Michael O'Donoghue (January 5, 1940 – November 8, 1994) was an American television and movie writer, most known as the original head writer for Saturday Night Live. He was a credited cast member for three episodes in the first season, and made an appearance in the show's very first sketch, The Wolverines, where he delivered the very first line of the series.
O'Donoghue was on and off of the show's staff. He was fired after season 3, reportedly for writing sketches that mocked then-NBC president Fred Silverman. He was brought back by Dick Ebersol when Ebersol took over at the end of season 6, but was fired at Christmas break the following season due to his conduct. He was brought back again when Lorne Michaels returned in season 11, but was fired for the third and final time halfway into the season. He was married to former SNL musical director Cheryl Hardwick.
He died of a cerebral hemorrhage on November 8, 1994. He was 54 years old.
SNL Career[]
- 1975-1978; 1981; 1985: Writer (second stint: Apr. 11 - December 12, 1981; third stint: November 9 - December 7, 1985)
- 1975-1978; 1981: Head Writer (second head writing stint: Apr. 11 - December 12, 1981)
- 1975: Cast member/Not Ready for Primetime Player (October 11; October 25 and November 8, 1975)