Film critic Barry Norman dies aged 83

The journalist and former BBC presenter died in his sleep on Friday night.


A statement from his daughters, Samantha and Emma, described him as “remarkable” and added: “He had a great life, a wonderful marriage and an enviable career.”

His literary agent Curtis Brown said he was “the defining voice of film criticism and insightful interviewing of screen legends from both sides of the camera”.

Norman began presenting the BBC’s Film programme in 1972 and continued until 1998 when he decamped to Sky, and was replaced by Jonathan Ross.

He became known for his diplomatic approach and friendly demeanour as an onscreen critic, always dressed in a trusty jumper, and refused to be awed by the glamour of Hollywood and the A-listers he interviewed.

As a dedicate film buff, Barry was one of my idols and I used to look forward to his programs on BBC and later on Sky.  He will be missed.   RIP  Barry,  Lamplighter

Yes, Barry was first-class. I confess, I hadn't realised he was in his eighties.

bb1 wrote:Yes, Barry was first-class. I confess, I hadn't realised he was in his eighties.

The reason why Barry was so good as a fim critic was his background - his father was Leslie Norman who started working at Teddington Studios when he was 14, worked his way up to being an editor, producer and director - The Cruel Sea withJack Hawkins, Dunkirk, X the Unknown and The Long and the Short and The Tall, and TV series episodes Gideon's Way, The Baron, The Saint, The Avengers, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Department S and The Persuaders.
LL

Ah, so Barry actually knew what he was talking about, unlike present-day 'critics' whose life experience consists of degrees in media studies, feminist studies, transgender poetry and similar pretentious carp.