Many years ago i met norm macdonald at casino windsor. I was there with a few friends and we were at the main floor bar. Norm was sitting at a table with some guy. When i noticed it was him he saw i was looking and he made eye contact . He didnt blink or break eye contact until i looked away . This happened a few times. He would just stare until i looked away. After roughly 30 min he and his buddy walked towards us and he said " sorry for staring but you look exactly like my nephew Billy". I didnt know how to respond and after about 5 seconds of silence he says " hate that little bastard" and walked away. My buddies and i busted out laughing until we cried. 2 minutes later the bartender gave us 3 a beer and said " this is from Norm". Best comedian i ever seen and for him it came so naturally . He was methodical but as good a comedian as he was ,he was an even better person. R.I.P norm you are forever one of my favorite memories.
@@theAristocrap I honestly believe that term was created after the fact. Otherwise there wouldn't already be the term "ID Card" which is prevalent throughout the world in non English speaking countries ("cédula de identidad" in Spanish, "carte d'identité" in French, or "carta d'identità" in Italian), so ID is short for the one word identity.
@@owenjones795 I'd be interested in seeing someone challenge your assertion by nominating other sets. But I'm happy to let your assertion stand. I'm comfortable saying that this set at least belongs in the conversation for "greatest". "Just more horsesh*t from Big Acid if you ask me."
It turns out that was the closest Norm ever got to telling us he was dying. How classy he was to keep entertaining us without the burden of knowing he wasn't going to be around much longer. Legend
He did a joke prior to this, about getting a colonoscopy (i can't remember where or when exactly) but it went something like, "The doctors are trying to talk to me, and at that point I don't really care if it's cancer or whatever... I'm more concerned with making a joke about what's on TV..." I'm paraphrasing and telling this wrong, big time... the joke was the fact that the inside of his colon was on TV at that moment. he said the doctors didn't think it was very funny. I remember seeing this clip right after he passed. Maybe try looking up "Norm Macdonald colonoscopy joke" now that I've completely botched it.
One of the best moments of my life was playing poker with Norm at Foxwoods in 2006 or so... I heard his laugh from across the poker room and immediately asked for a table change. 6 hours of sitting directly next to my absolute favorite comic of all time. Got a great set of pics with him after.. RIP to a great poker player, the GOAT of stand up and a great all around man
BIG comedian fan for 50 years, seen so many acts.... but ya, Norm is THE GOAT!!! Hands down!! Really wanted to grow old with him... cuz he just got better & better! Miss him a lot!
@@Orf This was years before his death so, to try and ignorantly connect that to his private struggle just to have an emotional moment online is sad. If you cried when you saw this…Norm would be disgusted LOL!
@@jcwatch23 I don't think he would be disgusted. I mean, he cried when he did this after all. I don't think we'll ever truly know 100%, whether he was emotional because he appreciates Letterman so much, or because of his battle with cancer, or both. We're only sad because we loved him and he impacted our lives in some way, why would that disgust him? I honestly question if you've watched much of his work at all if that's how you think he would feel about people grieving over him.
Most of us were somewhat surprised at how emotional Norm got. He was somehow not the type to get emotional. Now, in hindsight, it seems that not only his admiration for Dave, but also his coming to terms with his mortality played a part in his reaction. I think, in that moment, he felt acutely the transience of life.
Norm once said in a radio interview that this was his best standup ever. I agree with him. This is an accumulation of his entire comedic style over a span of a career in one set. Every emotion was included in this set was raw and straight from Norm. He truly left us with the best set his body and brain could’ve done, and finished it off with true honesty. Thank you so much Norm for helping so many more people than you know. I am 25 years old. I was born in 98 and if Norm ever knew how big of a fan I am of literally everything he had ever done, I think it would surprise him. Seen every clip I can of this man. Every show appearance, every weekend update joke and I’m almost done with his book. He wasn’t just funny he was kind, his humor was even considerate unless you killed your wife and waiter of course. In which case, anything could happen. Truly one of a kind. Greatest comedic voice of all time.
Almost the greatest thing about it is it's not that funny. But when you've done what Norm had done in the standup world, it's unbecoming to try too hard. All you need to do is be up there and be yourself. That's the final level of the entertainment world, which he achieved with aplomb.
I'm 48 and fell in love with him back in the early 90's, when I was in high school. I can't even remember the whole joke, but the punch line was "them's mean streets when you're a wiener dog in a cardigan". He was just so unique and adorable. I love that he's appreciated by the younger generation too.
Lot of celebs will ham it up with their fake emotions but you can tell Norm was being sincere. Strange how one of my favorite comedy bits makes me tear up. You really nailed it with that comment.
Yeah you can see he's not used to showing his emotions. That nervous laughter and so extremely awkward movements. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that
That hits right in the heart, him knowing it was his last time, knowing he wasn't long for the world, wanting Letterman to know how much he appreciated him. Beautiful.
Norm held his burden he was dealing with tight to his chest,never wanting to sadden people,only looking for laughter.Knowing he was dying would have CRUSHED so many,I truly miss this MAN,his videos keep me giggling,but his passing has had me in tears,LOVE you Norm,you were my favourite.
