Norman Wisdom

Date of Birth: February 4, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 4, 2010

Biography

Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, OBE, was a British comedian, singer, and actor best known for a series of comedy films produced between 1953 and 1966, featuring his character Norman Pitkin. Born into a poor family in London, Wisdom left school at the age of 13 and worked various jobs before joining the British Army, where he discovered his talent for entertainment. After the war, he pursued a career in show business, gaining fame for his slapstick comedy and distinctive physical humor. His films became particularly popular in Albania, where he was one of the few Western actors whose work was allowed by the Communist regime. Norman Wisdom was knighted in 2000 and continued to perform until his retirement in the early 2000s. He passed away in 2010.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman Wisdom

1. Norman Wisdom was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for his contributions to entertainment.

2. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2006.

3. Wisdom was a skilled musician, capable of playing numerous instruments including the piano, drums, flute, and clarinet.

4. His films were some of the few Western movies allowed to be shown in Communist Albania, where he became a cultural icon.

5. Wisdom’s early life was marked by poverty and hardship, leading him to leave school at an early age and fend for himself.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman Wisdom

1. “As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.”

2. “I’ve got a happy memory – a lot of them – and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

3. “I was born in very sorry circumstances. Both of my parents were very sorry.”

4. “I play drums, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, stand-up bass, piano. I play bass as well as the next man.”

5. “I don’t know anything about luck. I’ve never banked on it and I’m afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: hard work – and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t.”