Norman Jewison

• 18 Aug 14:25
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Norman Frederick Jewison, CC, O.Ont (born 21 July 1926) is a Canadian film director, producer, actor and founder of the Canadian Film Centre. Among his works as a director, one finds In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), Moonstruck (1987), The Hurricane (1999), and The Statement (2003). Norman Jewison has addressed important social and political issues throughout his directing and producing career, often making controversial or complicated subjects accessible to mainstream audiences.

Jewison was born in Toronto, the son of Dorothy Irene (née Weaver) and Percy Joseph Jewison, who managed a convenience store and post office. He attended Kew Beach School, and while growing up in the 1930s displayed an aptitude for performing and theatre. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy (1944–1945) during World War II, and after being discharged traveled in the American South, where he encountered segregation, an experience that would influence his later work.

Jewison attended Victoria College in the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A. in 1949. As a student he was involved in writing, directing, and...

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