All Of It: Full Bio – Lorne Michaels and Saturday Night Live

Hosted by Alison Stewart, WNYC's "All Of It" delves deep into the life and legacy of Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). In this episode, Susan Morrison, author of "Lorne: The Man who Invented Saturday Night Live," explores Michaels' early life, influences, and the formative experiences that shaped his iconic career in television.

1. Introduction to Lorne Michaels' Early Life

Alison Stewart introduces Susan Morrison and sets the stage for a comprehensive biography of Lorne Michaels, marking the 50th anniversary of SNL, which first aired on October 11, 1975.

Key Highlights:

• Birth and Family Background: Lorne Michaels, born Lauren David Lipowitz on November 17, 1944, in Toronto, Canada, was the eldest of three children to Florence and Henry Abraham Lipowitz.
• Cultural Influences: Growing up in a Jewish household with grandparents who owned a movie theater, Michaels was immersed in diverse forms of entertainment from a young age.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [03:13]: "As a boy in very cold, very boring Canada, you had to make your own fun... But when American television finally came to Canada, that really changed his life."

2. The Impact of Family and Loss

Michaels' relationship with his parents played a crucial role in his personal and professional development.

Key Highlights:

• Mother's Influence: Florence Lipowitz was described as a demanding Jewish mother who kept compliments "on a high shelf in a jar that wasn't open very often." This dynamic instilled in Michaels a sense of striving and internalized management style.
• Father's Demise: At 14, Michaels' father died suddenly from a heart embolism following a heated argument between his parents. This event thrust Michaels into a position of responsibility, leading to feelings of guilt and a lifelong aversion to confrontation.

Notable Quotes:

Susan Morrison [05:13]: "He was a prince to everybody else. But when he was there, he felt like he wasn't quite measuring up."

Susan Morrison [05:58]: "He forever after, always avoided confrontation. You never see him raise his voice at anyone."

3. Mentorship and Formative Relationships

After his father's passing, Michaels sought out father figures who would guide his ambitions in entertainment.

Key Highlights:

• Uncle Pap: A successful businessman who taught Michaels about money and business, providing financial support and mentorship.
• Frank Schuster: The father of Rosie Schuster, a comedian and Michaels' first wife. Schuster was part of the comedy duo Wayne and Schuster and became a crucial mentor, introducing Michaels to classic showbiz stories and the intricacies of comedy writing.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [08:27]: "Frank Schuster... explained how the Marx Brothers jokes worked. He told him who Preston Sturges was. He started telling him all these great old showbiz stories that form the backbone of Lorne's conversation even today."

4. Entry into Comedy and Early Career

Michaels began his journey in comedy writing and performing, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Key Highlights:

• Collaborations with Hart Pomerantz: Together, they wrote sketches and even developed a two-man comedy act, showcasing Michaels' early producer personality.
• Meeting Woody Allen: An early writing session with Woody Allen, though unproductive in terms of material, significantly boosted Michaels' confidence and honed his collaborative skills.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [17:05]: "Hart Pomerantz actually had tape recorded this whole brainstorming joke writing session in Woody's living room... It just really boosted Lauren's confidence enormously."

5. Shaping a Unique Comedy Style

Michaels' experiences in the late 1960s and early 1970s influenced his vision to revolutionize television comedy.

Key Highlights:

• Work on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In": Encountering a traditional, radio-influenced comedic landscape, Michaels sought to infuse variety shows with contemporary themes like sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
• Vision for SNL: Drawing inspiration from diverse sources—including camp shows and his own variety acts—Michaels aimed to create a show that resonated with the younger generation by blending music, sketches, and edgy humor.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [20:38]: "He used the term, 'I want to make new wine in old bottles.' You know, he liked the structure, the format, but he thought that all the material was just, you know, for people 20, 30 years older than he was."

6. Influences and Progenitors of SNL

Several contemporaries and predecessors influenced the creation of SNL, blending various elements into what would become a cultural staple.

Key Highlights:

• "Camp Timberlane" at Summer Camp: Howard Shore, SNL's first music director and Michaels' camp buddy, believed that their camp performances were foundational to SNL's format.
• "Hart and Lauren Terrific Hour": Michaels and Hart Pomerantz's CBC variety show mirrored aspects of SNL, emphasizing sketch comedy and musical segments.
• Rosie Shuster's Contributions: As Michaels' first wife and a comedic talent, Rosie played a significant role in shaping his comedic instincts and scripting.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [25:24]: "Hart Pomerantz thought that SNL came out of the Hart and Lauren Terrific Hour, which was a variety show that the two of them did for the CBC, which also had a lot of similarities to SNL."

7. The Role of Female Comedians in Michaels' Career

Women like Rosie Schuster and Lily Tomlin were pivotal in Michaels' evolution as a comedy producer.

Key Highlights:

• Rosie Schuster: Beyond being his first wife, Rosie contributed to his comedic formation, often whispering humorous ideas that Michaels would vocalize. Professionally, she wrote under pseudonyms, reflecting the era's gender dynamics.
• Lily Tomlin: Collaborating with Tomlin on her specials allowed Michaels to explore thoughtful, character-driven comedy. Their partnership emphasized humor that delved into personal and societal nuances, paving the way for inclusive women's experiences in comedy.

Notable Quotes:

Susan Morrison [27:18]: "She always used a pseudonym because... she had this instinct to be self-effacing and not to step forward and take credit."

Susan Morrison [29:17]: "She liberated comedy from the punchline... and really wanted to include women's experience. A lot of the sketches... shone a light on women's experience."

8. Conclusion and Legacy

Michaels' journey from a young Canadian with a passion for comedy to the creator of one of America's longest-running television shows is marked by resilience, mentorship, and a relentless drive to innovate.

Key Highlights:

• Emphasis on Smart Humor: Michaels' vision was to create comedy that wasn't just about quick gags but reflected deeper emotional and societal themes.
• SNL's Enduring Influence: By blending various comedic elements and continuously evolving with the times, SNL has remained a cultural touchstone, influencing countless comedians and writers.

Notable Quote:

Susan Morrison [29:17]: "She really enhanced... she wants to do thoughtful comedy... what was going on in somebody's real life."

This episode of "All Of It" provides an intimate look into the personal and professional life of Lorne Michaels, highlighting the experiences and relationships that fueled his groundbreaking work in television comedy.