Norman Jewison, the renowned Canadian film director known for his diverse range of films, has passed away at the age of 97. Jewison, whose notable works include “Moonstruck” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” was a champion of homegrown talent and his films covered a wide spectrum of genres, from romantic comedies to social and racial dramas.
The news of Jewison’s death was confirmed by his publicist, who stated that the director died peacefully at his home on Saturday. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on the film industry.
Jewison was known for his commitment to projects that explored the human condition and conveyed important social messages. Montreal-born director Barry Avrich, who sought advice from Jewison early in his own filmmaking career, described him as a “great giant” and credited him with offering valuable guidance. Jewison’s advice to Avrich was to choose controversial topics that would resonate with a large audience, a blueprint that Avrich followed in his own documentaries.
The Canadian Film Centre, which Jewison founded in 1988, praised him as a national icon and a brilliant storyteller. They lauded his ability to tackle controversial and complex subjects while making them accessible to a broad audience.
Throughout his career, Jewison’s films received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. His 1967 crime drama “In the Heat of the Night,” which addressed issues of racism, won five Academy Awards and set the stage for his exploration of racial tension in subsequent films such as “A Soldier’s Story” and “The Hurricane.”
In addition to his socially conscious films, Jewison also dabbled in other genres. He directed the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the crime drama “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and the Cold War satire “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” among others.
One of Jewison’s most beloved films was the romantic comedy “Moonstruck,” which earned Cher an Oscar for Best Actress and Olympia Dukakis an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Cher paid tribute to Jewison on social media, expressing her gratitude for the experience of working with him.
Jewison’s passion for storytelling began at a young age, and he pursued a career in show business after obtaining a degree in general arts from the University of Toronto. Despite facing initial challenges in finding acting roles, Jewison eventually found success as a writer, director, and producer in television and film.
His contributions to the film industry were recognized with numerous honors, including being named a companion of the Order of Canada and receiving the Irving G. Thalberg Award for lifetime achievement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Jewison’s name is immortalized on stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
While Jewison found success in Hollywood, he always maintained a strong connection to his Canadian roots. He actively supported and fostered local talent, and his return to Canada in 1978 demonstrated his commitment to the country’s film community.
Norman Jewison will be remembered as a visionary filmmaker who used his craft to shed light on important social issues. His films touched the hearts of audiences around the world and left an indelible mark on the industry. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers..
