Welcome to a treasury of wit and wisdom from one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, Norman Wisdom. With a career spanning over six decades, Norman Wisdom enchanted audiences with his unique blend of slapstick humor, endearing clumsiness, and heartfelt sincerity. Born in 1915, Wisdom’s journey from a troubled childhood to international stardom is as captivating as the characters he portrayed on screen. Through his iconic roles in films like Trouble in Store and The Early Bird, Wisdom captured the hearts of millions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of comedy.
Beyond his on-screen antics, Norman Wisdom’s quotes reflect a deep understanding of life’s complexities, often wrapped in humor and warmth. From insightful reflections on perseverance and resilience to delightful quips about human nature, Wisdom’s words resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re seeking a dose of laughter or a moment of introspection, his timeless wisdom continues to inspire and entertain. Explore the wit and wisdom of Norman Wisdom below, and discover the enduring charm of a true comedic legend.
I do play drums when I’m on tour. Norman Wisdom
I’m still constantly thinking of ideas. I don’t feel 90. I think I’m about 12. Norman Wisdom
Of course I’ve done musicals here in London. Norman Wisdom
I believe in physical comedy, because that reaches out most to people. Norman Wisdom
You know I’ve got a chum, a smashing mate, he’s got a dog with no legs, and he calls it a cigarette. It’s true, yeah, because at nighttime he has to take it out for a drag. Norman Wisdom
My comedy is for children from three to 93. You do need a slightly childish sense of humour and if you haven’t got that, it’s very sad. Norman Wisdom
At my age, the radiation will probably do me good. Norman Wisdom
I must admit I like to muck around a bit; I always have. Norman Wisdom
I have a folder where I keep all the articles the critics have written about me. It makes me feel good. Norman Wisdom
I like consistency. If you’ve had a childhood like mine, you want some things you can rely on to stay the same. Norman Wisdom
When you’re as famous as I am, stories take on a life of their own. Norman Wisdom
I’ve an idea for doing a Situation Comedy myself but its always difficult to get people to listen to you because they like to put their own ideas forward. Norman Wisdom
As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two. Norman Wisdom
I’ve always had a sense of humour, and I still do, so I just want to go on performing as long as I can. It’s as simple as that. Norman Wisdom
I play drums, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, piano. Norman Wisdom
Well if I was going to describe my audience, it’s going to take longer than you’d ever expect, hundreds of years in fact, because there’s many of them, all over the world. Norman Wisdom
I’ve got one idea I want to do for a film and you know I just enjoy myself doing bits and pieces. Norman Wisdom
But no, I’ve just been very lucky. But I’ve worked hard, and the harder you work, the luckier you seem to get. Norman Wisdom
I was in the band as a boy and was taught music and learned to compose. Norman Wisdom
I’ve been extremely lucky having been in the army when I was a boy of fourteen. Norman Wisdom
Don’t get me wrong: I’m overjoyed with my career to date. But perhaps I could have done more. Mostly, I just did whatever the directors told me to do. Norman Wisdom
In fact, one was so booked out we went from March and were to go till November, but the pantomime was booked so they transferred the show to the Prince of Wales Theatre because it was so packed out, and it ran on from there. Norman Wisdom
What I like doing most is making children laugh. Norman Wisdom
My only phobia is untidiness. My hair has to be neatly kept; my shoes are always clean. Everything has to be in a straight line, in its place. Norman Wisdom
It was smashing working with Jerry Desmonde, he was a very nice chap. Norman Wisdom
I can never tell a joke, I’ve always found it easier to just fall over. Norman Wisdom
Such is life and life is such and after all it isn’t much. First a cradle. Then a hearse. It might have been better, but it could have been worse. Norman Wisdom
You see I’m semi-retired now and don’t work all the time, only most of it! Norman Wisdom
My father used to be away for months at a time, and he’d never leave any money for food, so my brother and I had to go out and nick it. Norman Wisdom
I was born in London, and went to school in Scotland – I used to be dead tired when I got home at night. Norman Wisdom
I was born in very sorry circumstances. Both of my parents were very sorry. Norman Wisdom
I owe everything to the army. Norman Wisdom
There are people who like just ordinary comedy fun, and making mistakes – which I do easily – and then there are people who like the falling over. Norman Wisdom
It was absolutely thrilling to meet Laurel and Hardy, they were so nice. Norman Wisdom
I don’t know nothing about communism. But I know the Albanians loved me. Same reason as anyone else loves me. Because I made them laugh. Norman Wisdom
Most of my comedies were low on budgets – certainly by American standards. Norman Wisdom
Years ago, there was a variety theatre in every British town, and people paid to go down and see it. Comedy was the main part of the theatre, and comedians earned a living by being funny. Now you have comedy in television instead. Comedians now have to be funny within a play. Norman Wisdom
I’ve been making people laugh for 40 years, so I know how important it is! Norman Wisdom
I used to first go on to entertain an audience. But now I go, and this is really true – I go on to have fun with a crowd of my chums. Norman Wisdom
All my boyhood, all I ever wanted was to be loved. Norman Wisdom
I’ve done seven shows at the Palladium – long running shows I’m talking about. Norman Wisdom