@@PierreCausemybladderisempty yes Norm wasn't a fan of Daves as the video believes, it was business.Norm was probably having a bad day in his illness.From what I have see Norm like alot of others felt Dave had no talent other than being obnoxious.Many more deserving people where passed over.
Norm already knew he was terminally ill at this point. Seeing him get sentimental about his hero & break down & cry makes me cry every time. This performance is incredibly potent.
I actually had no idea. I thought it was Norm's last show only...didn't realize that it was Dave's last stand up guest. Makes this video much more special.
No matter how many times I watch this clip, it always gets me in the end. For that man to be all alone up there on that stage with the knowledge his own finite mortality, telling no one all the way to the very end shows just how amazing he was. That was real emotion, and he knew he'd gone full circle, cashing out a huge part of his life. You have to respect that. RIP Normy!
Apparently a lot of comedians agree. My memory's a little hazy about this, but I think it was Judd Apatow that wrote a book about comedy and a bunch of comedians cited this as the best stand-up segment ever. Plus, in Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" Seinfeld mentioned that a ton of comedians couldn't stop talking about it. It's perfect.
@@williamshaw9047 Well, he did "flash back" to being 13 years old. I've never thought about it, but that could have been an intentional connection Norm was making. Everything with him was so meticulous and precise.
Hahahhahaha yes so true Insanely smart funny and silly stuff just there for the picking. Letterman was the same. He just left it there for you to discover. Letterman was the beat at his trade as norm was at his.
I understand they had to cut the musical part out to get it cleared, but the fact that it's missing the standing ovation they gave Norm and the consoling Dave did to norm, really takes the full emotional weight out of the video
I totally agree it was not only a send off to Dave but to Norm and since his passing it makes it even more heartwarming… or so the Germans would have us believe!
In rewatching, i noyice how the emotions start when he recalls watching as a young man. It suddenly hits him, he is reminiscing about his childhood, the passage of time, such a sensitive man
I'd imagine that reflection is what brought him to write some of these jokes in the first place. Thinking about his great grandfather's legacy as a picture, how it will be different for him, remembering doing LSD as a teen, etc.
@@datroof18 I'm only 24 but I have noticed for the past year I have been reminiscing about my childhood almost every day. It makes me sad, happy, depressed, grateful. I can't imagine how I would feel in my 50s and 60s
Norm talking about himself as a kid...knowing his time on this planet was coming to a close started the emotions...from there it was commendable that he could finish his set. I loved Norm McDonald and even more after seeing how deep a person he was. RIP Sir
You could see Norm’s adoration of Dave. And also knowing that he has little time left in life. I love Norm. A simple 8 minute set that has me rolling every single time. That’s how good he was. No one comes close to his timing, delivery and pure humanity in his comedic set. he was one of a kind.
@@strangebrew1231 Cancer isn't instant you goof. Try and know the actual timeline. It was 2013 he was diagnosed. My mother had terminal cancer for 12 years. FFS.
This segment was deeply touching back when it aired, and now it's heartbreaking. But it's still wonderful to see Norm have this experience and to show his love for Dave before the end of the series. And it's still damn funny.
This is a rare moment of genuine humanity on TV. That he was able to pull it together to deliver the last joke, speaks to Norm's level of professionalism.
Well it was six years later. Norm probably was in a bad attack of his cancer at that time possible on pain killers or something leading to the outburst..
I absolutely broke in tears with Norm when I first saw the original broadcast. I still couldn't believe Letterman was retiring and suddenly I couldn't believe the most unhinged comedian of my teenage years was being so unapologetic raw on national TV. This moment made me stop being just a casual Norm fan to really start researching who Norm Macdonald really was. I remember some people on the Internet criticizing Letterman's reaction at the time but knowing David by watching his annoyance every time someone would say something nice to him about him, Letterman's embrace was one of the most sincere moments in his career. Norm knew that, the fans knew that. Norm have said that David was like a father figure to him in showbiz even though they've never hung out outside of the studio and it makes sense: one of the best scenes between the two was David angrier with Norm's dismissal from SNL than Norm himself. It's funny and emblematic and I'm sure Norm took Letterman's example as a human and cherished in his way. If it wasn't for Letterman there wouldn't be Norm Macdonald. Someday I'll find Norm in the audience of that 1978 show with Letterman doing his stand up comedy. It's on TH-cam and it's great.
I listen to Norm almost daily. His appreciation for what led him into his humor is nothing short of revelatory tenderness. We can only hope everyone is as in touch with their feelings and sense of origins.
Possibly. Norm was always very sweet and sensitive. His blazing intelligence and need to bring people down a peg sometimes hid that. If you go back and watch his sets, all of those characteristics were there. He was smart enough to eviscerate anyone, yet he often plays the "dummy." I think this was a really smart, sensitive man who got sick of people's horseshit by the time he reached 20.
I've watched this so many times....many of them when Norm was still with us..... To watch this knowing he is gone....as well as knowing he was well aware he was "sick"at the time...... amplifies the sadness 100 fold.
Thought the same, Norm walking into a figurative ending (the last letterman show) with serene bravery and a heart full of love. The best of the best indeed!
Norm proved to be the greatest by finally going for a "style" impression when telling the garbage truck joke "a la Letterman". He did an impression on SNL back in the 90s but it was sort of Norm-izing Dave. Here he Dave-ized Norm and the result is just great.
