which led to him producing specials for Lily Tomlin and gaining the credibility to create Saturday Night Live.
1975: Creation of Saturday Night Live
In 1975, Lorne Michaels created and produced Saturday Night Live.
November 20, 1976: George Harrison Appearance on SNL
On November 20, 1976, George Harrison appeared on Saturday Night Live attempting to collect the money offered to The Beatles, but Lorne Michaels stated the offer was conditional on all four members appearing.
1978: Paramount Deal Offered
During the 1978-1979 season of SNL, Lorne Michaels was offered a deal to produce nine features from Paramount.
1979: Turns Down Paramount Deal
During the 1978-1979 season of SNL, Lorne Michaels turned down a deal to produce nine features from Paramount and takes a three-picture deal from Warner Bros.
1979: Broadway Video Founded
In 1979, Lorne Michaels founded the production company Broadway Video.
1980: Saturday Night Live Production End
In 1980, Lorne Michaels stopped producing Saturday Night Live, but resumed production in 1985.
1981: SNL Produced by Broadway Video
Since 1981, Saturday Night Live has been produced by Broadway Video, founded by Lorne Michaels.
January 1984: The New Show Debuts
In January 1984, Lorne Michaels' sketch show, The New Show, debuted on NBC. It was cancelled after 9 episodes.
1984: 1985 Spoof
In the early 80s, Lorne Michaels had a deal to produce movies for MGM, including a spoof of 1984 called 1985 that was set in the future.
1985: Saturday Night Live Production Resumes
In 1985, Lorne Michaels resumed producing Saturday Night Live after a hiatus.
1985: 1985 movie not released
In the early 80s, Lorne Michaels had a deal to produce movies for MGM, including a spoof of 1984 called 1985 that was set in the future. The movie was not released.
1989: Production of The Kids in the Hall
From 1989 to 1995, Lorne Michaels produced The Kids in the Hall.
1989: The Kids in the Hall Debuts in the U.S.
In 1989, The Kids in the Hall debuted in the U.S. market on cable television network HBO.
1993: Production of the Late Night Series
Since 1993, Lorne Michaels has produced the Late Night series.
1995: The Kids in the Hall Production End
In 1995, the production of The Kids in the Hall, produced by Lorne Michaels, ended.
April 3, 2013: Michaels Takes Over The Tonight Show
On April 3, 2013, it was announced that Lorne Michaels would take over as executive producer for The Tonight Show.
2014: The Tonight Show Moves to New York
In early 2014, The Tonight Show moved to New York as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with Lorne Michaels as executive producer.
2014: Production of The Tonight Show
Since 2014, Lorne Michaels has produced The Tonight Show.
January 2025: Donation of Archival Materials
In January 2025, Lorne Michaels donated archival materials to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
January 2026: Lorne Michaels Collection Available for Research
In January 2026, The Lorne Michaels Collection became available for research at the Harry Ransom Center.
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