Norm Macdonald the deadpan stand-up comic and

Norm Macdonald, the deadpan stand-up comic and beloved “Saturday Night Live” alum, died Tuesday after a private nine-year battle with cancer. He was 61. The former “Weekend Update” anchor’s passing was confirmed to The Post by his manager Marc Gurvitz, of Brillstein Entertainment. The Quebec City native’s friend Lori Jo Hoekstra, who was with Macdonald when he died, said the performer fought cancer hard but was determined to keep his struggle away from family, friends and fans. Born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, he started in entertainment as a standup comedian who worked the Ottawa club circuit before branching out to clubs across Canada. He quickly became known for his deadpan and sardonic delivery and in 1987 was given the opportunity to perform at the "Just For Laughs" Comedy Festival in Los Angeles. That first taste of LA made an impression and Macdonald moved to the city, intent on breaking into Hollywood. He found work writing for the sitcom "Roseanne" in 1992. He joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" the following year, where he became known for his impressions of David Letterman, Larry King, Burt Reynolds, Quentin Tarantino and others. But it was as the anchor of the news satire segment "Weekend Update" where Macdonald hit his stride. He held the position from 1994 to 1998. Macdonald went on to star in his own comedy series, "The Norm Show," which ran from 1999-2001. He also appeared in films like "The People vs. Larry Flynt," "Dr. Dolittle 2" and "Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo." He was a good actor and will be missed!! Rest In Peace.