I can't believe how well this short bit is going to hold up for YEARS! His timing was particularly great this night. Where nerves could have got him, honesty and appreciation and - great jokes - made a memorable moment! I've watched this so many times.
Unfortunately, I generationally missed the boat with Norm. It breaks my heart but at the same time brings me much joy to bear witness to this hilarious, loving, amazing man.
Me too. I feel the exact same way! What a hero Norm was. Thank god you didn't say something like: ''Guys, I'm only 18 years old yet I LOVE Norm McDonald''.... then wait for validation and adulation through the comments!
An official upload! Thank you, Letterman team! One of the best memories of Norm. This will never get old, I might even go as far as to say that this is an instant classic of comedy.
They cut out the sweetest bit, when Norm waited for Dave to embrace him. I am a man well comfortable with my skin and I say that was an important moment in the lives of both men and deserves to be included.
Agreed. As a female, I understand that moment was important to both of them . . . probably more so for Norm, who had a conflicted relationship with his dad. That moment between them as men and people was important to them, and to many people who watch this.
Rest in Peace I have literal chills and tears coming down that’s a man that wasn’t ready to leave us but the greats always leave us too early maybe cause God wants them up there with him
God that ending shot. You can tell how very much comedy and Letterman's contributions to comedy mean to Norm in that shot. I think we're lucky in life if anything ever means that much to any of us. 💛✨️
This guy was pure talent. After he said this would be the last time at the DL show, breaking character and cry, made me think that he knew what he never told to his friends or family... his battle and that literally it was going to be his final act. Respect to this amazing person 🙏
Norm knew what his condition was about when he did this performance. He hadn't told anyone and, in the end, hardly ever told anyone... But watching this, knowing what we know now about what Norm was going through (and would go through), makes his pronouncement of love and affection for Dave even more intensely important. And it hits like a goddam truck every time I watch it.
I was introduced to Norm Macdonald via his character on fairly oddparents, Episodes that featured norm the genie while Macdonald still voiced him were without a doubt my favorite episodes in the series as a kid. Later in life i found out that norm the genie was basically just a caricature of Norms comedic style, and ever since then ive had endless respect for his ability to say basically anything and create genuinely genius comedy acts. And then i found out that behind closed doors, he may have been the most kind and genuine man to bless the entertainment industry. There is no other way i can put this besides Thank you Norm Macdonald. Thank you for showing the world the power of a good joke while you were still here. Thank you for everything.
I've never commented on any TH-cam videos but I feel compelled to for this Norm video. I only stumbled across (no recollection how or precisely when) this beautiful comic talent in the last 2 years. I'm Australian, my husband is Canadian - and at an age where he would have known about Norm's talent long ago. When I mentioned how funny Norm is, his response was 'oh yeah, he is very funny'. I would have liked to have known about Norm much sooner! I now look for anything online about him, any clips of him, etc. I've never liked a stand up comedian so much. Such a lovely warm presence and vibe he created when doing his work with a crowd. Incredibly sharp, observant, grounded, real - and the funniest standup comedian I've come across. Oh, and I will add very easy on the eye! He is thankfully 'alive' on these TH-cam clips for all of us to see when we feel like we need a dose of Norm. xx
That moment when Norm starts crying always punches me in the gut and his attempt to cover it up by laughing at himself makes it even more moving.
Happening now
Same
Would've taken enormous strength to pull it together 😢
At first I thought it was part of the joke.
I'm still not sure.
We all love you, Norm❤
What guts it took to stay up there, tell the joke, and tell Dave that he loved him. The world is a lesser place without you, Norm.
He planted a seed!
Love is around
But a better place for him.
Why does it take guts?
@@anthonyatuhaire Because many people have a habit of picking apart vulnerability
@@felipelagarda848 😊
‘It’s one thing to make em laugh, it’s an entirely different thing to make em smile’
Many years ago i met norm macdonald at casino windsor. I was there with a few friends and we were at the main floor bar. Norm was sitting at a table with some guy. When i noticed it was him he saw i was looking and he made eye contact . He didnt blink or break eye contact until i looked away . This happened a few times. He would just stare until i looked away. After roughly 30 min he and his buddy walked towards us and he said " sorry for staring but you look exactly like my nephew Billy". I didnt know how to respond and after about 5 seconds of silence he says " hate that little bastard" and walked away. My buddies and i busted out laughing until we cried. 2 minutes later the bartender gave us 3 a beer and said " this is from Norm". Best comedian i ever seen and for him it came so naturally . He was methodical but as good a comedian as he was ,he was an even better person. R.I.P norm you are forever one of my favorite memories.
Such a Norm line. RIP
What a story and memory!
He put you in the same pretzel he puts the guests on his podcast in
luckily windsorite
That was a great story.....norm was my favorite comedian growing up, i wish i would've had the opportunity to see him perform live
Just woke up & I laughed for a solid 8 minutes. Now I'm crying like a baby, rest in peace Norm!!!! 💕
the I.D joke gets me every single time
I dentify with your sentiment also.
A quintessential Norm joke. The punch line is simply just the explanation of what ID stands for. Simple. Hilarious. Wonderful.
