News

Sir Norman dies

The legendary comic actor Sir Norman Wisdom has died, aged 95. Sir Norman passed away at Abbotswood Nursing Home, Ballasalla, yesterday (Monday), his family have confirmed.

The actor became a global star during the 50s and 60s playing the hapless Norman Pitkin who was a source of frustration for his boss Mr Grimsdale.

In his later years, Sir Norman, made the Isle of Man his home.

A family statement said: ‘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 6.46pm on October 4.’
Tributes have already begun to flood in.

Sir Tim Rice recalled how Sir Norman became a hero in Albania, where his films were the among the few Western movies to be shown. (I can testify to this, there’s a motel in Front Royal, run by an Albanian and we managed to connect the IoM to Albania through Norman Wisdom who the owner/manager LOVED.)

‘Everywhere we went Norman was mobbed,’ said Sir Tim.

Sir Norman was knighted in 2005 and was also made a Freeman of the Borough of Douglas.

He enjoyed a full part of Island life, regularly carrying out public engagements.