Norman Jewison, the acclaimed Canadian director known for his Oscar-recognized films such as “Moonstruck” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” has passed away at the age of 97. The news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, who stated that Jewison died peacefully at his home in Toronto on Saturday.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jewison was known for his diverse range of film genres, but he was particularly drawn to projects that explored social issues and the human condition. One of his most notable works was the crime drama “In the Heat of the Night,” which won five Oscars in 1967 and was a groundbreaking film in addressing the effects of racism. This issue struck Jewison during his travels through the segregated American South as a teenager, after his service in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. His experiences witnessing apartheid firsthand deeply impacted him and fueled his desire to shed light on racial tension through his films.
Jewison continued to delve into themes of racial discrimination in films such as “A Soldier’s Story” in 1984 and “The Hurricane” in 1999, which earned Denzel Washington an Oscar nomination for his performance. However, Jewison’s talent extended beyond this genre, as he also directed and produced award-winning films in various other genres. His filmography includes the crime drama “The Thomas Crown Affair,” the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the Cold War satire “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.” He also ventured into thrillers such as “…And Justice for All” and “Agnes of God,” as well as the beloved romantic comedy “Best Friends.”
Born in 1926, Jewison was often mistaken for being Jewish due to his surname, though he was raised as a Methodist. From a young age, he developed a passion for performing and storytelling, which led him to obtain a bachelor’s degree in general arts from the University of Toronto’s Victoria College in 1949. Initially struggling to find acting opportunities in New York and Hollywood, Jewison worked odd jobs in Toronto to support his budding career in show business. He eventually found success in television, working as a scriptwriter for the BBC in London and later as a writer, director, and producer for CBC-TV in Toronto.
Jewison’s breakthrough in the film industry came with the 1965 gambling drama “The Cincinnati Kid,” which led to numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1992, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada, and in 1999, he received the Irving G. Thalberg Award for lifetime achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Jewison’s contributions to the film industry were further recognized with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Beyond his achievements as a filmmaker, Jewison was known for his mentorship of aspiring filmmakers at the Canadian Film Centre, which he founded in 1988. He also proudly showcased his Canadian roots by shooting films in Canada and advocating for Canadian culture. In a convocation address at Ryerson University in 2008, he emphasized the power of the arts in shaping the identity of a nation.
Despite his international success, Jewison always considered himself a proud Canadian. He cherished his farm in Caledon, Ontario, where he and his family raised pigs and cattle, and he often expressed his love for his home country. Known for his hearty laugh and unwavering confidence, Jewison never played favorites when it came to his films, considering each one a result of determination, good timing, the right casting, and a bit of luck.
Norman Jewison leaves behind a lasting legacy in the film industry and will be remembered as a talented director, mentor, and champion of Canadian cinema. His belief in the power of storytelling and his dedication to tackling social issues through film will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers..