Because its so silly it is so funny (for non english speakers: ID is actually Identity Document)
@@theAristocrap I honestly believe that term was created after the fact. Otherwise there wouldn't already be the term "ID Card" which is prevalent throughout the world in non English speaking countries ("cédula de identidad" in Spanish, "carte d'identité" in French, or "carta d'identità" in Italian), so ID is short for the one word identity.
@MikeSchmidt969 indeed you are correct sir. Confirmed with Cambridge dictionary.
I’m convinced the closest thing I’ll ever have to fame is being able to tell my grandkids I was at the taping of this episode. Such a great moment.
you're a lucky man
WHOA! Cool! Must have been a great experience. You could feel the excitement in the air I’m sure.
I am going to tell my grandkids the same, even though I might not have actually been there.
You sure made it count. One of, if not thee best, late night sets of all time
Did u take a thousand pics to remember the moment
Thanks to the editors of this video for including Norm's whole bit. He was a special guy.
It's better without edits.
@@withershin why don't you just take a step back and calm down?
That editor for this show was a special guy who owned a dog house
the greatest set in history.
@@owenjones795
I'd be interested in seeing someone challenge your assertion by nominating other sets.
But I'm happy to let your assertion stand. I'm comfortable saying that this set at least belongs in the conversation for "greatest".
"Just more horsesh*t from Big Acid if you ask me."
It turns out that was the closest Norm ever got to telling us he was dying. How classy he was to keep entertaining us without the burden of knowing he wasn't going to be around much longer. Legend
He did a joke prior to this, about getting a colonoscopy (i can't remember where or when exactly) but it went something like, "The doctors are trying to talk to me, and at that point I don't really care if it's cancer or whatever... I'm more concerned with making a joke about what's on TV..."
I'm paraphrasing and telling this wrong, big time... the joke was the fact that the inside of his colon was on TV at that moment. he said the doctors didn't think it was very funny. I remember seeing this clip right after he passed. Maybe try looking up "Norm Macdonald colonoscopy joke" now that I've completely botched it.
His last stand up special was full to references about going to war with disease and dying
🫡
@@papialemanlink?
He certainly wasn’t the first celebrity to take his secret to the grave. Two singers come to mind… Nanci Griffith and her friend jimmy Buffett.
You can tell that was one of the most important moments of Norm's life.
You can?
@@jrmendez24ya. And he said it was so..
There’s that.
And the fact he’s holding back tears 🤷♂️
@@WTFBUTWHY Guess I missed that interview.
@@jrmendez24what are you, a woman?
He knew he was on the way out
One of the best moments of my life was playing poker with Norm at Foxwoods in 2006 or so... I heard his laugh from across the poker room and immediately asked for a table change. 6 hours of sitting directly next to my absolute favorite comic of all time. Got a great set of pics with him after.. RIP to a great poker player, the GOAT of stand up and a great all around man
BIG comedian fan for 50 years, seen so many acts.... but ya, Norm is THE GOAT!!! Hands down!! Really wanted to grow old with him... cuz he just got better & better! Miss him a lot!
Did you take the pictures with your phone?
@SourBuddha yes taken by my then Gf on a old phone from the relic ages of 06 haha
You should really post the pics somewhere, it would help keep his memory alive.
That’s an awesome story man. Gone far too soon, RIP to the GOAT.
the way he gets emotional at the end...it really hits me right in the heart...R.I.P NORM, WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!
We now know he knew he was dying. What an amazing performance.
When he started crying I was thinking, “Wow…he got emotional but, he’s still dead and it doesn’t matter.” Wild huh!
@@Orf This was years before his death so, to try and ignorantly connect that to his private struggle just to have an emotional moment online is sad. If you cried when you saw this…Norm would be disgusted LOL!
@@jcwatch23 Norm already knew here. Why are you being so nasty to people, unprovoked?
@@jcwatch23 I don't think he would be disgusted. I mean, he cried when he did this after all. I don't think we'll ever truly know 100%, whether he was emotional because he appreciates Letterman so much, or because of his battle with cancer, or both. We're only sad because we loved him and he impacted our lives in some way, why would that disgust him? I honestly question if you've watched much of his work at all if that's how you think he would feel about people grieving over him.
“I don’t know if you guys are history buffs or not, but…”
Such a simple phrase, and my god, does it still make me howl.
Norms timing and phrasing was the best
...and the space afterwards as the let's that marinate... Haha. Classic Norm
Reminds me of that tragedy. Urban Moving Systems.
Germany was right the first time around...but only by a c-hair.
Such a brilliant set-up
Most of us were somewhat surprised at how emotional Norm got. He was somehow not the type to get emotional. Now, in hindsight, it seems that not only his admiration for Dave, but also his coming to terms with his mortality played a part in his reaction. I think, in that moment, he felt acutely the transience of life.
yes i agree
Also, he made a living playing a cold and dumb guy, but he was very much not.
@@JohnnyFlash- Yep
He had already come to terms with his mortality at 26.
eat a large won
it may seem Norm got a little overly choked up, but he alone knew the preciousness of that moment more than anyone.
