Who cannot remember Norman Wisdom? Still alive, but retired he was one of the greatest film 'clowns' of the 50's. I have a box set of 12 of his films, and still sit down and laugh out loud at his antics.

Below is a mini biography from  http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0936295/bio  

I have used this information as it was the best available. I mean no ill will to this excellent site and beg for forgiveness if I have offended by using it. If that is the case please contact me and it will be removed.

His own web site is at Norman Wisdom.co.uk

Norman Wisdom has become the great British clown very much in the mould of Charles Chaplin with his "little man" in the ill fitting suit and cloth cap. His character is "everyman", much put upon but struggling through to a (usually) happy ending. He was brought up in an orphanage after his mother died and his father disowned him. He joined the army where he discovered that his performing ability was appreciated. He has worked variously on stage and screen since 1952. His theme song has become "Don't laugh at me, ('cause I'm a fool)" from the film 'Trouble in Store (1953)'.

The man has become a national institution with his trade mark ill fitting suits and cap, and I have watched film after film of his, and always find them funny and often moving.

Some trivia from the same source is below.

6th June 2000: Awarded a Knighthood by the Queen, he deliberately tripped as he left the ceremony. The Queen was reported as being very amused by his antics! Norman Wisdom stated: "I couldn't help it, I did a little trip"

Is famous for not being able to complete a joke before bursting into fits of laughter

He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June 1995.

The song "Don't laugh at me ('cause I'm a fool)" was written by Norman Wisdom for the film Trouble in Store (1953) and became his theme song. He still uses it to close his one man show.

To end, this man was one of my favourite comedians, and I have enjoyed his clowning for years. Thanks Norman.

Norman Wisdom sadly passed away aged 95 in October 2010. Charlie Chaplin once said that he was his favourite clown and he was still performing in the home he lived in nearly up to the end. Truly one of the greats and he will be missed by many.