Brian McConnachie Obituary

Iconic comedy writer Brian McConnachie, celebrated for his impactful contributions to Saturday Night Live (SNL), SCTV, and National Lampoon, has passed away at the age of 81.

McConnachie’s demise occurred on January 5 in Venice, Florida, following complications arising from Parkinson’s disease. Michael Gerber, editor and publisher of The American Bystander, a humor magazine founded by McConnachie, confirmed the writer’s passing.

In a heartfelt statement conveyed through the Hollywood Reporter, Gerber expressed, “Every day, on every page, he has been our North Star. From his days at National Lampoon, Brian was ‘every comedy writer’s favorite comedy writer,’ crafting an unmistakable one-of-a-kind laid-back eccentricity that inspired generations.”

Gerber further highlighted McConnachie’s unique position as the only individual he knew to have written for the Holy Trinity of Seventies Comedy—National Lampoon, SNL, and SCTV. This, according to Gerber, not only attested to McConnachie’s exceptional writing talent but also underscored his amiable nature and ability to be a steadfast friend.

McConnachie initially rose to prominence in the 1970s as a key writer for National Lampoon magazine, a breeding ground for emerging comedic talents. Many of these writers, including Michael O’Donoghue and Anne Beatts, were later recruited by Lorne Michaels for the groundbreaking sketch comedy show on NBC, initially titled Saturday Night and later renamed Saturday Night Live.

The passing of Brian McConnachie marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and creativity that has profoundly influenced the landscape of comedy.