Especially when Norm puts his hands together and says ..."I love stand up"...he knew he wouldn't be doing a lot of shows anymore
SO TRUE.😢
@@robbieracer3294 Huh? He Died 6 years later dude. He was literally choked up because one of his heroes was retiring
Norm once said in a radio interview that this was his best standup ever. I agree with him. This is an accumulation of his entire comedic style over a span of a career in one set. Every emotion was included in this set was raw and straight from Norm. He truly left us with the best set his body and brain could’ve done, and finished it off with true honesty. Thank you so much Norm for helping so many more people than you know. I am 25 years old. I was born in 98 and if Norm ever knew how big of a fan I am of literally everything he had ever done, I think it would surprise him. Seen every clip I can of this man. Every show appearance, every weekend update joke and I’m almost done with his book.
He wasn’t just funny he was kind, his humor was even considerate unless you killed your wife and waiter of course. In which case, anything could happen. Truly one of a kind. Greatest comedic voice of all time.
The end of this comment made me laugh so hard
Almost the greatest thing about it is it's not that funny. But when you've done what Norm had done in the standup world, it's unbecoming to try too hard. All you need to do is be up there and be yourself. That's the final level of the entertainment world, which he achieved with aplomb.
What's his book like?
@@MyPalJimbovery funny and well written. A proper novel. One of my favorite books ever.
I'm 48 and fell in love with him back in the early 90's, when I was in high school. I can't even remember the whole joke, but the punch line was "them's mean streets when you're a wiener dog in a cardigan". He was just so unique and adorable. I love that he's appreciated by the younger generation too.
Watching the always unflappable Norm MacDonald break down and start crying tells you how caring and gentle a man he was. RIP ❤️
Lot of celebs will ham it up with their fake emotions but you can tell Norm was being sincere. Strange how one of my favorite comedy bits makes me tear up. You really nailed it with that comment.
Yeah you can see he's not used to showing his emotions. That nervous laughter and so extremely awkward movements.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that
Watch his mannerisms after he loses it the first time - he was REALLY struggling to hold it all together.
The best late night guest in history.
Old stone-faced Norm
Secretly battling cancer along with his favorite host's show ending had to be emotional.
That hits right in the heart, him knowing it was his last time, knowing he wasn't long for the world, wanting Letterman to know how much he appreciated him. Beautiful.
Norm held his burden he was dealing with tight to his chest,never wanting to sadden people,only looking for laughter.Knowing he was dying would have CRUSHED so many,I truly miss this MAN,his videos keep me giggling,but his passing has had me in tears,LOVE you Norm,you were my favourite.
This was in 2015. He wasn’t having his last appearance because he was dying but because this was the last week of the letterman show
@@larkinandlarkinexactly. He still lived 6 years after
Bruuuuuh get your timelines straight
From laughing to crying - 🫶
It’s crushing watching him control his emotions - knowing what was really coming.
Its coming for us all eventually
He's a true Legend. Such grit and integrity.
It was six years later he died in 2021
@@jaunnada3648his original diagnosis was in 2013. He fought a hell of a fight
@@PierreCausemybladderisempty yes Norm wasn't a fan of Daves as the video believes, it was business.Norm was probably having a bad day in his illness.From what I have see Norm like alot of others felt Dave had no talent other than being obnoxious.Many more deserving people where passed over.
He literally mimicked David Letterman's style. This is a masterclass.
He did, but very subtly. I think Norm didn't want to disrespect Dave with a full-on impersonation or attempt to copy.
Showing the absolute disdain he had for Dave. He was paying homage he was mocking him.
@@jaunnada3648？？？
Norm already knew he was terminally ill at this point. Seeing him get sentimental about his hero & break down & cry makes me cry every time. This performance is incredibly potent.
This is not true. David left in 2015. Norm was in remission at this time, until 2020. He was sad his great friend was leaving.
Dude. Not even close to being true 🤦🏽♂️
The last stand-up ever performed at the Late Show.
Shows how Dave values Norm as a person and performer.
I actually had no idea. I thought it was Norm's last show only...didn't realize that it was Dave's last stand up guest. Makes this video much more special.
Very true
Kinda feel like Norm would want more comedy instead of less
And, carrot top was busy that day and couldn’t make the episode.
Dave, like a lot of men, isn't an "openly" emotional guy...but THAT??...what you just pointed out, speaks volumes about how Dave felt about Norm.. ❤
No matter how many times I watch this clip, it always gets me in the end. For that man to be all alone up there on that stage with the knowledge his own finite mortality, telling no one all the way to the very end shows just how amazing he was. That was real emotion, and he knew he'd gone full circle, cashing out a huge part of his life. You have to respect that. RIP Normy!
Well said! I can't imagine how hard that set was. Godbless NORM
This was 2015
@@littlethuggie yep
Did he know he was dying then?
@@notsure1969 yes, he knew it for years.
This may be the greatest Late Night stand up segment in history.
Apparently a lot of comedians agree. My memory's a little hazy about this, but I think it was Judd Apatow that wrote a book about comedy and a bunch of comedians cited this as the best stand-up segment ever. Plus, in Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" Seinfeld mentioned that a ton of comedians couldn't stop talking about it. It's perfect.
I love Norm but dont forget Sam Kinison's network debut .
Shouts to Rodney Dangerfield 🤩🙏 RIP Norm, rest well sweet prince
Agreed
It may be, and it also is.
This man is coming grips to his own mortality and still trying to perform and he does so brilliantly. Boy is he missed.
