All Of It: Full Bio – SNL Creator Lorne Michaels

Hosted by Alison Stewart | Released April 5, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of All Of It, WNYC’s Alison Stewart delves into the life and legacy of Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live (SNL), through an in-depth conversation with Susan Morrison, the author of the acclaimed biography "Lorne, the Man who Invented Saturday Night Live." Marking the 50th anniversary of SNL, this episode explores Michaels' journey from his early life in Canada to becoming a pivotal figure in American television.

Early Life and Influences

Lauren Lipowitz, known professionally as Lorne Michaels, was born on November 17, 1944, in Toronto, Canada. Morrison unveils how growing up in a cold, often isolating environment led Lauren to create his own entertainment. Before the advent of American television in Canada, the local channels were dominated by rigid programming like folk singing and Shakespearean plays, which Lauren found unengaging.

[00:34] Susan Morrison: “As soon as he could watch the Phil Silver show, your show of shows, all the great American variety shows, he was completely hooked.”

Lauren's grandmother played a crucial role in nurturing his early appreciation for American entertainment, explaining the evolution of performers like Jack Benny from vaudeville to radio to television. This early exposure instilled in him an understanding of the adaptability required in show business.

Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles

Lauren’s mother, Florence, was a demanding yet supportive figure. Morrison describes her as:

[03:54] Susan Morrison: “My mother was a typical Jewish mother, right out of Philip Roth... very demanding of him and kind of withholding. But when he was out of the room, she was bragging her head off about him.”

At the age of 14, Lauren faced profound personal tragedy when his father passed away after a heated argument. This loss instilled in him a lifelong aversion to confrontation and a deep sense of responsibility, shaping his management style.

[04:40] Susan Morrison: “He forever after, always avoided confrontation. You never see him raise his voice at anyone. He’s afraid of conflict.”

Mentorship and Early Career

After his father’s death, Lauren sought father figures who would guide him through the complexities of show business. Two significant mentors emerged:

1. Uncle Pap: A successful businessman who taught Lauren about money and business, even funding his trips to Europe.
2. Frank Schuster: Father of Rosie Schuster, Frank was a comedy star from the duo Wayne and Schuster. Frank introduced Lauren to the intricacies of comedy writing and the entertainment industry.

Lauren’s collaboration with Hart Pomerantz marked the beginning of his foray into comedy writing. Together, they wrote for notable figures like Joan Rivers and even shared a brainstorming session with Woody Allen, where Lauren’s potential as a producer began to surface.

[10:53] Susan Morrison: “Lorne kind of takes control. He’s a little pushy with his ideas, and yet he backs off when they’re not accepted.”

Transition to Lorne Michaels and Early Television Work

Amidst his burgeoning career, Lauren decided to anglicize his name to Lorne Michaels to better fit into the showbiz milieu. This change was influenced by his marriage to Rosalind Schuster and encouragement from mentors like Frank Schuster.

Michaels’ work on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In and the Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show exposed him to the limitations of 1960s television, which he found stuck in a bygone era. He envisioned a more dynamic, generationally relevant form of comedy, setting the stage for his eventual creation of SNL.

[19:19] Susan Morrison: “Lorne had this idea that he wanted to take the var… fill it with the concerns of his generation, sex and drugs and rock and roll.”

Creation of Saturday Night Live

When Johnny Carson declined to oversee a weekend show, Michaels seized the opportunity to create something groundbreaking. Under the guidance of NBC president Herb Schlosser, SNL was conceptualized as a live, New York-based show with rotating hosts and the potential to launch other primetime ventures.

Michaels meticulously recruited cast members from comedy clubs and unconventional backgrounds, emphasizing talent over familiarity. This approach led to the inclusion of future legends like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner.

[36:54] Susan Morrison: “He went to clubs, catch a rising star. He found Andy Kaufman… the kind of out there, almost arty ambitions that Lorne had for his show.”

Challenges and Departures

The initial success of SNL was marred by the early departure of key cast members seeking movie careers. Chevy Chase's move to films caused jealousy and instability within the show. Belushi and Dan Aykroyd followed suit, further challenging Michaels’ vision.

Morrison highlights how these departures exposed Michaels' need for constant renewal within the show, a lesson he embraced upon his return in 1985.

[47:48] Susan Morrison: “He hadn't figured out by that time that the way to do Saturday Night Live, and certainly the way he's made it happen for 50 years, is that it has to exist in a constant state of renewal.”

