Who Is Lorne Michaels? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Lorne Michaels, born on November 17, 1944, is a prominent Canadian-American television producer, writer, and actor. As of 2025, he is 80 years old. Michaels is best known as the creator and executive producer of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." His influence on American television is immeasurable, having helped to launch the careers of countless comedians and entertainers. His extensive experience in television production has made him a significant figure in both Canada and the United States.
Occupation | Film Producer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 17, 1944 |
Age | 80 Years |
Birth Place | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | Canada |
Popularity
Lorne Michaels's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific numbers regarding Lorne Michaels' height and weight may not be widely reported, he is often described as a sturdy figure in his 80s. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the television mogul appears fit and energetic, showing a lasting passion for his work and public appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lorne Michaels was previously married to Rosie Shuster, a writer for SNL, from 1971 until their divorce in 1980. He has three children: Henry, Sophie, and Peter. As of 2025, Michaels is reportedly single, focusing on his career and family life rather than engaging in public relationships.
During the 1978-1979 season of SNL, Michaels was offered a deal to produce nine features from Paramount, but he turned it down to take a three-picture deal from Warner Brothers. The Warner Brothers deal didn't net any produced movies.
In the early 80s, he subsequently had a deal to produce movies for MGM and was developing a Father Guido Sarducci movie written by Don Novello, a spoof of 1984 called 1985 that was set in the future and written by Al Franken, Tom Davis, and Jim Downey, and an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice Michaels himself was co-writing with friend John Head.
The only movie to be produced from Michaels's MGM deal was Nothing Lasts Forever, a black-and-white surreal sci-fi comedy written and directed by longtime resident SNL filmmaker Tom Schiller. The movie featured appearances from Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, but the studio opted to never release it.
Net Worth and Salary
Lorne Michaels has amassed a staggering net worth, estimated to be around $500 million as of 2025. His earnings stem from decades of work in television production, particularly from SNL, which continues to generate substantial revenue. His successful career has not only secured his financial status but has also made him an influential figure in Hollywood.
Career, Business, and Investments
Michaels' career spans over five decades, significantly impacting the television industry. After founding SNL in 1975, he brought forth a new era of sketch comedy that has endured through the years. Under his belt, he has produced other notable projects, including "30 Rock," "Portlandia," and "The Kids in the Hall."
In addition to his television career, Michaels has also made savvy investments, allowing him to expand his financial portfolio. His keen eye for talent and humor has made him a sought-after producer, with various projects in development, continuing his legacy in entertainment.
Michaels began his career as a writer and broadcaster for CBC Radio, working with partner Hart Pomerantz. He and Pomerantz moved to Los Angeles from Toronto in 1968 to work as writers for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show. They returned to Canada to star in The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour, a series of comedy specials that ran on CBC in the early 1970s.
Social Network
Lorne Michaels tends to maintain a low profile on social media. While he might not have a personal social media presence, SNL and various entertainment outlets regularly feature him in news updates and interviews. His influence, however, resonates through the programs he has produced.
Education
Michaels obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Toronto in 1966. He then began his career in television shortly after, initially working in Canadian television before making his mark in the U.S. He was instrumental in shaping the comedic landscape of modern television, owing much of his success to his educational background and early career experiences.
Michaels and his two younger siblings were raised in Toronto; he graduated from Forest Hill Collegiate Institute before attending University College at the University of Toronto, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1966.