Norman Wisdom - His Story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ม.ค. 2017
- From street urchin to knight of the realm - the story of Norman Wisdom, who used to be one of the biggest film stars in the UK - portraying a man who rarely stepped out of character in public, and whose highly individual comic style hid the private tragedy of his early life.
The actor's life story is told through the people who knew him well - his son and daughter Nick and Jaqui Wisdom, his daughter-in-law Kim, film director Stephen Frears, actors Ricky Tomlinson, Leslie Phillips and Honor Blackman and singer Dame Vera Lynn. - บันเทิง
In the 1970s I was delivering coal in Douglas, capital of the Isle of Man. As I walked around the corner with a bag of coal on my back, coming the opposite way was Norman, carrying a small dog under each arm. After almost bumping in to him, Norman stopped me in my tracks and said, "How can someone with such skinny legs carry a bag of coal'. And we both laughed out loud. Norman had a huge heart for his craft and the thousands he brought such joy to. And as big a success he was, he never allowed his fame to get the better of him. A true gentleman, the likes of which will never be forgotten.
Great little story and bloody funny too! You're so right about the brilliant NW. Cheers
But did he help you with the coal?
Norman's story is both very sad and uplifting. How could his father be such a bastard? I wonder if he lived long enough to see his son be a National Treasure?
I know someone who worked at the theater where Wisdom was in pantomime. He was such a shit that he caused one of the stage hands to have a nervous breakdown. Heard a lot of negative stories about him!!
@@sawneybean8011only heard?
@sawneybean8011 I've never heard anyone be negative about or to Norman Wisdom, would he have been a national treasure if he had any badness in him.
My old grandma used to say "if you've nothing nice to say then say nothing"
Just a thought.
When he was hated by others, he vowed to love no matter what.....not bitter just happy to be alive.....
RIP Norman
Don’t know how anyone could hate this chap…
Horrible little man!!!
Who hated him and why ?
I wrote to him and sent a badge I made with a smiling sun and told him I thought it was right to send a smile to him, as he always made others smile. I got a signed photograph within 2 weeks of writing to him. I like to think he's up there making the angels laugh my nan being one of them
In the late 90s I was giving a driving lesson along Brighton seafront. We were stopped at a pedestrian crossing, just by the Palace Pier, and this elderly man was passing the front of the car when he turned and smiled. Suddenly, he tripped and started to fall, myself and my young pupil gasped, but he managed to gain his feet again. Then he turned and smiled again and winked. It was then I recognised it was Norman Wisdom. I roared with laughter and couldn’t believe what had just happened. Sadly, the encounter was lost on my pupil, she didn’t have a clue who Norman Wisdom was. I will never forget.
Fabulous ❤
❤❤!😊😊❤❤😊
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Wonderful story thanks for that that’ll be etched on your memory forever RIP Norman♥️♥️
He had the strength of character to transform an early hell into laughter for millions. Thank you for many memorable moments Norman. R.I.P.
I grew up without a father figure around the house - Norman was our go-to guy for laughs and moments in time to forget the hardships of life.
There's an old saying: ''As long as there will be people who'll remember you after you're gone...you'll be immortal!'' It's 2023 and...I remember Norman! He made my childhood very happy and...now as an adult living in these times, well...I thank God for bringing Norman to this world!
Wot a great man made me laughed until I cry when you passed away R.I.P norman❤
gabriel-adrianbarbu5477 .
I'm 76 and I still remember his movies. Loved them and him. RIP Norman
Me too. ❤
Yvonne u@@gabriellekoukis9460
The reality is, that after 2 additional generations, the vast majority are forgotten.
If ever there was a national treasure it was Sir Norman Wisdom, sheer genius on screen. RIP Sir Norman.
I had no idea he had that much hardship in his younger days. He was so hilarious, I loved him, just looking at his face would bring a smile to my face.
Exactly.
The Greatest British comedian EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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An absolute hilarious legend. One lazy Sunday afternoon myself and my wife sat down to watch On The Beat, the tears were streaming down our faces, we were stopping and rewinding scenes. 😂😂😂
I grew up in the 70's and 80's watching Norman Wisdom. He was the first man I ever fell in love with! My childhood hero...gone but never forgotten ❤
How can a father be so cruel??
I think Sir Norman Wisdom is the best ever comedian, a very clean funny man. I've loved watching him since I was a little girl, my dad loved him too so we'd be laughing our heads off together. Loved it when he played the milkman!!!