Hiatus and Return

After five grueling years, Michaels stepped away from SNL, exhausted and disillusioned by the network's refusal to grant him time to regroup. His attempt to transition into film production during this hiatus was largely unsuccessful, culminating in the failed New Show primetime variety show in 1983.

Upon his return in 1985, Michaels learned to prioritize the show's renewal, hiring seasoned comedic talent from clubs rather than relying on young, inexperienced actors. This strategic shift revitalized SNL, leading to one of its strongest casts ever.

[53:18] Susan Morrison: “In 1985, he had to Remortgage his apartment… he made a colossal mistake by hiring too young people… Then he went back and hired people out of comedy clubs, and that's when he hired one of the best casts of the show's ever had.”

Business Acumen and Legacy

Michaels’ evolving business strategies, including savvy merchandising and rights negotiations, transformed him into a wealthy mogul. Despite initial reluctance, he embraced the commercialization of SNL, from T-shirts to blockbuster movies like Wayne’s World.

His personal life reflects a balance between professional dedication and family values. Michaels has been married three times, emphasizing the importance of fatherhood and leisure time, setting him apart from the stereotypical Hollywood workaholic.

[61:53] Susan Morrison: “He... sleeps till 11 o'clock every day. He works really hard, but then when he's not working, he's serious about his time off and spends it with his family.”

Diversity and Evolution of SNL

Michaels faced criticism over SNL’s lack of diversity, both on-screen and behind the scenes. For years, he resisted hiring based on quotas, focusing solely on comedic talent, which led to periods where the show failed to reflect a diverse America. It wasn’t until much later that Michaels made a concerted effort to diversify the cast and writing staff.

[69:59] Susan Morrison: “He held auditions in the middle of the season searching for African American women for the writing room and the cast. This is how he met Leslie Jones.”

Michaels’ delay in addressing diversity issues was a significant misstep, but his eventual actions have helped modernize and enrich the show’s cultural relevance.

Mentorship and Personal Philosophy

Known for mentoring young talent, Michaels imparts both professional advice and life lessons to his cast members. He emphasizes financial prudence and the importance of living beyond one’s means as a strategy for growth and stability.

[59:05] Susan Morrison: “Always buy an apartment that you think you can't afford… You're definitely going to be making more money next year than you do this year.”

Michaels’ approach to management—balancing creativity with compassionate leadership—has been instrumental in nurturing some of the finest comedic talents in the industry.

Future of SNL and Michaels’ Legacy

As Michaels approaches retirement at 80, discussions arise about his irreplaceable role in SNL’s continued success. His unique touch, from cast selection to show ethos, makes the prospect of replacing him daunting. Morrison suggests that Michaels could transition to a more limited role, maintaining his influence while delegating operational responsibilities to trusted deputies.

[77:21] Susan Morrison: “I think he is too essential to the show. His taste, his personality, his demands and the show is essential to him.”

Closing Reflections

Conan O'Brien humorously captures the reverence and affection cast members have for Michaels through parodies and impressions, underscoring his endearing personality and lasting impact on the comedy landscape.

[56:22] Conan O’Brien: “We both owe a lot to Lorne Michaels. Lorne Michaels gave me my shot. Gave you your shot. Obviously iconic, great man.”

Susan Morrison concludes by dispelling misconceptions about Michaels, affirming his genuine sense of humor and his pivotal role as both a creative force and a supportive mentor.

[79:18] Susan Morrison: “He isn’t one of those guys who just nods and says, that’s funny. He is someone who really does laugh and who is funny himself.”

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive look into Lorne Michaels' multifaceted life, revealing the personal struggles, professional triumphs, and enduring legacy of a man who reshaped American comedy. Through Susan Morrison’s insightful biography, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the visionary behind one of television’s most enduring institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Morrison [00:34]: “As soon as he could watch the Phil Silver show, your show of shows, all the great American variety shows, he was completely hooked.”

• Susan Morrison [03:54]: “My mother was a typical Jewish mother, right out of Philip Roth... very demanding of him and kind of withholding. But when he was out of the room, she was bragging her head off about him.”

• Susan Morrison [47:48]: “He hadn't figured out by that time that the way to do Saturday Night Live, and certainly the way he's made it happen for 50 years, is that it has to exist in a constant state of renewal.”

• Susan Morrison [59:05]: “Always buy an apartment that you think you can't afford… You're definitely going to be making more money next year than you do this year.”

Produced by:
Jason Isaac (Engineering), Jordan Loff (Post Production), Alison Stewart (Writer)

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