Guide Note

Lorne Michaels is a television and film producer best known for creating the long running NBC sketch show Saturday Night Live. He has launched the careers of numerous actors and comedians such as: Eddie Murphy, Dana Carvey, Mike Meyers, Will Ferrell, and Chris Farley.

Michaels was born in Toronto, Canada and attended the University of Toronto. After graduation he came to Los Angeles to become a writer. He worked on such hits as Laugh In.

Michaels created the show NBC's Saturday Night which evolved into the popular show Saturday Night Live that everyone knows today. Michaels has overseen the production of the show since its inception in 1977 and currently acts as showrunner and makes occasional cameo appearances.

Michaels formed the production company Broadway Video in 1994. It currently produces the hits 30 Rock and Late Night with Conan O'Brien for television and has produced Wayne's World, Mean Girls and Enigma for film.

Fast Facts

1. Born: November 17, 1944
2. Full name: Lorne Michael Lipowitz
3. College: University of Toronto
4. Marriages:
   1. Alice Barry
   2. Susan Forristal
   3. Rosie Shuster

1. Series premiere: October 11, 1975
2. New episodes: Saturdays at 11:30 ET
3. Current cast: Amy Poehler, Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers
4. Alumni: Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Steve Martin, Tina Fey