Well, he came to grips with it now.
🤦🏽♂️ Totally NOT what was happening here
Bro this still hits me to this day. Rip Norm 😢
"i like to stretch my drug dollar" for most comedians would be a brilliant highlight or a whole ass punchline. For norm it's a throwaway
I was half expecting him to have that acid flashback in the middle of his act.
@@williamshaw9047 too played-out
@@williamshaw9047 Well, he did "flash back" to being 13 years old. I've never thought about it, but that could have been an intentional connection Norm was making. Everything with him was so meticulous and precise.
@@Fantasyremix he had his dream of being on letterman as a 13 year old and that was all he needed. Brilliant man.
Hahahhahaha yes so true
Insanely smart funny and silly stuff just there for the picking.
Letterman was the same. He just left it there for you to discover. Letterman was the beat at his trade as norm was at his.
RIP, Norm. One of Canada's finest sons.
He served a youthful porpoise.
Great chunk of coal
I make fun of my Canadian buddies, with the tops of their heads popping off when they speak and what not, but Norm, he's something special.
@@diddiecapitan2951 hes a diamond in my book sonny
Not Trudeau? 😂😱
Still can’t get through this without crying - Norm was the best
You’re my boy, blue.
I just cried watching this❤
Same..... and yet I keep coming back.
From kinda 6.30 onwards Norm is mostly concentrating on not bursting into tears. I bloody love Norm. RIP
he was dying, and no one but him and a couple other people knew. its crazy to rewatch this with that context. This guy was a real chunk of coal.
Just before he hits the Mars punchline he wipes his hands over his face... you can see the emotion starting to get to him
@@scottystcloud7086he wasn’t dying. He survived like another 7 or 8 years after this
Norm crying is the sweetest thing ever ❤️ rest in paradise legend
Speaking on behalf of... the World, this was historical.
Speaking on behalf of Germany, I dont get it
@@jsahkljdhkashvbosild Or so you’ll have us believe.
Hysterical
Germany would challenge that.
😂 😂😂
Ah , a history buff .
I understand they had to cut the musical part out to get it cleared, but the fact that it's missing the standing ovation they gave Norm and the consoling Dave did to norm, really takes the full emotional weight out of the video
I totally agree it was not only a send off to Dave but to Norm and since his passing it makes it even more heartwarming… or so the Germans would have us believe!
This one is without the cut: th-cam.com/video/mFjEvl43zYY/w-d-xo.html
@@ichthyz omg thank you
@@ichthyz wow never seen this thanks
@@ichthyz thank you very much
An all-time set from an all-time comic. Norm was never more vulnerable than right here. He crushed it.
"what do you think you are, Mars or something?", Is the best line of the set.
No matter how many days,weeks, months or years pass away, we will always miss you. RIP Master Norm MacDonald.
One of the greatest of all time showing us the best he's got. Left it all on the stage. Legendary performance
This wasn't Norms best comedy moment.
In rewatching, i noyice how the emotions start when he recalls watching as a young man. It suddenly hits him, he is reminiscing about his childhood, the passage of time, such a sensitive man
He also was dying and about to undergo serious surgery. He thought this would be his last performance ever, not just on letterman
@@delverdesol that's what i meant. When the end is near, recollections of the past are more significant
I'd imagine that reflection is what brought him to write some of these jokes in the first place. Thinking about his great grandfather's legacy as a picture, how it will be different for him, remembering doing LSD as a teen, etc.
@@datroof18 I'm only 24 but I have noticed for the past year I have been reminiscing about my childhood almost every day. It makes me sad, happy, depressed, grateful. I can't imagine how I would feel in my 50s and 60s
Norm talking about himself as a kid...knowing his time on this planet was coming to a close started the emotions...from there it was commendable that he could finish his set. I loved Norm McDonald and even more after seeing how deep a person he was. RIP Sir
M A C donald, never confuse with a Mc
he was sad because it was dave's last show, he didn't die for years after this.
@@kddiscounttire1809True but I'm pretty sure he battled cancer for about a decade. He knew he had cancer when he did this show.
@@MaesterPaynethe mac is important lol
Beautifully said.
In my humble opinion, the greatest standup set ever recorded. Makes me laugh and cry every time without fail.
You're right. It's close to perfection. Norm showed both his humor and feelings here. 10++.
Not JUST a beautifully crafted set. Also a really touching human moment.
You can hear a bit of Norm's old Letterman impression when he does the joke... I love it
Subtle and respectful. Norm was tremendous.
Norm getting choked up at the end is heart wrenching. He was such a sweet man.
One of the greatest 9 minutes in television history. Miss you so much Normy!
-Normie, Normie, Normie... hokey, Normie!
Norm the legend was saying goodbye to us all that night. RIP Norm Mcdonald ❤️🙏
Norm lived another 6 years after this. He was saying goodbye to his hero, David Letterman. It was Letterman retiring.
@@Jenufir But as well, Norm had no idea how long he'd be living
One of the best Canadian comedians and top comedians overall. RIP Norm.
You could see Norm’s adoration of Dave.
And also knowing that he has little time left in life.
I love Norm. A simple 8 minute set that has me rolling every single time. That’s how good he was.
