Documentary Profiles Lorne Michaels SNL Legacy

A new documentary offers an intimate yet elusive portrait of Lorne Michaels, the 81-year-old Canadian producer who has shaped Saturday Night Live for more than five decades. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, "Lorne" opens in theaters this Friday, providing behind-the-scenes access to the show's production while exploring the guarded personality of its creator.

The film draws on interviews with SNL alumni including Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Kristen Wiig, and current cast members like Colin Jost and Michael Che. Despite Michaels' reluctance to reveal much about himself, contributors share glimpses into his routines and relationships. He maintains a schedule tied to the show's late-night demands, retiring around 4 a.m. and rising at noon, with his office stocked with fresh popcorn shared during meetings. For 40 years, he has hosted weekly dinners at the same Italian restaurant with celebrity hosts and the cast to foster camaraderie. In quieter moments, Michaels tends a flower garden, likening it to "a show that doesn't talk back to you."

Personal anecdotes highlight his close bonds, such as yoga sessions with Alec Baldwin, who has hosted SNL a record 17...