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Al Franken Comedy Partner Tom Davis Dead at 59

'SNL' alum had neck and throat cancer

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2012 6:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – One of Saturday Night Live's first writers, Tom Davis, has died of throat and neck cancer at age 59, reports TMZ. On SNL, he teamed with Al Franken—they actually filled one writer's slot and shared the $350 weekly salary—and had a hand in creating classic skits such as the Coneheads. But it's his teamwork with now-Senator Franken for which he's most remembered, notes AP.

"He helped shape Mr. Franken’s comedy, and vice versa, from the time they entertained students with rebellious, razor-edged humor at high school assemblies in Minnesota," writes Douglas Martin in the New York Times. The two had a falling out in 1990, apparently over Davis' drug use, but reconciled about 10 years later.

This 1978 file photo from NBC shows Saturday Night Live writer/performers Al Franken, left, and Tom Davis.
This 1978 file photo from NBC shows "Saturday Night Live" writer/performers Al Franken, left, and Tom Davis.   (AP Photo/NBC-TV, File)
Comedian Tom Davis reminisces with old friends while signing books in Minneapolis in 2009.
Comedian Tom Davis reminisces with old friends while signing books in Minneapolis in 2009.   (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)
This 1978 image released by NBCU Photo Bank shows Tom Davis during The Franken and Davis Show skit on Saturday Night Live.
This 1978 image released by NBCU Photo Bank shows Tom Davis during "The Franken and Davis Show" skit on "Saturday Night Live."   (AP Photo/NBCU Photo Bank)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Rammrodd
Jul 20, 2012 5:31 PM CDT
One down...
MisterE
Jul 20, 2012 10:16 AM CDT
AIDS?
Observer
Jul 20, 2012 8:07 AM CDT
Thanks for the hilarious memories Tom. RIP. "We are from France."
 

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