No one comes close to his timing, delivery and pure humanity in his comedic set.
he was one of a kind.
6 years later he died the show if you can believe the date was 2015 norm died in 2021
Hes emotional because it's Dave's last episode. David letterman gave norm his break. Hes not dying during this set
@@morgott13 It was a little of both. He had been battling cancer fir 6 years by this point.
He knew his time was ending soon and wanted to give his mentor and friend a good farewell. This is so beautiful, what a good human
This was in 2015 he didn’t die for another 6 years
@@strangebrew1231 when you have cancer like he did, tomorrow could be "the day." Norm knew what this could mean.
@@strangebrew1231 he was diagnosed with cancer in 2013
@@strangebrew1231 Cancer isn't instant you goof. Try and know the actual timeline. It was 2013 he was diagnosed. My mother had terminal cancer for 12 years. FFS.
Y’all are dumb he said that bc it was the show was coming to an end not bc he was going to die
This segment was deeply touching back when it aired, and now it's heartbreaking. But it's still wonderful to see Norm have this experience and to show his love for Dave before the end of the series. And it's still damn funny.
Couldn't agree more.
So glad I saw this as it aired.
RIP to The King.
There was no one like Norm... and there is still no one like Norm. ❤️
“You know who will take your place? No one will take your place.” - David Letterman
This is a rare moment of genuine humanity on TV. That he was able to pull it together to deliver the last joke, speaks to Norm's level of professionalism.
Norm knowing he didn’t have much time left on this earth, really gets to me seeing how emotion he truly was
Well it was six years later. Norm probably was in a bad attack of his cancer at that time possible on pain killers or something leading to the outburst..
How did he know he had little time left? Clairvoyance?
@@jaunnada3648 Outburst? wtf are you talking about?
He knew he was dying but didn't let us suffer. Love you Norm. 😢
He tore my heart to pieces by the end, my god... Such an awesome man... Rip Norm, we miss you
I absolutely broke in tears with Norm when I first saw the original broadcast. I still couldn't believe Letterman was retiring and suddenly I couldn't believe the most unhinged comedian of my teenage years was being so unapologetic raw on national TV.
This moment made me stop being just a casual Norm fan to really start researching who Norm Macdonald really was.
I remember some people on the Internet criticizing Letterman's reaction at the time but knowing David by watching his annoyance every time someone would say something nice to him about him, Letterman's embrace was one of the most sincere moments in his career. Norm knew that, the fans knew that.
Norm have said that David was like a father figure to him in showbiz even though they've never hung out outside of the studio and it makes sense: one of the best scenes between the two was David angrier with Norm's dismissal from SNL than Norm himself. It's funny and emblematic and I'm sure Norm took Letterman's example as a human and cherished in his way.
If it wasn't for Letterman there wouldn't be Norm Macdonald. Someday I'll find Norm in the audience of that 1978 show with Letterman doing his stand up comedy. It's on TH-cam and it's great.
I have a big question for you: Who was the better man? Martin Luther King? STALIN?
rip You old chunk of coal
Did ya find it!!
Great post.
Please tell me I'm not alone with my Norm binge watching.... he just draws you into his crazy thought process.
Nope I’ve just found out about norm like really casually and started to watch everything
There's a whole legion out there. You're not alone.
He usually draws me in with cheese sandwich. How does he know I like 'em?
You are not alone, and, I hope you never will be!
It's gotten me through some of the darkest moments of my life
I listen to Norm almost daily. His appreciation for what led him into his humor is nothing short of revelatory tenderness. We can only hope everyone is as in touch with their feelings and sense of origins.
Yes, and his ability to push back against conformity and anything "expected" of him, both as a performer and person. A very intelligent man.
Norm and Dave.. Absolute giants in their craft. RESPECT.
One of those rare people in the world that can make you genuinely cry and laugh within seconds.
He always wanted to be Carson’s last standup. How romantic that Norm ended up as Letterman’s last comic. “You’re a Letterman comic.”
way better than being a "Jay comic", right?
@@pedrosimas2642 in times like these I always find myself asking what would Seth Myers say?
Dave has said several times that Jay was one of the best standups.
A brave, honest and incredibly talented gentleman. Thank you for bringing me so much joy over the years, Norm. Rest easy.
The only time we saw norms true emotion stripped from the (genius) act of comedy. Truly special. I tear up every time.
Possibly. Norm was always very sweet and sensitive. His blazing intelligence and need to bring people down a peg sometimes hid that. If you go back and watch his sets, all of those characteristics were there. He was smart enough to eviscerate anyone, yet he often plays the "dummy." I think this was a really smart, sensitive man who got sick of people's horseshit by the time he reached 20.
We miss you bud. Thanks for all the laughs.
I've watched this so many times....many of them when Norm was still with us.....
To watch this knowing he is gone....as well as knowing he was well aware he was "sick"at the time...... amplifies the sadness 100 fold.
Damn. He knew he hasn‘t got much time but came to make people laugh. Now I understand why he was so emotional.
Thought the same, Norm walking into a figurative ending (the last letterman show) with serene bravery and a heart full of love. The best of the best indeed!
This was 6 years before he died. Nothing to do with it
Yea he knew he didnt have alot of time😢. RIP Norm. One of the greatest comedian’s ever
@@littlethuggie ...his 2nd cancer diagnosis was 10 years before he died...point remains
@@Dontslaythybroski 6 years....