Rest in peace, my funny man!!!
He was a very gifted concert pianist too. I was honoured to meet him backstage after his concert in Watford.
I have been a police lady in Kent for 28 years. One day a rolls Royce came through a road traffic crash where I and another was controlling traffic. I saw him and was so filled with wonderment as he passed me…. He gave me a flutter wave and after we cleared the area the police officer at the other end of the road block told me when it all was cleared up that Norman Wisdom said to him “ tell the Doris I said hello!!”
That is probably one of 5 highlights in 30 years of service. What a guy.❤
Want to think about a feller with self-effacing humility, humanity, towering talent, warmth? Look no further than this man.
My late parents met him on the Isle of Wight, whilst he was performing there. He autographed a piece of card for them. He was very down to earth, no "hairs & graces". I think he's up there keeping all the other Angels in histerics! The world will always miss you, Sir Norman. RIP
A sense of humour can save your life. He was inspirational so much to me as a kid in the 70's. He just filled me with happiness.
The one person who could make me laugh till it hurt. Loved Norman. He was brilliant!
I asked for his autograph when I was 9 but he was busy the said later,
I saw him in a show he did in Hong Kong , went back stage , told him I asked for his autograph 20 years ago but didn’t get it , then had a photo taken with him ,
Twenty yrs later I saw him at fete, kissed him on the cheek and told him I saw you in HK he smiled and we chatted ,
15 years later about my husband Richard Ng said he was going to film with him ,
So My husband took the photo I had taken with him in HK ( Norman wearing a towel around his neck )
Confronted him and said , can you explain yourself , your in this picture with my wife ???
Norman by then had Alzheimer’s and was with his daughter ,,
His last film, “ Expresso”
He then autographed the picture of us .
I just adored watching him on the telly as a kid in the 70's.
Truly amazing.
Norman Wisdom was a fabulous part of my child hold... He was a great influence on my life,.. I miss his innately childish humour,,, what a great man he was...
What a positive spirit he had despite all his hardships, not many have that strength xxxx
I agree because I am a qualified lesbian
@@ijustdidahugeshitidiot
@@ijustdidahugeshit5834
Where do you go on a course for such things?
Sadly we will never see the likes of Norman again.
Jesus ..where Norman talks about visiting his father and being kicked out by him is hear breaking ...
There will never be another man so funny.i would like to thank him for making my childhood so happy.god bless you xxx
Just wish I could have met him
I am his biggest fan and always will be x
Me too because I am a qualified lesbian
Those 49 people who disliked this documentary must have had tears so much from laughing! Norman Wisdom, was a very talented, British Comedian who I hope will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Norman.
Norman was one of the greatest comedians this country produced. Oh, what the he'll, he was the best, the very best. I've seen all his films more than once, and I will never tire of doing so. RIP Noman, you made me laugh, and you will continue to do so for as long as I live
I remember watching Norman Wisdom films, (as a child) and thought they were great, as with the later episodes of Mr Bean and Some Mother's do Have Them.
I now consider them as purile unfunny slapstick rubbish.
Norman Wisdom may have had other talents as did Rowan Atkinson and Michael Crawford, but I cannot remember anything else of Norman Wisdom as an entertainer.
Infact, anything that shows youngsters entertainment material of grown ups behaving stupidly does nothing towards the respect they should have for the adults they interact with.
Current material featuring Horrid Henry is yet another example.
Or maybe those people saw the side of Wisdom that Fenella Fielding, Lynda Bellingham and Tina Charles saw.
I totally agree, some people just want to bring him down.
His movie’s have only gave me happiness.
Am I right or wrong?
49? Were they watching the same as us? My grandad bless him, loved norman & all his grandkids knew of him aswell. You know that feeling where your face aches, your side aches & you can't breath? Norman Wisdom- Legend ❤
We loved you Norman.... you brought so much joy into our lives!
Sir Norman Wisdom we love you so much sir, Love and Prayers from India. We will always remember you for bringing us so much Joy and Happiness. You are a blessed soul. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Such a great guy. The English have had some of the greatest characters ever, not just in comedy. All the great people are vanishing, moving onto the the next journey; most of today's stars couldn't hold a candle to guys like Norman Wisdom. I first discovered Norman through my granddad, he had some of his videos and he was a big fan of his. I recently bought a Norman Wisdom autograph and i have it next to the picture of my granddad.
