Iconic filmmaker Norman Jewison, first inductee to Caledon Walk of Fame, dead at 97

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Norman Jewison, director of iconic films like “Fiddler on the Roof”, “In the Heat of the Night”, and “Moonstruck”, has died at the age of 97. 

Jewison had deep ties to Caledon. He purchased and settled on a farm here in 1978, where he raised cattle and ran a maple syrup-making operation. Jewison also had a home in California.

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves said the community's thoughts are with Jewison's family and friends during this difficult time.

“Caledon mourns the loss of Canadian film director and cherished resident Norman Jewison,” said Groves. “Caledon proudly recognized his contributions honoring him as the inaugural inductee on Caledon's Walk of Fame in 1999.”

On January 24, the Town of Caledon issued a statement on Jewison's passing. It said that long-time Caledon resident Jewison made an indelible mark on the film industry with his ground-breaking work.

“Throughout his illustrious career, he addressed social and political issues, making complex subjects accessible to mainstream audiences,” reads the statement. 

“...Jewison's legacy will endure as a testament to his artistic brilliance and his impact on both the local community and the global film landscape.”

Jewison is recognized as a Canadian icon, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on his passing on January 22. 

“Norman Jewison was an iconic filmmaker, writer, and director. He made some of the most memorable films of the 20th century — films that told stories of diversity and of our relentless humanity… they were his own creative works, but they echoed values that are held by all Canadians,” said Trudeau. “He was a proud Canadian and leaves behind a body of work that is still deeply relevant to Canadians, and all people.”

Trudeau said Jewison was a staunch believer in social justice and committed to working for the greater good. 

“The world of movies has lost one of its greats, and Canada has lost one of its most talented storytellers,” said Trudeau. “On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Jewison's family and friends. I know his legacy will remain an inspiration for generations.”

Jewison was born in Toronto in 1926 and served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War ll. He graduated from the University of Toronto's Victoria College in 1949, where he was active in writing, directing, and performing in theatrical productions. 

After a brief stint working in London, England for the BBC, he returned to Canada to work for the CBC as an assistant director. 

In 1958, Jewison was recruited by NBC and went to work in New York, where his success in television eventually led to him directing his first film, “40 Pounds of Trouble”, in 1962.

Jewison directed a series of comedies before creating what would be his breakthrough film, “The Cincinnati Kid”, a drama about gambling. 

After his breakthrough, Jewison experienced great success and directed many well-known movies, such as: “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming”, “In the Heat of the Night”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “...And Justice for All”, “A Soldier's Story”, “Moonstruck”, and “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

Jewison gave back to film in Canada by creating the Canadian Centre for Advanced Film Studies in 1986. It opened in 1988 and was later renamed the Canadian Film Centre (CFC). 

Throughout his career, Jewison was nominated for four Oscars, and won three Emmy Awards. His films received 45 Academy Award nominations, winning 12. Jewison was the first Canadian to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Director's Guild of America.

In 1999, Jewison received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. Jewison has received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada's Walk of Fame.

Maxine Bailey, Executive Director of the CFC, said Jewison will be remembered as one of the world's greatest storytellers, the CFC's beloved and inspiring founder, and a true champion of Canadian talent.

“Norman had such charisma, such dynamism and such passion — and that extended into his work, his films, and his daily interactions and conversations,” she said in a statement.

Tributes to Jewison have been pouring in on social media, including from those he worked with.

Cher, star of “Moonstruck,” said working with Jewison was one of the happiest and most fun experiences of her life. She said he made “Moonstruck” into a great film people love, and that Jewison will live on through his work.