A legendary and long-serving writer and producer for SNL, Jim Downey was the show’s political conscience for decades. He had a brief stint as a featured player, but his true impact was as a writer. He was the mind behind many of the show’s most iconic political sketches, from Phil Hartman‘s Bill Clinton to Norm Macdonald‘s ‘Weekend Update.’ His sharp, intelligent, and often surprisingly conservative-leaning satire gave the show a unique political voice. Downey is one of the most important and influential figures in the show’s history, a true behind-the-scenes genius.