Love sir norman😂❤
I was the kid in goal in on the beat I was filming with Norman for 6 months what a lovely man! He was just like a dad to me the whole time and in one scene I had to cry but I couldn't until they told me that the police were really going to take him away haha!
@irishelk3 me too, grew up watching him with grandparents too, absolutely adore him, broke my heart when I first saw this years ago
I hope with all my heart that poor excuse for a human being father of his lived long enough to see his son become such a huge success. He couldn't crush Norman's spirit and passion. I'm amazed he was able to forgive his mother, many wouldn't have. His children and grandkids adored him. That says it all to me. What an incredible life. What an incredible talent.
tonithenightowl1836 .
he sounded like he was a monster. Maybe his wife just reached her breaking point and couldn't take it any more.
@@steiny3353 You're probably right. It's such a bad beginning to life but he didn't let it stop him from doing GOOD the rest of his life. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger is applicable here. Bless his soul.
Great comment. I heartily agree.
@@johngunning2123 Thank you, Sir. :o)
Norman Wisdom a brilliant funny man loved his films what a sad loss I hope you are keeping them happy in heaven rip Norman ❤❤❤
A gorgeous wee fella! Raised in a tragic situation he achieved true nobility with his positive approach to life!😊
I am a qualified lesbian too
@@ijustdidahugeshit .
When I was a six year old boy one of my boarding school chums was a Norman Wisdom fanatic. He had a suitcase full of clippings and magazines. I had forgotten about my friend until now. If he is alive we are both old men. Sometimes I think I understand why Homer called it the well of memory.
Norman was a real comic genius who never made it worldwide like he should have
RIP Norman. We thank you for all the happy smiles you brought.
My first ever film experience was A Stitch in Time. I was 8 years old and will never forget how much I laughed. I went back week after week to watch the matinee and spent my pocket money on an ice cream and Norman. I can’t count the number of times I watched the film. On Holidays in Ireland I remember taking my cousin to watch it yet again (twice). A wonderful memory of happier times when a little funny man could make my whole world stop and make me laugh time and time again.
What great happy memories he has left us with. 😊😊
Loved him when I was kid, used to cry with laughter, wonderful man
Yes, a gentleman, and seriously funny. I have been on a film set with him, and while every other actor retired to their caravans, Norman came to have lunch on the bus with the supporting artists, and had us in fits of laughter every moment.
I was brought up on Norman. He brought smiles, laughter , and thought-provoking moments . Wonderful artist ,wonderful man .
Norman Wisdom, is who I remember from the silver screen when I was a kid. I'm a Native Canadian and was fortunate to have seen a number of his films. How can anyone forget an entertainer like Norman Wisdom who brought joy and laughter to, for the most part, an unhappy childhood. It was Norman Wisdom comedy that brought unfettered laughter and joy. Thank you for posting this beautiful memoir and especially, a documentary that tells much more about the man himself which brings it all to completion, thank you!!!
I had a wonderful chat with him in a cafe at Epsom. I think he was in his 80s. He was so happy to have a chat. Fond memory. ❤
What a brilliant actor, loved him and all his movies. A sad, tragic life as a young boy, but he made it all go away with his comedic brilliance. A star was born, well done Sir Norman Wisdom, RIP. xo
I have watched this, I cannot stop crying. Norman Wisdom made everybody smile. I am 56 years of age, and fondly remember him as the Jester. Yes I am showing my age, but can I please say to his children, your dad was a diamond. I am old school, how to watch what I've just seen, makes me smile and cry. Your dad, Bruce Forsyth, and people of his generation, understood how to appreciate people, and worked hard to do the right thing. Thank you for a beautiful illustration of this man's life, and in respect of everybody involved on this production, I wish you happiness please keep doing what you do well. Adrian.
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Genius is what he was good on him
The fact his wife left him and his kids is pathetic....but what a great man he was
I grew up watching dear Norman making myself and everyone else around laugh .He was so clever with his split timing sense for making us laugh. RIP Norman.
We loved Norman here, in Romania 🇹🇩. Unfortunately, I don't think my younger generations have seen any of Norman Wisdom's films.
Wow, a story for every single person to gain something from. Even if it's only to love and be loved when you're down. Thank You Sir Norman.
Norman will always be my very favourite actor. He has given me hours of enjoyment. God bless you Norman.
A lovely, very funny man.He made me laugh as a child and I never stopped.R.I.P. Sir Norman.
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One of the best . thank you for the laughs, Norman Wisdom!
