The Rabbi*

*Michael O'Donoghue's nickname for Lorne.

The documentary, Lorne, is a breezy, hagiographic look at SNL’s creator and eternal godhead. Everyone whose careers Lorne boosted praise his guidance and insight, and why wouldn’t they? Without him, most would be on the sidelines, at best. So yes, kiss the ring. Honor the privilege.

There are many Lorne stories. Here’s mine.

When I scored the Mr. Mike book deal, Michael’s widow, Cheryl Hardwick, who co-conducted the SNL house band, was completely behind me. She got me into many rooms, Lorne’s included.

It was a meeting I’d fantasized about since I was a teen. Lorne was very nice. He wore a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white Chuck Taylor Converse high tops. We talked for about 45 minutes, during which he referenced Nichols & May, when an assistant poked in to remind Lorne of his meeting with Steve Forbes’ people, who was going to host. Lorne was gracious as I was led out of the room.

Lorne met with me to size me up. Was I worthy of Michael? He apparently felt so; he gave me complete access to Michael’s work at Broadway Video, Lorne’s production company. Everybody, with a few exceptions, opened up to me, and that was Lorne’s doing. A trusting gesture.