Fuck...
Was just watching some compilation of his jokes - as usual - and saw in the comments something about being grateful for Norm and not believing he's gone now.
Knowing his style of comedy, and his fans too, I just thought it was a punchline to an overly drawn-out joke. But then three replies to the comment said the same. Enough for a quick Google at least.
I was shocked. Never knew he had cancer, though he did not look very good in the past few years, and the lack of new material or appearances was probably a big clue as well.
And this comes just days after I finished his semi-autobiography/novel, and after watching tons of his old material all over again. Over the past year or two, he has become a comedian that I really consider the best ever. Someone whose jokes just get funnier every time I watch them. And he only got better with age.
It always hits you too suddenly. I remember when my friend posted on my Facebook that Paul Walker had died, and when I got up in the morning it was the first thing I read (if I remember correctly). Just felt shocked, but at the same time completely empty. Not even in denial, just completely devoid of emotions. My favourite actor, now my favourite comedian. Just out of the blue, bam! How do you react?
I will miss his presence after a while, when I remember he's gone, start missing all the laughter he could've brought if he only had a couple of more years... Just like with Paul, every now and then I go through his old material, mostly interviews, that really show who he was. It will probably be the same with Norm. But I did that while he was alive as well. This time though, with a hint of sadness.
I don't really like to use phrases like "rest in peace" or whatever, so what I'll say is, I hope he hasn't had any regrets, and he'll continue to live on in the hearts of his fans.