[2] He grew up in a Catholic family who were second-generation Irish Americans and attended La Salle Academy (Rhode Island), Providence.

[4] He entered the Jesuit order in 1947, aged 20, was ordained as a priest in 1959, and went on to earn two master's degrees (philosophy and English literature) from Boston College.

In 1970, he sought permission from the Jesuit order to run for a seat in the United States Senate, representing Rhode Island.

They had given permission to fellow Jesuit Father Robert Drinan who ran successfully for the United States House of Representatives in Massachusetts.

[6] After leaving the White House, McLaughlin worked with his wife Ann in public relations and in 1980 became a weekend radio host on WRC-AM in Washington, D.C.

[7] McLaughlin's style and mannerisms were parodied by comedians and other commentators, most notably Dana Carvey of Saturday Night Live.

[17] During the December 26, 2014, year-end awards episode, McLaughlin ended the show saying: "Person of the year: Pope Francis, especially now that he's told that animals can go to heaven.

"[18] Oliver Productions, Inc., is named after McLaughlin's pet dog [19] — a Basset Hound — and is seen in an animation as part of the brand logo shown at the close of each show.

[21] McLaughlin's last message to fans was August 13, when he explained he had missed recent tapings due to his poor health.

[6] McLaughlin also appeared in several films, including Dave, Mission: Impossible, Independence Day, and War, Inc., generally portraying himself discussing a political character in the movie.