Sir Norman Wisdom dies at 95

Legendary British comic actor Sir Norman Wisdom died tonight, aged 95.
The comedian, who was famous for his slapstick film roles in the 1950s and 60s, passed away after suffering a series of strokes over the past six months.
His family tonight confirmed that Sir Norman had died just before 7pm at the Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man after a serious decline in both his mental and physical health.

Comedy legend: Norman Wisdom, pictured in his typical style in 1992, died today

A statement released by his family said: ‘Sir Norman Wisdom has today passed away at Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.
‘Over the last six months Norman has sustained a series of strokes causing a general decline in both his physical and mental health.
‘He had maintained a degree of independence until a few days ago. However, over the last few days his condition rapidly declined.
‘He was in no pain or distress and peacefully passed over at 18.46 on October 4.
The family asked for time to grieve a ‘much loved father and grandfather’.
Sir Norman was knighted in the 2001 New Year’s Honours after a career in which he starred in 19 movies over spanned seven decades.
He discovered his talent for comedy when he served in the Merchant Navy and then the Army.
In 2007, it was reported that Sir Norman’s family had barred his friends from visiting him at his nursing home on the Isle of Man.

Game for a laugh: Wisdom and Jill Dixon in the 1957 British comedy film Just My Luck

Wisdom's mental health declined in recent years, with his family admitting his dementia had become so bad, he no longer recognised himself while watching his films.
His daughter-in-law Kim told the Daily Mail two years ago: 'A lot of fans still remember Normy as the happy chappy falling about, making them roar with laughter.

 

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'They are not inclined to believe that that isn't Norman any more. We don't have that luxury. Norman is in mental decline. We have to deal with it.'
Born in Marylebone to chauffeur Frederick Wisdom and dressmaker Maud, his parents divorced when he was nine, prompting the future star to fend for himself during his teenage years, working around the country as a coal miner, waiter and page boy.

Family man: Wisdom, pictured in the late Fifties, brought up his children Nicholas and Jacqueline alone after splitting up from their mother Freda in 1968

After enlisting as a drummer boy in the Army, he progressed to a bandsman when he was posted to Lucklow, India, in 1930.

Arise Sir Norman: The comedian was knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in June 2000

It was during his stint in India, he discovered his talent for entertainment after performing a comedy routine in an Army gym.
Actor Rex Harrison recognised Wisdom's comedic skills and advised him to seek a career in entertainment after watching him perform during a Forces revue show.
After returning to England and leaving the Army in the Thirties, he worked as as a driver and telephone operator, going on to become a telephone operator following the outbreak of World War II, where he connected calls to Winston Churchill.
An early sign of his cheeky chappie trademark was being reprimanded for calling the Prime Minister 'Winnie'.
He made his professional debut at the age of 31 and toured the country as the 'straight man' to the magician David Nixon, soon creating 'The Gump' - his popular character known for his tweed flat cap worn askew, a too-small suit and crumped shirt and tie.
During his seven decades in showbusiness, Wisdom starred in a string of TV and films, including several episodes of Last Of The Summer Wine and Coronation Street.
He tasted success on both the West End and Broadway stage, starring in productions such as Walking Happy, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award.
Wisdom split from his wife Freda Isobel Simpson in 1969 and he brought up their two children Nicholas and Jacqueline alone