Who Is Michael O'Donoghue? Age, Biography and Wiki
Michael O'Donoghue was born on January 5, 1940, in New York City and was a pivotal figure in American comedy until his death on November 8, 1994. Known for his sharp wit and keen satire, O'Donoghue played a significant role in shaping the landscape of sketch comedy through his work on "Saturday Night Live" and various other television projects. His unique style and offbeat humor set him apart as a true innovator in the entertainment industry.
As of 2025, Michael O'Donoghue would have been 85 years old. His legacy continues to influence comedians and writers today.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1940 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Sauquoit, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 November, 1994 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Michael O'Donoghue's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Michael O'Donoghue had an average height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). Throughout his life, it is estimated that he maintained a weight around 170 pounds (77 kg), but specific details about his body measurements remain unavailable. Despite his passing, his impressive presence in comedy continues to be remembered fondly.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Michael O'Donoghue kept his personal life relatively private, it is known that he was married to fellow writer and actress, "Theli O’Donoghue." The couple shared a close bond, working together on various creative projects as well. Throughout his life, there were rumors regarding his relationships, but no substantial evidence indicates he had any high-profile romances outside his marriage.
O'Donoghue was one of several original writers rehired by Lorne Michaels upon his return to produce the show in 1985.
O'Donoghue's intention was to write and direct short films for the show; however, none were completed and he wrote little else, apart from a monologue seemingly designed to humiliate Chevy Chase when he hosted the second show of the season.
(The monologue began, "Right after I stopped doing cocaine, I turned into a giant garden slug, and, for the life of me, I don't know why.") The monologue never aired, and O'Donoghue was fired a month later after telling The New York Times that SNL had become "an embarrassment.
It's like watching old men die." His final contribution to the show was a song, "Boulevard of Broken Balls", co-written with his wife Hardwick and performed by Christopher Walken on the October 24, 1992 episode.
Net Worth and Salary
Michael O'Donoghue had a fruitful career, and it is estimated that his net worth at the time of his death was around $1 million to $5 million. His income predominantly stemmed from his writing, acting, and contributions to various television shows. His continued influence on comedic writing ensures that his legacy remains invaluable to comedians and entertainers.
On the pioneering late-night sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live (originally called NBC's Saturday Night), creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels hired him as a writer.
O'Donoghue appeared in the first show's opening sketch as an English-language teacher, instructing John Belushi to repeat the phrases, "I would like to feed your fingertips to the wolverines,", "We are out of badgers. Would you accept a wolverine in its place?" and "'Hey!' Ned exclaimed.
'Let's boil the wolverines.'" before suddenly dropping dead of a heart attack.
He later made appearances in the persona of a Vegas-style "impressionist" who would pay great praise to showbiz mainstays such as talk show host Mike Douglas and singers Tony Orlando and Dawn—and then speculate how they would react if steel needles with real sharp points were plunged into their eyes.
The shrieking fits that followed are believed to be inspired by O'Donoghue's real-life agonies from chronic migraine headaches.
Career, Business and Investments
O'Donoghue’s career began in earnest when he became a writer for "National Lampoon" in the early 1970s. He co-created "Saturday Night Live" and served as a writer and performer during its formative years. His iconic sketches and characters earned him significant recognition, making him a household name. Beyond television, he also contributed to film and published numerous works, including short stories and essays.
In terms of investments, O'Donoghue had a keen eye for talent, as evidenced by his involvement in multiple creative ventures. However, the specifics of his investments or business dealings have remained largely under wraps.
O'Donoghue's early career included work as a playwright and stage actor at the University of Rochester where he drifted in and out of school beginning in 1959. His first published writing appeared in the school's humor magazine Ugh!
Social Network
While Michael O'Donoghue passed away before the rise of modern social media, his influence persists in the digital space where fans and contemporary comedians share and discuss his work. Even today, “#MichaelODonoghue” continues to trend periodically due to his lasting impact on comedic writing and performance. Websites dedicated to classic television and comedy frequently highlight his contributions, ensuring his work is celebrated.
In 1969, O'Donoghue and Trow co-wrote the script for the James Ivory / Ismail Merchant film Savages. This film tells the story of a tribe of prehistoric "Mud People" who happen upon a deserted Gatsby-esque 1930s manor house.
The Mud People evolve into contemporary high-society types who enjoy a decadent weekend party at the manor before ultimately devolving back into Mud People. Savages was eventually released in 1972.
Education
O'Donoghue graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he initially pursued studies in philosophy before shifting his focus to the liberal arts. His educational background laid a solid foundation for his creative pursuits, providing him with a unique perspective that infused his work with depth and humor.
O'Donoghue was, along with Henry Beard and Doug Kenney, a founding writer and later an editor for the satiric National Lampoon magazine. As one of many outstanding National Lampoon contributors, O'Donoghue created some of the distinctive black comedy which characterized the magazine's flavor for most of its first decade.
His most famous contributions include "The Vietnamese Baby Book", in which a baby's war wounds are cataloged in a keepsake; the "Ezra Taft Benson High School Yearbook", a precursor to the Lampoon's High School Yearbook Parody; the comic "Tarzan of the Cows"; and the continuing feature "Underwear for the Deaf".
Two of his parodies were reprinted in the anthology National Lampoon: This Side of Parodies (Warner Paperback Library, 1974).