I LOVED Norman Wisdom when I was a kid, and still do. I remember being in fits of laughter watching him on TV.
He was a real character.
R.I.P. Norman ❤
Never a dull moment with Sir Norman. A true national treasure who spans the generations. He'll be missed and will live on too.
I grew up addicted to Norman Wisdom movies, I used to get so excited when I knew they would be on tv and never missed them. What a unique man he was, a true gentleman who just loved to make others laugh. In a world where that is so rare, it is a shame he is no longer with us. A great tribute to a magnificent legend of comedy. Beautifully narrated by Terrence Stamp as well. Thank god we had the privilege of Norman's great talents.
From a broken family, thrown at the ceiling and made homeless at the age of 9, to one of the most respected and much loved entertainers, life has ever seen. For me, up there with the likes of Ronnie Barker & David Jason.
Never realized your hard background Norman. Feel guilty that I was not a fan ..... now I am. You are humble and amazing. RIP Norman.
what a great man....look at the houses his kids live in.......what a legacy of smiles he left
I so hope he knew he didn't just make us laugh.- I think its true to say people held him in a genuine affection. To spend your life making people happy and laugh is a tremendous thing to do.
I'm so glad that through technology these great performers will not be forgotten, and still be available to each new generation, even those of us who weren't alive to experience them first hand, or because of distance just weren't aware of them.
Norman had beautiful singing voice and I'm crying watching this video as well as laughing. RIP🙏 dear special Norman ❤❤❤❤
Vivien,i am a man ,in the Netherlands, when i saw this i laught,and also cried,65 now i grow up with Norman Wisdom ,and i say as a dutchman,he was truly the greatest ever comedian,i wish you the in your live,...i cried also when hé died ,i miss him ...❤❤
Ruud from the Netherlands, live wel Vivien ..Ruud 🎉🎉🎉
The best,sorry Vivien😂
God bless that Pie Man. What a good heart ❤
I grew up watching Norman, he was the best and so funny
Loved you so much Norman, you were the best funniest man,so sad to hear that you childhood was in hardship and a cruel violent Father. Rest in peace. Xxxxxx
All the terrible treatment from his Father is so sad but sadly this is how some parents are but Norman had the last laugh what a legend makes me proud a wonderful character x
I am a qualified lesbian too
Great memories from when I was a child more of his films should still be shown I am 69 and miss the fun a laughs. Norman Wisdom a great man.
A multi, multi talented genius of a man! With no thanks whatsoever to his complete khasi of a "dad"!
I loved watching Norman Wisdom movies and his tv shows , during my childhood days. Even to this day I find him entertaining.
One thing Norman had as a child was being in the company of children who were also suffering tough lives. Having parents that love you makes so much difference to your outlook on life. Even if there is little food and poverty affection is a precious jewel.
Rest in peace to a comedy legend, 😇
Sir Norman wisdom, 👍
👍😇🌻😷🌍✌💝😷🌻👍😇
A jester A Brilliant jester Who gave a lot of people happiness and laughter RIP Norman
Our greatest comedian. I saw him once when he came into our family jewellers where I was working a Saturday job aged 14. My dad served him and he was there for about an hour. What struck me was how sad and lonely he seemed. You cant expect a comedian to be on the job 24 hours a day but that day he looked totally dejected. He bought jewellery for his wife. Maybe that's why he looks pissed off?
a man of so many ages who will never die what a man
grew up watching him ...best ever ever funnyman i have ever seen
Norman wisdom was internanail and legend actor cinema never ever see someone like sir Norman wisdom again .i am 69 years old and all alone and every time i feel sad i just watch his movies i can say i watch his moveis since i was 10 years old god bless him and he is in middel of the paradis 10/04/2021 please let people watch sir norman wisdom don't get rid of his art . he is for ever and ever and ever in heart people
Fantastic man, he is missed, may he rest in peace and bless his family.
What a legend Norman wisdom was my favourite of all times rip Norman
loved Mr Wisdom's films as a child and was fortunate enough to see him perform at Great Yarmouth, fantastic singer too, overrun by at least an hour, everyone in fits of laughter - even those waiting outside the theatre!
gawd bless ya norman,small in stature but a giant in personality and talent, with a heart of gold we were lucky to have had you around for so long----and god said good to have you back pitkin, hm x
I loved his act and his antics as a child and I still love them as an adult. Thank you Sir. Norman for the endless laughter and joy. RIP
The utter genius of this man nearly killed me as a kid in the 60s n 70s, the pain and the agony I went through laughing so much and so hard very often doubled up bent double in hysterics. To have just 10% of the ability he had to do this would be a real gift. Makes my heart ache he has now gone, but he had a good long life and shared it with us. God bless Sir Norman R.I.P. and thank you for the hysterics and the pain you caused me and millions more like me.
