Live from New York, it’s U of T alum and Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels
Before U.S. presidents came into his comic crosshairs, Lorne Michaels staged University of Toronto productions poking fun at campus life.
At a U of T event in New York City Monday for American students, the man behind Saturday Night Live looked back on his undergraduate years and answered questions from prospective students on topics ranging from the university to SNL and the state of U.S. politics.
Michaels, born Lorne Lipowitz, graduated from U of T in 1966 after an undergrad career that included writing for and directing the student troupe UC Follies and Hart House Theatre.
He returned to U of T to shoot the movie Mean Girls and in 2002 he was back in Convocation Hall to accept an honorary degree.
Speaking to American students who are considering making the move from the U.S. to Toronto, Michaels described what awaits them at U of T.
What follows are excerpts of his chat with U of T’s David Palmer, vice-president of advancement.