Barry Norman dies

Much loved film critic was 83.

by Jennie Kermode

He was Britain's most successful and popular film critic, hosting the BBC's flagship film review for 26 years. Now Barry Norman has died at the age of 83.

"He had a great life, a wonderful marriage and an enviable career," said his daughters, Samantha and Emma, in a statement. "We will miss him more than we can say."

Norman, who had a passion for cricket and liberal politics, wrote on film for numerous national newspapers and was a CBE and the proud owner of a Richard Dimbleby Award from BAFTA. Throughout his life he was committed to supporting the British film industry. For the past year he had suffered from lung cancer, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

"A film critic and a provider of fine pickled onions. That’s a good life," tweeted Stephen Fry, referring to Norman's sideline as the owner of a brand of pickled onions based on an old family recipe.

Producer Jonathan Sothcott described Norman as "our most famous and charming film critic and an icon of Eighties TV."

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

Is This Thing On? Nouvelle Vague Primate Rabbit Trap
News

Home truths Marijana Janković on Balkan representation, and the immigrant question of belonging

The division belle Suzannah Herbert on facing the US' troubled history and making Natchez

Spin-off alchemy Claude Schmitz on bringing back cop pairing for Conrad & Crab – Idiotic Gems

Past crime Christoffer Boe on creating a world for his period mystery Special Unit - The First Murder

It Was Just An Accident screenwriter arrested in Iran Jafar Panahi speaks out

Sundance announces winners Josephine, Nuisance Bear, Shame And Money and To Hold A Mountain take top prizes

More news and features

Interact

As we move into 2026, don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

With awards season in full flow, you can keep track of the latest news on that here:

César nominations Nouvelle Vague leads the race for France's biggest awards

BAFTA nominations One Battle After Another and Sinners almost neck and neck

Critics' Circle Awards One Battle After Another wins fight

Oscars Sinners dominates the nominations