Comedian Norm MacDonald dead at 61 from cancer

Comedian Norm MacDonald has died at the age of 61 after a nine-year private battle with cancer, according to his family and representatives.

The Canadian comic was born in Quebec City in 1959 and got his start in Canadian clubs before moving to the US to pursue TV comedy writing.

He worked for the Roseanne programme before joining Saturday Night Live to host news parody skit Weekend Update.

Known for his dry delivery, MacDonald had fans in the US and worldwide.

"He was most proud of his comedy. He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic," Lori Jo Hoekstra, MacDonald's long-time producing partner, said in a statement.

"He once wrote that 'a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.' He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly."

MacDonald was also known for his roles in comedy films such as Dirty Work, Billy Madison and Dr Doolittle.

According to Deadline, he was slated to appear in the New York Comedy Festival in November.

MacDonald was known for his deadpan delivery style, and impressions of Hollywood stars such as Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino.

After leaving Saturday Night Live, he starred in his own comedy series, Norm, from 1999-2001.

He also hosted a Netflix programme called Norm Macdonald Has a Show in 2018.

Comedian and actor Jim Carrey tweeted: "He was one of our most precious gems. An honest and courageous comedy genius."

"I am absolutely devastated about Norm MacDonald," wrote late night host Conan O'Brien. "I will never laugh that hard again. I'm so sad for all of us today."

Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart wrote online: "No one could make you break like Norm MacDonald. Hilarious and unique."

Seth Rogan recalled his own beginning as a Canadian comic, saying: "I essentially ripped off his delivery when I first started acting."

"We lost a comedy giant today. One of the all time greats," Rogan added.