AGT: Howie Mandel 'Heartbroken' At Finals Over Norm Macdonald's Death
America's Got Talent judge and stand-up comedian Howie Mandel is "heartbroken" over the passing of Norm Macdonald. The late Saturday Night Live alum died on Tuesday after a nine-year private battle with cancer. Norm's longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra was by his side when he passed. Norm was 61 years old.
Shortly after Norm's death, many comedians, such as Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Jim Carrey, Patton Oswald and Steve Martin, expressed their condolences over social media. Howie, on the other hand, honored Norm during Tuesday's America's Got Talent live episode. After contestant and stand up comedian Gina Brillon delivered her set at this year's finals to a full audience, Howie gave a nod to Norm while praising her performance. "I just want to say this because I need to. One of the greats of comedy passed today. Norm Macdonald passed today, and it broke my heart," Howie said on the show. "Having you and seeing you and Josh on the show today brings us back and lets us know that laughter is still alive and laughter is the best medicine."
Talking to ET after Tuesday's AGT finals, Howie expressed that he's "heartbroken" over hearing about Norm's passing. He revealed that he found out right before filming began. "Right before I got here today, it came across the wire," Howie said, adding that the news was surprising because Norm wasn't public about his health concerns. The NBC judge continued to explain that Norm was one of his favorite SNL cast members of all time because he was always "so funny, so pure, so authentic, so real."
As for Howie's impromptu honor during Tuesday's taping, he admitted his words just simply felt natural and fitting. "I thought it was so fitting that on a day with so great a loss in the world of comedy that we here on AGT are celebrating comedy with two comedians in the final," he said. "I thought, in honor of this great loss, maybe this could be a tribute to Norm Macdonald." The late comedian began his career writing for Roseanne before appearing on SNL from 1993 to 1998. He anchored the show's iconic Weekend Update for three seasons. Following his appearance on the hit NBC show, Norm led his own sitcom for three years. He also made appearances in films and TV shows such as Billy Madison, Funny People, Grown Ups, Sunnyside, Girlboss and The Middle.
The AGT judge found the perfect moment and fashion to honor the late comedian.. Shortly after his nod, many America's Got Talent fans took to social media to thank the judge for expressing what they were all thinking. It's such a special moment for the comedy world to have an opportunity to honor Norm, all while giving an opportunity to up-and-comers.
The America's Got Talent season 16 finale airs Wednesday at 9pm on NBC.
Source: ET