Norman Jewison

Norman Jewison – 37th Annual Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards – Arrivals – InterContinental Hotel – Century City, CA, USA, 2011 – Keywords: Orientation: Portrait Face Count: 1 – False – Photo Credit: Andrew Evans / PR Photos

Birth Name: Norman Frederick Jewison

Date of Birth: July 21, 1926

Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Date of Death: January 20, 2024

Place of Death: Malibu, California, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, some Northern Irish, distant Cornish

Norman Jewison was a Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter. Often addressing controversial social and political issues, he directed the films 40 Pounds of Trouble, The Thrill of It All, Send Me No Flowers, The Art of Love, The Cincinnati Kid, The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming; In the Heat of the Night, The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Gaily, Gaily; Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), which he co-wrote; Rollerball (1975), F.I.S.T., …And Justice for All, Best Friends, A Soldier’s Story (1984), Agnes of God, Moonstruck, In Country, Other People’s Money, Only You (1994), Bogus, The Hurricane (1999), and The Statement (2003). His other directing work includes the shows The Big Revue, The Barris Beat, Your Hit Parade, and The Judy Garland Show, and the made-for-tv features The Million Dollar Incident and Dinner with Friends. He founded charitable organization the Canadian Film Centre. Early in his career, he often collaborated with Carl Reiner.

Norman was the son of Dorothy Irene (Weaver) and Percy Joseph Jewison, who managed a convenience store and post office. His father was of English and Ulster-Scots/Northern Irish descent. His mother was English. Norman served in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. He was married to Lynne St. David, until his death. He was previously married to Margaret Ann Dixon, until her death, with whom he had three children.

Norman was not of Jewish ancestry, and was raised in a Methodist household. The surname Jewison, in most cases, including his, is not of Jewish origin. It originates in Yorkshire, England.

Norman’s paternal grandfather was Joseph Jewison (the son of Jeffrey Jewison and Elizabeth Sharpe). Joseph was born in Peterborough, Ontario. Jeffrey was born in England, the son of Robert Jewison and Mary Calvert, who married in Yorkshire. Elizabeth was born in Canada.

Norman’s paternal grandmother was Matilda Ann Nixon (the daughter of John Nixon and Sarah Wright). Matilda was born in Peterborough County, Ontario, to Irish parents, who likely were of Ulster-Scots/Northern Irish background.

Norman’s maternal grandfather was Arthur Charles Weaver (the son of William Weaver and Mary Elizabeth Moore). Arthur was born in Farmborough, Somerset, England.

Norman’s maternal grandmother was Georgina French (the daughter of John French and Elizabeth Elston). Georgina was born in Stokenham, Devon, England. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Elston and Sarah Southcott.

Sources: http://www.jta.org
https://beachmetro.com
https://www.timesofisrael.com

Genealogies of Norman Jewison – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com

10 Responses

  1. bablah says:

    >(the son of William Weaver and Mary Elizabeth Moore). Arthur was born in Farmborough, Somerset, England.

    Norman’s maternal grandmother was Georgina French (the daughter of John French and Elizabeth Elston). Georgina was born in Ligford, Devon, England.

  2. passingtime85 says:

    Correction.

    Again not really a correction, just a question. Is there any validity to the claim made in this link about the origins of the Jewison lineage? Or is it utter speculation?

    http://www.jta.org/2003/12/17/life-religion/features/actor-director-speak-yiddish

    • follers says:

      Probably speculation. By the way, if the Jewish community of pre-1290 England left any descendants in England, which is certainly possible, then probably all English people are descended from them by now.

      • andrew says:

        Most likely way back the patrilineal ancestor of Jewisons was a Jew. His descendants gave up the faith but they still carry the name.

        As Romans said, nomen (est) omen. Name is a sign.

        • Smellybert says:

          Can you name one verifiable Jewish person with the surname Jeiwson?
          I can’t.
          It’s not a Jewish surname used by any known Jews.
          Ever.
          Prove me wrong.

  3. M-oneill-14 says:

    Why do people always mention ‘ulster scots’ here yet if someone had southern irish ancestry to an irish person with an English surname they don’t call it ‘irish English’ or ‘Munster english’

  4. andrew says:

    I thought he is Jewish

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