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Jim Downey is one of the most long-standing writers of Saturday Night Live, writing 30 seasons between 1977 and 2013; he served as head writer from season 11 to season 20.

Downey joined SNL in the second-half of season 2, and was one of several writers promoted to the new featured players cast category when it was created for season 5. When Lorne Michaels quit as producer at the end of that season, Downey left as well, and shortly thereafter became head writer for Late Night with David Letterman when the show was created. He returned to SNL a few years later, during the Dick Ebersol years, in Season 10 (and can be seen in the sketch "White Like Eddie", from Eddie Murphy's hosting gig in during said season.) When Lorne Michaels returned to SNL in season 11, Downey was promoted to head writer.

Billy_Madison_insult_full_length

Billy Madison insult full length

Downey as the moderator in Billy Madison

He was eventually forced out has head writer with the massive cast changeover following season 20, but remained, credited as "Weekend Update Producer" and writing exclusively for Norm MacDonald's Weekend Update. When MacDonald was forced off Update in season 23, Downey was fired; he has later recounted in interviews being told of his firing at the same time he was informed of the death of Chris Farley. He returned for the show's 26th season in 2000, and (aside from a break in 2005 to act in the movie There Will Be Blood) remained at SNL until retiring after season 38 in 2013, after 30 accumulative years with the show, though much of his writing in his last few years was done at home.[1]

Downey retired from SNL the same year that longtime cast members such as Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis decided to leave the show. During his time on SNL, he was often seen in cameos and voiceovers.

Outside of SNL, he is best known for delivering the "ultimate insult" in the Adam Sandler movie Billy Madison.

SNL Career[]

  • 1977-1980; 1984-1998; 2000-2005; 2006-2013: Writer (started: January 15, 1977)
    • 1985-1995: Head Writer
  • 1980: Featured Player (first: January 26, 1980; last: May 24, 1980)

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