Acclaimed Director Norman Jewison Dies at Age 97
Norman Jewison, the renowned Canadian-born director, has passed away at the age of 97. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Jewison directed a wide range of films, from lighthearted Doris Day comedies to powerful social dramas like the Oscar-winning “In the Heat of the Night.” His films often tackled important societal issues, with racism and injustice being common themes that resonated deeply with him.
Jewison’s personal experiences greatly influenced his work. During World War II, as he was ending his military service in the Canadian navy, he hitchhiked through the American South and witnessed firsthand the Jim Crow segregation. This exposure to racism and injustice became a driving force behind his films. In his autobiography, “This Terrible Business Has Been Good to Me,” Jewison wrote, “Every time a film deals with racism, many Americans feel uncomfortable… We have to deal with prejudice and injustice or we will never understand what is good and evil, right and wrong; we need to feel how ‘the other’ feels.”
One of Jewison’s most notable films, “In the Heat of the Night,” released in 1967, explored racial tensions in a small town. Starring Rod Steiger as a white racist sheriff and Sidney Poitier as a Black detective, the film depicted their unlikely collaboration to solve a murder. While some critics, like James Baldwin, criticized the film for its perceived distance from reality, others, including Bosley Crowther of The New York Times, found it powerful and inspiring. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, solidifying Jewison’s reputation as a talented director.
Jewison’s talent and versatility earned him two other Oscar nominations throughout his career. “Moonstruck,” a beloved romantic comedy starring Cher, won an Academy Award, while “Fiddler on the Roof,” a classic musical set in a Jewish village in Russia, showcased Jewison’s ability to tell diverse stories. His filmography also included notable works such as “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” a Cold War spoof, and “The Thomas Crown Affair,” a thrilling heist film starring Steve McQueen.
Collaborating with Denzel Washington on two occasions, Jewison directed “A Soldier’s Story,” a racial drama, and “The Hurricane,” which portrayed the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. Unfortunately, a planned collaboration on a Malcolm X biography fell through due to protests from Spike Lee and others who believed a white director should not helm the project.
Beyond his contributions to the film industry, Jewison was a family man. He was married to Margaret Ann Dixon for 51 years until her passing in 2004. Together, they had three children, including actress Jennifer Ann, who appeared in Jewison’s films “Agnes of God” and “Best Friends.” In 2010, Jewison remarried Lynne St. David.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Jewison remained close to his Canadian roots. He lived on a 200-acre farm near Toronto, where he raised horses and cattle and produced maple syrup. In 1988, he founded the Canadian Film Centre and hosted barbecues during the Toronto Film Festival.
Reflecting on his career, Jewison admitted that he never fully felt accepted by the establishment, despite his desire for recognition. However, his impact on the film industry and his ability to tackle important social issues through his work cannot be denied. Norman Jewison leaves behind a legacy of thought-provoking films that continue to resonate with audiences today.
