Norman Jewison, director of ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ ‘Moonstruck,’ dies
Norman Jewison, the acclaimed Canadian-born director known for his diverse filmography which included the Oscar-winning In the Heat of the Night and the romantic comedy Moonstruck, has passed away at the age of 97. His publicist, Jeff Sanderson, confirmed that Jewison died peacefully on Saturday, although further details surrounding his death were not immediately available.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jewison seamlessly blended light entertainment with films that tackled socially relevant issues close to his heart. After witnessing the Jim Crow segregation in the American South during his time in the Canadian navy in World War II, Jewison made it his mission to explore themes of racism and injustice in his movies.
One of his most renowned works, In the Heat of the Night released in 1967, starring Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier, delved into the racial tensions in a small southern town as a white sheriff and a black detective join forces to solve a murder. The movie ultimately won the Best Picture Academy Award and received critical acclaim despite some criticism from James Baldwin, who believed it to be detached from reality.
Inspiration for the film came from an unexpected source—Robert F. Kennedy. The director shared an encounter with the politician during a ski trip in Idaho where he discussed the plot of In the Heat of the Night. Kennedy imparted timeless wisdom to Jewison by emphasizing the importance of timing in politics, art, and life.
In addition to In the Heat of the Night, Jewison received two other Oscar nominations for Moonstruck and Fiddler on the Roof. He also directed a variety of notable films including The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, The Thomas Crown Affair, and A Soldier’s Story.
Jewison was born in Toronto and began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor before transitioning to directing. He helmed numerous TV programs before making his feature film debut in 1963 with 40 Pounds of Trouble.
He is survived by his wife Lynne St. David, whom he married in 2010, and three children from his previous marriage to Margaret Ann Dixon. Jewison’s contributions to the film industry were recognized by Canada with a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2003.
Norman Jewison’s storytelling prowess and dedication to addressing important social issues have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His work will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.
