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From SNL Writer To Private Life: The Three Wives Of Lorne Michaels And Their Untold Stories

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The private life of *Saturday Night Live* creator Lorne Michaels has always been a subject of intense curiosity, despite the comedy mogul's famous aversion to the spotlight. While he is the undisputed kingmaker of American comedy, his three marriages span the entire history of *SNL* and offer a fascinating look at the women who have been the bedrock of his personal life, from the show's chaotic beginnings to his current, stable family life.

As of December 21, 2025, Lorne Michaels is married to his third wife, Alice Barry, a relationship that has lasted over three decades. This deep dive explores the complete biography of the three influential women who married the entertainment titan, detailing their careers, their role during the formative years of *SNL*, and the current status of the Michaels family.

Complete Biography: The Three Women Who Married Lorne Michaels

Lorne Michaels has been married three times, with each relationship marking a distinct era in his professional and personal journey. His wives include a pioneering comedy writer, a model/actress, and his current, very private wife, a former *SNL* assistant.

  • First Wife: Rosie Shuster
    • Relationship Status: Married 1967; Divorced 1980.
    • Professional Role: Canadian comedy writer and actress. She was one of the original and most influential writers for *Saturday Night Live* (1975-1980; 1981-1982; 1986-1987).
    • Key Connection: Daughter of Canadian comedy legend Frank Shuster, who was a mentor to Lorne Michaels.
    • Children: None together.
  • Second Wife: Susan Forristal
    • Relationship Status: Married 1981; Divorced 1987.
    • Professional Role: Model, actress, and art gallery owner. Known for roles in films like *L.A. Story* (1991), *Addicted to Love* (1997), and *Riding in Cars with Boys* (2001).
    • Key Connection: They married during the period when Michaels briefly left *SNL* (1980–1985).
    • Children: None together.
  • Third (Current) Wife: Alice Barry
    • Relationship Status: Married 1991; Present.
    • Professional Role: Former assistant on *Saturday Night Live*. She now maintains a very private life, primarily focusing on her family.
    • Key Connection: Met Lorne on the set of *SNL* upon his return to the show. Their marriage has been his longest and most stable.
    • Children: Three children: Henry Michaels (approx. 32), Edward "Eddie" Michaels (approx. 29), and Sophie Michaels (approx. 26).

Rosie Shuster: The SNL Pioneer Who Defined the Show’s Early Comedy

Rosie Shuster is arguably the most professionally intertwined of Lorne Michaels' wives, representing the original creative core of *Saturday Night Live*. Their relationship began in Canada, where they married in 1967. Shuster’s father, Frank Shuster, was half of the famous Canadian comedy duo Wayne and Shuster, and a critical mentor to Michaels in his early career.

When Michaels launched *SNL* in 1975, Shuster was part of the original, groundbreaking writing staff. Her contributions were pivotal to establishing the show's unique tone. She was a key figure in the "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players" era, working alongside comedy legends like Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase.

The marriage faced challenges as the show's intense, demanding schedule took its toll, leading to their divorce in 1980. This period of the show's history—and the dynamic between Michaels and Shuster—is so central to the *SNL* origin story that it was fictionalized in the 2024 Jason Reitman-directed feature film, *Saturday Night*, ensuring her legacy remains a fresh topic of discussion in the comedy world.

Despite the divorce, Shuster’s tenure at *SNL* spanned several non-consecutive seasons, demonstrating a professional resilience and a lasting connection to the show's creative energy. Her work is a testament to the pioneering role of female comedy writers in the 1970s and 1980s.

Susan Forristal: The Mid-Era Marriage and a Shift in Focus

Following his divorce from Rosie Shuster, Lorne Michaels married model and actress Susan Forristal in 1981. This marriage occurred during a crucial, transitional phase for Michaels. He had temporarily stepped away from *Saturday Night Live* in 1980 to pursue other projects, including the film *Three Amigos!* and other television ventures.

Forristal brought a different dynamic to his life. She was a successful model and also an art gallery owner, showcasing a connection to the New York art and fashion scene rather than the high-pressure world of late-night comedy. Her acting credits, though minor, include the 1991 Steve Martin comedy *L.A. Story*, and later films like *Addicted to Love* and *Riding in Cars with Boys*.

The marriage lasted six years, ending in divorce in 1987, shortly after Michaels had returned to the helm of *SNL* in 1985. The relationship is often seen as a quiet chapter in Michaels' life, bridging the intense, formative years with Shuster and the long-term stability he would find with his third wife, Alice Barry.

Alice Barry: The Current Wife and Architect of Lorne Michaels' Private Life

Lorne Michaels met his current wife, Alice Barry, on the set of *Saturday Night Live* after his return. Barry worked as his assistant on the show at the time. They began dating in 1990 and married in 1991, establishing a union that has now spanned over three decades and is the longest of Michaels' marriages.

Alice Barry is the mother of Michaels' three children: sons Henry and Edward "Eddie," and daughter Sophie. This is a significant detail, as neither of his previous marriages produced children. The couple maintains a famously low profile, which is a deliberate choice. Michaels has publicly stated that his wife “prefers not to make public appearances,” and she has successfully kept her personal life out of the media spotlight, despite her husband's immense fame.

The couple primarily resides in New York City and has a home in Amagansett in East Hampton, where Michaels has spoken about prioritizing his family life despite his commitment to *SNL*. The stability of their marriage is often credited with providing the necessary foundation for Michaels to continue his demanding role as the executive producer of *SNL* and his production company, Broadway Video, for so many years.

The Next Generation: Lorne Michaels' Children

The children of Lorne Michaels and Alice Barry represent the next generation of the comedy dynasty, though they, too, are kept largely out of the public eye. Their current ages are approximately 32 (Henry), 29 (Eddie), and 26 (Sophie), according to recent 2024 reports.

While their professional paths are not widely publicized, the family connection to the entertainment world is undeniable. Henry Michaels and Eddie Michaels are known to have attended university, and the family is often seen together privately in New York, maintaining a strong, close-knit bond away from the cameras. Sophie Michaels is the youngest, completing the family unit that has been the anchor of Lorne Michaels’ life for the past 30+ years.

The enduring marriage to Alice Barry, contrasted with the creative intensity of his first marriage to Rosie Shuster, highlights the different phases of Lorne Michaels' life. From the pioneering comedy of the 1970s with a writing partner to the quiet, supportive domesticity of the current era, the story of Lorne Michaels' wives is a compelling, behind-the-scenes narrative of one of television's most powerful figures.

lorne michaels wife
lorne michaels wife

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