Lorne Michaels

Born:November 17, 1944

Place of Birth:Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Known For:Production

Biography

Lorne Michaels, born Lorne David Lipowitz on November 17, 1944, is a multi-talented Canadian-American entertainment mogul. With a career spanning several decades, Michaels has left an indelible mark on the world of television as a producer, screenwriter, and comedian. His creative genius and keen eye for talent have made him a household name in the industry.

Michaels is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work as the creator and producer of the iconic sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Since its inception in 1975, SNL has become a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of numerous comedy legends and consistently pushing the boundaries of television comedy. Michaels' innovative approach to the show has kept it relevant and influential for over four decades.

In addition to his work on SNL, Michaels has also produced other successful television programs, including the Late Night series, which he has been involved with since 1993. His collaboration with various late-night hosts has resulted in some of the most memorable moments in television history, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a producer.

One of Michaels' other notable achievements is his involvement in producing The Kids in the Hall, a beloved sketch comedy series that aired from 1989 to 1995. Known for its offbeat humor and quirky characters, the show has maintained a dedicated fan base and continues to be celebrated for its originality and creativity.

More recently, Michaels has taken on the role of producing The Tonight Show, further solidifying his reputation as a prolific and influential figure in the world of late-night television. His ability to consistently deliver high-quality content across a variety of genres is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

Beyond his work in television, Michaels has also made a name for himself as a respected screenwriter, contributing his creative vision to a number of successful projects. His ability to blend humor with social commentary has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans who appreciate his unique perspective on the world.

Throughout his career, Michaels has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including multiple Emmy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his influence can be seen in the countless comedians and writers who have been inspired by his work.

As a trailblazer in the world of comedy and television production, Lorne Michaels continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions, setting the standard for excellence in the entertainment industry. His legacy is secure, and his contributions to the world of entertainment will be celebrated for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Will & Harper

Self

2024

When Will Ferrell's good friend Harper comes out as a trans woman, they take a road trip to bond and reintroduce Harper to the country as her true self.

Man on the Moon

Self (uncredited)

1999

The story of the life and career of eccentric avant-garde comedian, Andy Kaufman.

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

Self

2025

Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.

SNL50: The Homecoming Concert

Self

2025

Live from Radio City Music Hall, witness the concert of a lifetime with a star-studded lineup bringing together legendary Saturday Night Live hall-of-famers, iconic guests and surprise musical performances.

Sandy Wexler

Testimonial

2017

When a hapless but dedicated talent manager signs his first client who actually has talent, his career finally starts to take off.

The Last Laugh

Self

2016

Feature documentary about humor and the Holocaust, examining whether it is ever acceptable to use humor in connection with a tragedy of that scale, and the implications for other seemingly off-limits topics in a society that prizes free speech.

Production

Inside Out

Thanks

2015

When 11-year-old Riley moves to a new city, her Emotions team up to help her through the transition. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar places to get back home.

Mean Girls

Producer

2004

Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.

Lost in Translation

Thanks

2003

Two lost souls visiting Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer and a washed-up movie star shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be real in each other's company, away from their lives in America.

Mean Girls

Producer

2024

New student Cady Heron is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called ‘The Plastics,’ ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George and her minions Gretchen and Karen. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels, she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis and Damian, she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

Wayne's World

Producer

1992

The adventures of two amiably aimless metal-head friends, Wayne and Garth. From Wayne's basement, the pair broadcast a talk-show called "Wayne's World" on local public access television. The show comes to the attention of a sleazy network executive who wants to produce a big-budget version of "Wayne's World"—and he also wants Wayne's girlfriend, a rock singer named Cassandra. Wayne and Garth have to battle the executive not only to save their show, but also Cassandra.

Hot Rod

Producer

2007

For Rod Kimble, performing stunts is a way of life, even though he is rather accident-prone. Poor Rod cannot even get any respect from his stepfather, Frank, who beats him up in weekly sparring matches. When Frank falls ill, Rod devises his most outrageous stunt yet to raise money for Frank's operation -- and then Rod will kick Frank's butt.

¡Three Amigos!

Producer

1986

A trio of unemployed silent film actors are mistaken for real heroes by a small Mexican village in search of someone to stop a malevolent bandit.

Coneheads

Producer

1993

A pair of aliens arrive on Earth to prepare for invasion, but crash instead. With enormous cone-shaped heads, robotlike walks and an appetite for toilet paper, aliens Beldar and Prymatt don't exactly blend in with the population of Paramus, N.J. But for some reason, everyone believes them when they say they're from France.

A Night at the Roxbury

Producer

1998

Despite being well into adulthood, brothers Doug and Steve Butabi still live at home and work in the flower shop owned by their dad. They exist only to hit on women at discos, though they're routinely unsuccessful until a chance run-in with Richard Grieco gets them inside the swank Roxbury club. Mistaken for high rollers, they meet their dream women, Vivica and Cambi, and resolve to open a club of their own.

Wayne's World 2

Producer

1993

A message from Jim Morrison in a dream prompts cable access TV stars Wayne and Garth to put on a rock concert, "Waynestock," with Aerosmith as headliners. But amid the preparations, Wayne frets that a record producer is putting the moves on his girlfriend, Cassandra, while Garth handles the advances of mega-babe Honey Hornée.

Enigma

Producer

2001

The story of the WWII project to crack the code behind the Enigma machine, used by the Germans to encrypt messages sent to their submarines.

Tommy Boy

Producer

1995

To save the family business, two ne’er-do-well traveling salesmen hit the road with disastrously funny consequences.

Masterminds

Producer

2016

A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history.

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked

Thanks

2024

A behind-the-scenes look at the highly-anticipated two-part film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, featuring interviews with the cast and crew.

MacGruber

Producer

2010

Ex-special operative MacGruber is called back into action to take down his archenemy, Dieter Von Cunth, who's in possession of a nuclear warhead and bent on destroying Washington, DC.

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

Executive Producer

2025

Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Producer

2016

In 2002, cable news producer Kim Barker decides to shake up her routine by taking a daring new assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dislodged from her comfortable American lifestyle, Barker finds herself in the middle of an out-of-control war zone. Luckily, she meets Tanya Vanderpoel, a fellow journalist who takes the shell-shocked reporter under her wing. Amid the militants, warlords and nighttime partying, Barker discovers the key to becoming a successful correspondent.

SNL50: The Homecoming Concert

Executive Producer

2025

Superstar

Producer

1999

Orphan Mary Katherine Gallagher, an ugly duckling at St. Monica High School, has a dream: to be kissed soulfully. She decides she can realize this dream if she becomes a superstar, so her prayers, her fantasies and her conversations with her only friend focus on achieving super-stardom.

Black Sheep

Producer

1996

When dignified Albert Donnelly runs for Governor, his team moves to keep his slow-witted and klutzy younger brother, Mike, out of the eye of the media. To baby-sit Mike, the campaign assigns sarcastic Steve, who gets the experience of a lifetime when he tries to take Mike out of town during the election.

The Ladies Man

Producer

2000

Because of his salacious language, late-night radio advice-show host Leon Phelps, along with his sweet and loyal producer Julie, is fired from his Chicago gig. Leon gets a letter from a former lover promising a life of wealth, but he doesn't know who she is. Can Leon find his secret sugar-mama? What about Julie?

Stuart Saves His Family

Producer

1995

A self-help advocate struggles to put his dysfunctional family in its place.