It would be difficult to overestimate the impact that Canadian writer-producer Lorne Michaels had on modern American TV comedy and rock music programming. Perhaps more than any other figure, he was responsible for mainstreaming so-called countercultural values – e.g., jokes about sex, drugs and rock'n'roll; left-leaning politics – through that most pervasive of mediums. As the Emmy-winning creator and producer of “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975- ), Michaels was not only responsible for helming one of the longest-running comedy and variety programs in television history, but for shepherding a
With friend Howard Shore (future "SNL" music director and film score composer), began organizing productions of "Bye Bye Birdie" and "The Fantastiks" at Camp Timberlaine in Ontario
1964
While attending University College in Toronto, directed (also co-wrote) "Follies," a sketch comedy/musical variety show that was an early prototype of "Saturday Night Live"
1964
Formed a stand-up comedy act with Hart Pomerantz; also worked as a comedy writing team
1967
Hired (with Pomerantz) as writers and performers on "Five Nights a Week at This Time" a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio comedy show; left after repeated disputes with management
