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Norman Wisdom Biography

(Actor)

Birthday: February 4, 1915 (Aquarius)

Born In: Marylebone, London, England

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Norman Wisdom was an English actor, singer-songwriter, and comedian. He is best remembered for his lead role in the film ‘Trouble in Store’ for which he earned a BAFTA Award. He was also popular in Iran, South America, and many Eastern Bloc countries where he was the only one western actor whose films were permitted to be shown. Born in London to a dressmaker and a chauffeur, Wisdom grew up alongside his elder brother in an abusive household. He father used to hit him often. After spending a period in a children's home, he ran away at the age of 11 only to return and work as an errand boy. Not having a loving home to go back to, Wisdom was forced to work as a waiter as well as a cabin boy in the Merchant Navy. He eventually entered the film industry, making his debut as a professional entertainer at the age of 31. For several decades, he worked as a film and television actor. He also forged a successful career on Broadway. In 1995, Wisdom was appointed OBE and was also given the Freedom of the City of London. He was married twice and had three children.

Birthday: February 4, 1915 (Aquarius)

Born In: Marylebone, London, England

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Actors #3418
Comedians #641
Musicians #856
Actors #3418
Comedians #641
Musicians #856
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Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In February

Also Known As: Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom

Died At Age: 95

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Doreen Brett (m. 1941—1946), Freda Isobel Simpson (m. 1947–1966)

father: Frederick

mother: Maud Wisdom (née Targett)

children: Jacqueline Wisdom, Michael Wisdom, Nicholas Wisdom

Born Country: England

Actors Comedians

Height: 5'2" (157 cm), 5'2" Males

Died on: October 4, 2010

place of death: Ballasalla, Isle of Man

Diseases & Disabilities: Strokes

City: Marylebone, England

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What were Norman Wisdom's most famous films?

    Some of Norman Wisdom's most famous films include "Trouble in Store," "The Early Bird," "A Stitch in Time," "On the Beat," and "The Square Peg."
  • 2

    Did Norman Wisdom ever perform on stage?

    Yes, Norman Wisdom was also known for his successful stage career, performing in various theatrical productions and pantomimes.
  • 3

    What was Norman Wisdom's signature comedic style?

    Norman Wisdom was known for his physical comedy, slapstick routines, and his lovable but clumsy on-screen persona.
  • 4

    Did Norman Wisdom have any catchphrases?

    One of Norman Wisdom's famous catchphrases was "Mr. Grimsdale!", often used when addressing his on-screen boss in his films.
  • 5

    What impact did Norman Wisdom have on British comedy?

    Norman Wisdom is considered a comedy legend in the UK, known for bringing joy and laughter to audiences during a time of post-war austerity. His films and performances continue to be celebrated for their timeless humor.

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Childhood & Early Life
Norman Wisdom was born on 4 February 1915, in Marylebone, London, England. His mother, Maud, was a dressmaker while his father, Frederick, served as a chauffeur. He had an older brother named Frederick who died in 1971.
His father was very abusive. At the age of 11, Norman ran away from a children's home where he had lived for a period of time. At the age of 13, he left school and became as an errand boy in a grocer's shop.
Later, he worked a variety of odd jobs, including as a waiter, a coal-miner, and a cabin-boy in the Merchant Navy.
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Career
Norman Wisdom worked as a musician in the British Army for a while. After he was demobilized in 1945, he started his career as a professional entertainer, initially assisting the magician David Nixon.
He made his television debut in 1948 and also had a minor movie role in the film ‘A Date with a Dream,’ released that year.
He soon teamed up with the Rank Organization and featured in their 1953 film ‘Trouble in Store’ as a lead actor. His breakthrough role garnered him a BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
Wisdom starred in ‘One Good Turn’ (1955) which turned out to be the 7th most successful film of that year. The same year saw him in ‘As Long as They're Happy’ and ‘Man of the Moment’.
His subsequent roles were as a window cleaner in the comedy ‘Up in the World’ (1956) and as a jewelry store worker in the sports comedy ‘Just My Luck’ (1957). His next project, ‘The Square Peg,’ was one of the biggest hits of the year 1959.
Wisdom began the 1960s with a more conventional film titled ‘The Bulldog Breed,’ which was directed by Robert Asher. In the ensuing years, he starred in the movies ‘The Girl on the Boat’, ‘On the Beat’, and ‘A Stitch in Time’.
His first color film was ‘The Early Bird’ in which he played a milkman. Released in 1965, the movie, also starring Edward Chapman and Jerry Desmonde, was one of the 15 most popular films at the British box office.
In 1966, the actor moved to the United States to act in a Broadway production of the musical ‘Walking Happy’. His performance in the same earned him a Tony Award nomination.
The success of the musical ‘Walking Happy’ led to him being cast in his first ever Hollywood movie titled ‘The Night They Raided Minsky's’. The flick, based on Rowland Barber’s 1960 novel, was released in 1968.
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On 31 December 1976, he performed his theme song called "Don't Laugh at Me” on BBC1's ‘A Jubilee of Music,’ a program conducted to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's impending silver jubilee.
After touring Australia and South Africa for some time, Wisdom returned to Britain. In 2004, he played a fitness fanatic pensioner in ‘Coronation Street’. Although he retired after that, he came out of retirement in 2007 to take a role in the short movie ‘Expresso,’ which turned out to be his last movie role.
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Major Works
From 1995 to 2004, Norman Wisdom played the recurring role of Billy Ingleton in BBC’s ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. Although the role was initially supposed to be a one-off appearance, it proved to be so popular that the actor returned as the character on several occasions.
Family & Personal Life
Norman Wisdom married his first wife Doreen Brett in 1941.They had a son named Michael. Their marriage was dissolved in 1946.
In 1947, Wisdom married Freda Isobel Simpson. The couple had two kids: Nicholas and Jacqueline. They parted ways in 1968.
The actor lived a long life. He suffered a series of strokes during his last months and died on 4 October 2010, at the age of 95.
Facts About Norman Wisdom
Norman Wisdom was not only a talented actor and comedian, but he was also a skilled musician and singer, often incorporating his musical talents into his performances.
Despite his on-screen persona as a clumsy and bumbling character, Norman Wisdom was known for his incredible physical agility and athleticism, having performed many of his own stunts in his films.
Norman Wisdom was a dedicated philanthropist and supported various charities throughout his life, using his celebrity status to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
In addition to his successful career in film and television, Norman Wisdom also had a passion for painting and was known to create beautiful artworks in his spare time.
Norman Wisdom was a beloved entertainer not only in the UK but also internationally, with a strong fan base in countries such as Albania, where he was considered a national hero.

Awards

BAFTA Awards
1954 Most Promising Newcomer to Film Trouble in Store (1953)
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