In The News

Sir Norman Wisdom passes away

Sir Norman Wisdom passes away

Tributes have been paid to the actor Sir Norman Wisdom who has died aged 95.

Sir Norman rose from poverty to become one of the best loved comedy actors. 

At 14 he was living rough in London and sneaking into cinemas to keep warm. He then became a boy soldier at 15 and served in the band of the 10th. Hussars when the regiment went to India in 1930.

During service in India, Sir Norman developed his skills as a gymnast and a boxer — becoming a flyweight champion.

After leaving the army and returning to England he began work as a telephone operator and when the War began he joined the Royal Corps of Signals.

He became involved in concert parties and after the war turned professional — performing an act in which involved singing and dancing as well as mime and slapstick. 

The skills he developed on stage led to work on television before his breakthrough into films in the early 1950s. He went on to make a string of successful comedies which entertained millions of people.

His skills as a gymnast enabled Sir Norman to perform all his own stunts.

He was Knighted in 2000.

Sir Norman, who was twice divorced, is survived by a son and daughter.

 

View previous In the News items: Titanic actress passes away , Yorkshire entrepreneur dies in accident , Top fashion designer passes away , Wopman dies in road accident , Singer Eddie Fisher dies , Funeral takes place of World War II heroine , BBC reporter from the 1950s dies , Funeral is held of Armagh man Charlie Armstrong or Final resting place found for memorial to RAF hero

 

If you have a relative or a friend who has passed away and feel they should be mentioned in our In the News section, then please email us.