Lorne Michaels Donates Archive to UT Austin

Lorne Michaels, the creator of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), has donated his extensive archive to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin. This collection spans his career from early television shows such as 'Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In' to the nearly 50-year legacy of SNL, providing valuable insights into the creative and production processes behind the iconic show. An exhibition titled 'Live from New York! The Making of Lorne Michaels' will run from September 20, 2025, to March 15, 2026, showcasing key moments from SNL's history and its cultural impact. Ransom Center Director Stephen Enniss emphasized the significance of this archive for future research into social and political history, while UT President Jay Hartzell noted the transformative effect of Michaels' work on American entertainment. The collection is expected to be fully accessible for research in January 2026, allowing students and researchers to explore the materials documenting SNL's influence and the broader television landscape. Overall, this donation solidifies Michaels' legacy and enhances the university's role as a hub for cultural and historical study.