Norman Wisdom

Norman Wisdom was an American actor, famously recognized for his roles in films such as “Trouble in Store,” “The Square Peg,” and “A Stitch in Time.” His comedic style and unique character have made him a beloved figure in British cinema.

Personal and Family Life

Norman Wisdom was born on February 4, 1915, in Marylebone, London. He faced a tough childhood, growing up in an orphanage after losing his mother and being disowned by his father. He had two marriages, first to Doreen Brett and then to Freda Simpson, and fathered three children.

Career Highlights

Wisdom’s journey into comedy began when he joined the British Army at the age of 14. Initially a band boy, he discovered his comedic talent during camp performances. After much struggle, he found an agent and made his stage debut in 1946, leading to a successful film career that gained him fame as a humorous character known for his ill-fitting suit and carefree spirit.

Death and Legacy

Norman Wisdom passed away on October 4, 2010, in Ballasalla, Isle of Man, due to natural causes. He is remembered as the quintessential British clown, akin to Charlie Chaplin, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy through his films and performances that continue to entertain audiences.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
The Bulldog Breed 1960-12-13 Norman
The Night They Raided Minsky’s 1968-12-22 Chick Williams
What’s Good for the Goose 1969-03-21 Timothy Bartlett
The Square Peg 1958-12-04 Norman Pitkin / General Schreiber
One Good Turn 1955-01-04 Norman
Trouble in Store 1953-12-14 Norman
A Stitch in Time 1963-12-01 Norman Pitkin
Just My Luck 1957-11-14 Norman Hackett
On the Beat 1962-12-11 Norman Pitkin
Up in the World 1956-12-06 Norman
Man of the Moment 1955-01-01 Norman
The Early Bird 1965-11-30 Norman Pitkin
Follow a Star 1959-01-01 Norman Truscott
Press for Time 1966-01-01 Norman Sheilds
The Girl on the Boat 1962-08-05 Sam Marlowe
Norman Wisdom: His Story 2010-10-14 Himself: Archive footage
Double X: The Name of the Game 1992-06-05 Arthur Clutton/Maurice Rigby
As Long as They’re Happy 1955-03-15 Norman
The Golden Gong: The Story of Rank Films – British Cinema’s Legendary Studio 1985-01-01 Self
Going Gently 1981-06-05 Bernard Flood
There Was a Crooked Man 1960-08-31 Davy Cooper
The Sandwich Man 1966-07-01 Boxing Vicar
Androcles and the Lion 1967-11-15 Androcles
The Unforgettable Norman Wisdom 2011-11-08 Himself (archive footage)
Where on Earth Is Katy Manning? 1998-01-01
Date With a Dream 1948-11-01 Shadow Boxer
The Legend of Harrow Woods 2008-02-12
To See Such Fun 1977-11-01
An Audience with Bruce Forsyth 1997-02-01
Norman Wisdom: Trouble On Tour 2008-04-28 Self
The Last Detective 2003-02-07 Lofty Brock
Bergerac 1981-10-18 Vincent
This Is Your Life 1955-07-29
Dalziel & Pascoe 1996-03-16
Between The Sheets 2003-11-17 Maurice Hardy
Norman 1970-04-02
Nobody Is Norman Wisdom 1973-06-26
It’s Only TV But I Like It 1999-06-03 Self
Style Challenge 1996-09-02
Playhouse 1974-03-13
An Audience with… 1978-01-08 Self