Norm proved to be the greatest by finally going for a "style" impression when telling the garbage truck joke "a la Letterman".
He did an impression on SNL back in the 90s but it was sort of Norm-izing Dave. Here he Dave-ized Norm and the result is just great.
You got it!! And thank you for doing so.
I'm so glad we have so many recordings of Norm to enjoy. He's my guy!
The pause after 'history buffs' is just golden.
This is incredibly poignant. I love Norm for being so vulnerable and open here. What a gem.
“ I like to stretch my drug dollar “ hahahaha! OMG, I violently laughed through the whole bit. I miss him.
I miss him too
He brought his life in comedy full circle. So beautiful.
I can't believe how well this short bit is going to hold up for YEARS! His timing was particularly great this night. Where nerves could have got him, honesty and appreciation and - great jokes - made a memorable moment! I've watched this so many times.
Truly A Great Man. Love you. R.I.P. Sir. Houston Texas.
Unfortunately, I generationally missed the boat with Norm. It breaks my heart but at the same time brings me much joy to bear witness to this hilarious, loving, amazing man.
Me too. I feel the exact same way! What a hero Norm was. Thank god you didn't say something like: ''Guys, I'm only 18 years old yet I LOVE Norm McDonald''.... then wait for validation and adulation through the comments!
An official upload! Thank you, Letterman team! One of the best memories of Norm. This will never get old, I might even go as far as to say that this is an instant classic of comedy.
I can not believe I have never watched this. Puts a tear in my eye. I have never seen Norm emotional before.
This was perfect from start to finish. What a battle axe Norm was.
I love Norm, not ashamed to say it. I really felt like I lost a friend when he passed away. Norm will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Norm. We miss you so much.
They cut out the sweetest bit, when Norm waited for Dave to embrace him. I am a man well comfortable with my skin and I say that was an important moment in the lives of both men and deserves to be included.
Agreed. As a female, I understand that moment was important to both of them . . . probably more so for Norm, who had a conflicted relationship with his dad. That moment between them as men and people was important to them, and to many people who watch this.
the greatest 8:32 minutes in television history, we all miss you so much norm
This is in fact the only video on TH-cam that has ever made me cry. Rip norm 😢
Not only is this Norm's best set of all time, it is THE best stand up comedy set of all time.
Rest in Peace I have literal chills and tears coming down that’s a man that wasn’t ready to leave us but the greats always leave us too early maybe cause God wants them up there with him
You may never see a more sincere performance than that one. Also Dave called him McDonald at the end instead of his usual exaggerated “MACdonald”
Every few months I come back to his video, and I tear up every time.
God that ending shot. You can tell how very much comedy and Letterman's contributions to comedy mean to Norm in that shot. I think we're lucky in life if anything ever means that much to any of us.
💛✨️
This guy was pure talent. After he said this would be the last time at the DL show, breaking character and cry, made me think that he knew what he never told to his friends or family... his battle and that literally it was going to be his final act. Respect to this amazing person 🙏
Norm knew what his condition was about when he did this performance. He hadn't told anyone and, in the end, hardly ever told anyone... But watching this, knowing what we know now about what Norm was going through (and would go through), makes his pronouncement of love and affection for Dave even more intensely important. And it hits like a goddam truck every time I watch it.
The most real tears we will ever see on television
Worlds words are not the same without Norm. This grown ass man loved you. 😢😂😊❤
I was introduced to Norm Macdonald via his character on fairly oddparents,
Episodes that featured norm the genie while Macdonald still voiced him were without a doubt my favorite episodes in the series as a kid.
Later in life i found out that norm the genie was basically just a caricature of Norms comedic style,
and ever since then ive had endless respect for his ability to say basically anything and create genuinely genius comedy acts.
And then i found out that behind closed doors, he may have been the most kind and genuine man to bless the entertainment industry.
There is no other way i can put this besides
Thank you Norm Macdonald.
Thank you for showing the world the power of a good joke while you were still here.
Thank you for everything.
Most beautiful moment on late night tv.
it's such a throwaway line but the way he says 'somebody gotta feed them hogs' so casually always makes me laugh
We love you, Norm. You too, Dave.
One of the best moments on Television.
I love Norm so much. There will never be another Norm.
😢i come to watch this every year. RIP norm, always reminding me of that tragedy
I've never commented on any TH-cam videos but I feel compelled to for this Norm video. I only stumbled across (no recollection how or precisely when) this beautiful comic talent in the last 2 years. I'm Australian, my husband is Canadian - and at an age where he would have known about Norm's talent long ago. When I mentioned how funny Norm is, his response was 'oh yeah, he is very funny'. I would have liked to have known about Norm much sooner! I now look for anything online about him, any clips of him, etc. I've never liked a stand up comedian so much. Such a lovely warm presence and vibe he created when doing his work with a crowd. Incredibly sharp, observant, grounded, real - and the funniest standup comedian I've come across. Oh, and I will add very easy on the eye! He is thankfully 'alive' on these TH-cam clips for all of us to see when we feel like we need a dose of Norm. xx
What a moment this must've been for Norm... especially knowing what we know now.
Maximum respect