Norman Wisdom, much loved British comedian, passed away Monday evening in Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man. The London born actor had suffered a series of strokes over the last 6 months, leading to declining mental and physical health. The actor who clowned his way out of a poverty stricken childhood and into a knighthood was said to have died “peacefully”.
Charlie Chaplin famously dubbed Norman Wisdom his “favourite clown” and the comic had gained international appeal in his slapstick role as Norman Pitkin, becoming something of a cult icon in Albania. The physical comedian was knighted in 2000 and retired in 2005 after a 60 year long career including starring roles on Broadway, in 19 films and in 32 television shows.
His family grieve for a “much loved father and grandfather” whilst his publicist said “Of all the artists I’ve ever worked with, he’s been the closest. It’s a sad day.”
