Norman Bird was an English actor known for his work in film and television. He gained recognition for roles in “The Lord of the Rings,” “Maniac,” and “The League of Gentlemen.” Bird had a prolific career, appearing in numerous productions throughout his life.
Personal and Family Life
Born on October 30, 1924, in Coalville, Leicestershire, Bird was the son of a family that would later see him marry Nona Blair in 1953. The couple had two daughters, Lucy and Catherine, and enjoyed spending time with their five grandchildren. In 1992, they moved to Bridgnorth, Shropshire, to be closer to their family.
Career
Bird left school at the age of 16 and briefly worked in an office before pursuing acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). While at RADA, he formed lasting friendships with Richard Attenborough and Bryan Forbes. He began his career in 1954 and became noted for his versatile performances across various genres, often portraying characters that were relatable and down-to-earth.
Death and Legacy
Norman Bird passed away on April 22, 2005, in Wolverhampton, England, due to cancer. His contributions to theater, television, and film have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as one of the finest character actors in the UK. His extensive filmography showcases the breadth of his talent and versatility as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Lord of the Rings | 1978-11-15 | Bilbo (voice) |
| The Hill | 1965-06-17 | Commandant |
| First Men in the Moon | 1964-07-01 | Stuart |
| Whistle Down the Wind | 1961-07-25 | Eddie |
| In Search of the Castaways | 1962-12-01 | Senior Yacht Guard |
| Maniac | 1963-05-20 | Salon |
| Cash on Demand | 1961-12-20 | Sanderson |
| Night of the Eagle | 1962-04-25 | Doctor |
| The League of Gentlemen | 1960-04-15 | Weaver |
| The Mind Benders | 1963-02-01 | Aubrey |
| The Angry Silence | 1960-03-10 | Roberts |
| Term of Trial | 1962-08-16 | Mr. Taylor |