Norman Forsey

Born in London in 1937, and brought up in Wales, Norman Forsey studied drama at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. At BBC Wales he worked as a Wardrobe Master (supervising costumes). Further costume work followed after moving to New Zealand in 1973, with his wife Christine. It wasn't long before he was acting as well; from an early role as a robber in hit TV series Hunter's Gold, to voicing Santa Claus in 2011 short film Preferably Blue. En route he acted on many overseas productions shooting downunder, including Hercules (as Merlin), Adventurer and movie Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence. Forsey died on 12 March 2023. He was 85. Image: courtesy of Ryman Healthcare

When I was about four, to quote the family doctor, he said, 'I think we should get Norman either skating or dancing to strengthen his poor little legs, to build him up.' Norman Forsey on how he began performing after having tuberculosis as a baby, Ryman Healthcare website, 11 April 2022