by Annabel Vered
(Photo credit: Colin Quinn by MoDaoud for TV Guide)
SNL's new 'Weekend Update' anchor doesn't stray too
far from the Norm.
Colin Quinn is settling in. As he sits in his new office, Saturday Night Live's latest "Weekend Update" anchor is opening an envelope covered with heart-shaped stickers. Inside, a 14-year-old fan has written, "Norm [Macdonald] was OK, but now I'm guaranteed that you'll be on every show." She signs off with "Be my valentine."
Seems like every day's been a holiday for Quinn since he replaced Macdonald in January. After 12 years of stand-up and three
seasons on MTV's Remote Control, the 38-year-old has spent the last three years on NBC's SNL, writing and performing occasionally in sketches and more often on "Update" (as, for example, Joe Blow and Lenny the Lion). He jokes, "I wasn't known
for my samurai character."
Quinn says he had mixed feelings about stepping in for Macdonald, who was
reportedly cut because NBC West Coast president Don Ohlmeyer deemed him
unfunny. "I felt bad. Norm is a good friend and so supportive. How many
times did I get on 'Update' because of Norm?" He adds, "I also thought,
'Hey, if he's not doing it, I don't want somebody else to get it.'"
After three outings as anchor, Quinn says he's loosening up and starting to
feel comfortable -- and getting positive feedback from the cast. What do the
powers-that-be think? According to Quinn, SNL executive producer Lorne
Michaels "likes it. He's telling me to go off more."
For now, the comedian says he's working hard at keeping up on the latest
news developments. "In the cab coming to work on Saturday, they go, 'Anthony
Mason's been arrested for underage sex,'" Quinn says, "and all I did was
think, 'Yeah.'
"I didn't worry about him and false accusations. I didn't worry about the
girls," he says. Then, with mock sincerity: "That's how cruel it's gotten.
My heart has hardened. This is what the business of news does to you!"
