Who was Brian McConnachie? ‘SNL’ Writer Dead at 81

Brian McConnachie, the 81-year-old Emmy-winning writer celebrated for his distinctive humor and contributions to iconic shows like SCTV Network and Saturday Night Live, as well as his roles in films such as Caddyshack and various Woody Allen productions, has passed away. The cause of death was complications related to Parkinson’s disease, according to Michael Gerber, editor and publisher of The American Bystander. Gerber, along with McConnachie, had relaunched the humor magazine in 2015, following its original inception by McConnachie in 1981.

In a heartfelt statement, Gerber praised McConnachie as the guiding force behind the publication, stating, “Every day, on every page, he has been our North Star.” Originating from his time at National Lampoon, where he was an original staff member, McConnachie earned a reputation as “every comedy writer’s favorite comedy writer,” characterized by his unmistakable laid-back eccentricity that left a lasting influence on multiple generations.

Having written for the Holy Trinity of Seventies Comedy—National Lampoon, SNL, and SCTV—McConnachie’s talent extended beyond writing to his amiable personality, earning him the admiration and friendship of many in the industry. He played a key role in SCTV Network, where he shared an Emmy with a distinguished ensemble that included John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, Catherine O’Hara, and Dave Thomas.

McConnachie’s career also saw stints on Saturday Night Live during its fourth season (1978-79) and various contributions to the show in subsequent years. In the film realm, his notable appearance as Drew Scott, a member of Bushwood Country Club in Caddyshack (1980), solidified his place in cinematic history. Subsequently, he took on small roles in multiple Woody Allen projects, including Husbands and Wives (1992), Bullets Over Broadway (1994), Celebrity (1998), and more.

Born on December 23, 1942, in Garrison, New York, McConnachie’s IMDb credits reflect a diverse array of roles, from playing a LaserBra 2000 scientist in Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video (1979) to appearances in films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and The Adventures of Bob & Doug McKenzie: Strange Brew (1983). His extensive and varied contributions to comedy and film leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.