Norman Jewison

Biography of Norman Jewison

Norman Jewison, one of Canada’s most beloved filmmakers, came into the world on July 21, 1926, in Toronto, Ontario. Born to Dorothy Irene (née Weaver) and Percy Joseph Jewison, who ran a convenience store and post office, Norman grew up in a simple home during the tough years of the Great Depression. Even with times being hard, his parents taught him the value of hard work and a deep appreciation for stories. As a kid, he got hooked on theater and performing, setting the stage for a lifelong love affair with the arts.

Early Life and Education

Jewison went to Kew Beach School and Malvern Collegiate Institute, where he started dabbling in acting and writing. When World War II rolled around, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving from 1944 to 1945. After the war, he took a trip through the American South and saw racial segregation up close—an experience that stuck with him and shaped the films he’d make later on. In 1949, he wrapped up his studies at Victoria College at the University of Toronto, earning a degree in political science. While there, he threw himself into theater, writing, directing, and acting in student shows. Fresh out of school, he headed to London to chase opportunities in TV and film. He landed a gig at the BBC writing scripts for kids’ programs and picked up small acting roles to pay the bills. Money got tight, though, and by 1951, he found himself back in Canada.

Personal Life

In 1953, Norman tied the knot with Margaret Ann "Dixie" Dixon, a former model. They built a life together that lasted over 50 years until she passed away in 2004. The couple had three kids—Michael, Kevin, and Jennifer—who all ended up working in entertainment. In 2010, Jewison married Lynne St. David. Friends and family knew him as a humble guy who always made time for the people he loved, even with a big career in film.

Professional Career and Achievements

Jewison kicked off his career at CBC Television in Toronto in the early 1950s. He made a name for himself directing lively variety shows like The Big Revue and The Barris Beat. By 1958, he’d moved to New York to work for NBC, where he helmed popular programs like Your Hit Parade and The Andy Williams Show. That success paved the way to Hollywood. His first feature film, 40 Pounds of Trouble (1962), got him started, but The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen really put him on the map. Over the next 40 years, Jewison churned out films that tackled big social and political questions while still winning over audiences. Standouts include In the Heat of the Night (1967), which snagged five Oscars, including Best Picture; Fiddler on the Roof (1971), a take on the classic musical; and Moonstruck (1987), a romantic comedy that nabbed three Academy Awards. Jewison had a knack for weaving themes like racial injustice (A Soldier’s Story, The Hurricane), religious identity (Jesus Christ Superstar), and human grit (Agnes of God) into his work. He could mix heavy topics with warmth and humor, making him one of Hollywood’s most well-rounded directors.

Contributions and Legacy

Jewison didn’t just make movies—he gave back to Canada’s creative scene. In 1988, he started the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) in Toronto to help new filmmakers find their footing and push the industry forward. His efforts earned him a slew of honors, from honorary degrees at Canadian universities to lifetime achievement awards from the Directors Guild of America and Canada. His films racked up 46 Oscar nominations and took home 12 wins. Though he never snagged a Best Director Oscar despite three nods (In the Heat of the Night, Fiddler on the Roof, Moonstruck), his impact on film is crystal clear. In 1999, the Academy gave him the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his lasting contributions to movies.

Death and Legacy

Norman Jewison passed away quietly at his home in Malibu, California, on January 20, 2024, at 97 years old. His family didn’t share a specific cause of death, but his loss felt like the close of a chapter for Canadian cinema. Jewison’s legacy lives on in his films, which still strike a chord with people everywhere. He had a gift for tackling tricky social issues with care and imagination, leaving a lasting imprint on Hollywood and Canadian filmmaking alike. His work stands as proof of his belief that movies should push audiences to think while capturing what it means to be human.