When you hear the name Lorne Michaels, you immediately think of Saturday Night Live. The legendary Canadian-born TV mogul is the mastermind behind one of America’s longest-running and most influential sketch-comedy shows. As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, Michaels remains at the helm, shaping the careers of countless comedians and producing some of the most iconic moments in television history.
A Weekend of Star-Studded SNL 50th Celebrations
NBC is pulling out all the stops to honor Michaels and SNL’s legacy with a weekend of celebratory programming. The festivities include SNL50: The Homecoming Concert featuring musical giants like Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny, and Post Malone on February 14. Fans can also relive history with a special airing of SNL’s very first episode—hosted by George Carlin—on February 15. The grand finale? A three-hour primetime SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, bringing back comedy legends such as Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler.
Who is Lorne Michaels’ Wife?
Behind every great showrunner is a support system, and for Lorne Michaels, 84, that’s Alice Barry. The couple has been married for more than three decades, tying the knot in 1991 after a whirlwind romance. Alice, now 66 years old, once worked as an assistant for Michaels at SNL, a role that gave her firsthand experience with the demanding world of late-night television.
Despite being married to one of the most powerful figures in comedy, Alice prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She occasionally appears alongside Lorne at industry events, such as the American Museum of Natural History gala, where they co-chaired with SNL alum Tina Fey and her husband Jeff Richmond. The couple resides in East Hampton, New York, where they have raised their family.
How Many Kids Does Lorne Michaels Have?
Lorne and Alice share three children: sons Henry (32), Edward (30), and daughter Sophie (27). Each of them has pursued creative careers, some even following in their father’s footsteps:
- Henry attended Dartmouth College and became a writer for the TBS series Miracle Workers.
- Edward (Eddie) graduated from Vanderbilt University and now works as a creative executive at Broadway Video, the media company Lorne founded in 1979.
- Sophie, a Yale alum, is already making her mark as a talent coordinator at SNL, keeping the Michaels family legacy alive in the industry.
Lorne Michaels’ Three Marriages
Alice Barry isn’t the first Mrs. Michaels—Lorne has been married three times. His first marriage was to Rosie Shuster, a former SNL writer and his high-school sweetheart, from 1967 to 1980. Their professional and personal relationship was depicted in the 2024 Jason Reitman-directed film, Saturday Night, which dramatized the making of SNL’s debut episode.
Following his divorce, Michaels married model-actress Susan Forristal in 1981. The couple’s marriage lasted six years before they divorced in 1987. Four years later, he found lasting love with Alice Barry.
Lorne Michaels’ Influence Beyond SNL
While SNL is his crown jewel, Michaels’ impact extends far beyond late-night TV. He’s been the driving force behind Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and a lineup of classic films, including Wayne’s World, Mean Girls, and Tommy Boy.
Despite his jam-packed schedule, Michaels has always recognized the sacrifices that come with his job. In a 2011 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he reflected on the challenges of balancing work and fatherhood: “I think the nocturnal thing [is hard] for [my kids]—realizing their father isn’t like other fathers. But they’re okay with it.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
As Saturday Night Live reaches this historic milestone, Lorne Michaels’ legacy is firmly cemented in the world of comedy and entertainment. His ability to shape cultural moments, launch legendary careers, and keep SNL relevant for five decades is a testament to his brilliance.
With a supportive wife, a talented family, and an empire of entertainment under his belt, Michaels shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s to 50 years of laughter, and to whatever genius he has in store for us next!
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