High Stakes Poker Host & Commentator Norm Macdonald Succumbs To Cancer At 61

Comedian, actor, and World Series of Poker (WSOP) regular Norm Macdonald, passed away at 61. This High Stakes Poker host and commentator fought cancer for almost a decade. Macdonald was also a cast member of The Saturday Night Live (SNL) show. The iconic comic artist was a regular face at the WSOP and even hosted one season of High Stakes Poker.

The Weekend Update anchor was loved by everyone and the news of his passing sent shock waves in the Hollywood and poker industry. In a tweet, poker commentator Joe Stapleton posted a heartfelt tribute to his late friend.

Lots of folks reaching out about the passing of Norm Macdonald. Norm was responsible for some of the happiest moments of my life (see below). To open for & become close with my favorite comedian of all time, I will be forever grateful. I'll miss him. I'll miss his comedy more. pic.twitter.com/GnXkOTTLq0

— Joe Stapleton (@Stapes) September 14, 2021

Born on October 17, 1959 in Quebec,Canada, he got his start in show business as a writer on ‘Roseanne’ in 1992. After which he was called to join the cast of SNL in 1993. Macdonald went on to perform countless stand up shows around the world. Known to be a goofy person, Macdonald sprinkled his dry and sarcastic humour to break his audience into splits. This multi-faceted personality also featured as the lead in the 1998 comic caper called Dirty Work.

As per reports, Macdonald kept the details of his health a secret not only from the press but also from his family. For the last nine years, he battled cancer quietly. Lori Jo Hoekstra, his long-time friend and producing partner, said, “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. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”

Jeff Danis, president of DPN Talent and one of Macdonald’s reps in a statement said, “Norm was an original! He defined American humor with honesty and blunt force.”

Apart from his many interests, Macdonald was also an avid poker player. He made yearly trips to Las Vegas to compete in the WSOP. In the last season of High Stakes Poker, Macdonald replaced AJ Benza and Gabe Kaplan as the host. This comic legend and poker reg will be dearly missed by his fans and followers across the globe.

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Donna Amo

Donna Amo was a writer at Gutshot Magazine. She is a graduate from Sophia College of Women, Mumbai with a degree in English Literature. When this October born foodie is not writing content or poetry, she spends her time laughing at memes or watching series. Based out of Mizoram, she is drawn to all things nature and has a soft spot for puppies.

Photo Credit: Poker News/Joe Giron