My Texts with Norm Macdonald
By Geoff Edgers
Usually you start with a publicist or two, the main line of defense between reporter and subject. Not Norm Macdonald.
During my first visit to Los Angeles to interview the comedian for my in-depth profile in the Washington Post, we ended up exchanging more than 12 messages just on his attempt to coordinate buzzing me through the electronic gate of his condo complex. From there, our regular texting — before and after a series of in-person interviews — led to a deepening exchange, with months of conversations about stand-up, writing, Billy Joe Shaver, fatherhood and my attempts to get his help in reaching the famously unreachable Adam Sandler. (In the end, no Sandler.)
And then, when I was done reporting, I asked Norm if I could share some of our text exchanges because, for me, they offer a special window into one of our smartest, funniest and least appreciated entertainers. He agreed, though more than once I’ve woken up to a text from Norm expressing some trepidation about what he’s consented to share. I will probably share those, too — I warned him.
What follows are excerpts from my exchanges with Norm, edited for clarity and space.
This exchange originally appeared in The Washington Post. Don’t forget to check out Geoff’s profile of Norm, which includes much more than just texts.