Norman was truly great.
He definitely was a wonderful man I'm in my 50s now and I always remember Mormon he makes me laugh now see the films I watched as a young child I can watch on TH-cam and it takes me back to when I was a kid I got to meet you she brought plenty of funny and joy in my life as a kid growing up and has a middle aged man still makes me laugh so sir Norman Wisdom rest in Peace
When I was a young boy in the 60's, I first saw Norman Wisdom, and just as I am now, I was blown away, he was a comic genius, but he was also a decent human being, I just feel I need to mention the true up bringing, or should I say his non up bringing, He has worked wonders with his unsure start in life.
Isn’t it interesting that he didn’t grow up to be a habitual criminal, after that terrible start in life. He stayed a decent, honest, person and never stopped learning, and bettering himself, and he made an outstanding success of his life, instead. What a wonderful man.
I worked for his sister in law almost unto her death. His brother was a brilliant doctor as was his sister in law. His nieces and nephews all went into fascinating careers.
I'd love to hear his brothers story, how did he become a Dr
I wonder, was his brother treated as badly as him?
Never heard of him yet his story has made me deeply saddened. God bless his soul.
Yes a very sad start for him, can't understand how anyone's Father can treat there son like this. imo he was severely mentally deranged. You are in the USA I guess ?
NORMAN WISDOM WAS A CHILDHOOD MEMORIES FAVOURITE ❤😂
I absolutely love Norman wisdom. He is the best.
He was simply a brilliant artist RIP Norman
I've been thinking: we call so many people "the Great!" - Alexander the Great, Peter the Great, Charlemagne and so on. These are people who destroyed so many lives. Now, I'd like to propose referring to Norman Wisdom as Norman the Great! He should be held up to the younger generation as a model. I understand that he attributed his success "90% to hard work and 10% to luck". I consider myself fortunate to have seen most (if not all) of his films as a child in the 50s and 60s. One final word - his daughter, his son, his daughter-in-law and grandchildren should be very proud of Norman the Great!
Watch the documentary about him made 13 years ago, his children were horrendus, no understanding of the aging Norman no willingness to support him ( her dog came first). Totally self centred, said Norman only wanted to be the centre of attention. Sold his precious cars and bikes. Terrible children.
I will always remember the fire scene, the golf scene, the flooding bathroom, the hairdresser and the milkman bit. And of course 'MR. GRIMSDALE!!!!
Our children instead of calling them wisdom teeth they were always Norman teeth. 😀😂🤣
A truly wonderful talented artist! And such a lovely human being!♥
I absolutely loved Norman Wisdom's films as a kid. They had me in stitches and gave me lots of inspiration to make life more interesting and fun through silliness and fooling. Watching this I had no idea how magnificent a human being he was. A titan of comedy and giant of a man. God Bless you Norman ❤
I loved Norman Wisdom when I was a child. I have to laugh when he said he learned to box on a ship. Although my father taught me to box , he was a British army champion. I also learned a lot on a ship named the Braemar Castle to perfect the art. I never left the ranks of amateur. But Norman Wisdom will always be the champion of comedy In my lifetime.
I adored Norman. A true genius, and my daddy looked just like him xxx
What a great man. He is a true inspiration. A beautiful soul who will always be remembered. His legacy will live on!! Rip dear mr wisdom.xx
What a fabulous man! He’ll never be forgotten. ❤
A wonderfully funny man with a dreadful childhood. Miss you, Norman!
What great films to watch as child in the 70s an early 80s,so sad of his childhood,I had one myself.R.I.P. Norman wisdom
An incredible story about an amazing man. To this day his films are so funny - what a talent, never to be forgotten.
Now in my 70s I can still remember the first movie I ever saw, A Stitch in Time. I enjoyed it so much that I spent several weeks going back to see it time and time again. My pocket money must have paid for his first Bentley! The world stopped in that little theatre in Prestwich. It has since stopped in Ireland and Australia a few times too. The little man called Pitkin was my idol. Thank you for this beautifully told story of his life. I think I need to sit down and watch him yet again!
Amazing courage and talent.RIP and thank you, Sir Norman.