Norman Yemm


Norman Yemm was an Australian actor, opera singer, musical theatre performer and sportsman. He had spent some years as a chief baritone with the Australian Opera appearing in such roles as Don Pasquale and was a frequent performer in the musical theatre world—most notably as Curly in Oklahoma!, and the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. He also appeared in South Pacific and The Sound of Music, prior to his television roles. As a sportsman Yemm was a professional runner for many years and an Australian rules footballer.

Television roles

He may be best remembered for his long-running role as Norm Baker in the television drama The Sullivans. He had previously played regular roles in Homicide as Detective Jim Patterson and Number 96 as Harry Collins. He later appeared, albeit briefly in Prisoner as police officer Eddie Stevens. Other TV credits include: Division 4, Matlock Police, Riptide, Tandarra, A Country Practice, Possession, Neighbours, The Henderson Kids, Blue Heelers and Something in the Air. His Australian film roles include Night of Fear and The Fourth Wish.

Sporting achievements

Norman was a professional track athlete for most of his adult life, winning 96 finals, including three races at the Stawell Gift. Yemm was also an Australian rules footballer, having played for Victorian Football Association club Port Melbourne.

Personal life

Norman Yemm was born in 1933 in Elsternwick, Victoria. He has an identical twin brother, Gordon, who is a professional musician and shares Norman's success on the track and as a performer.
"An actor's greatest attribute is to have a good memory, but I've always had a bad one." That didn't stop him from working that much harder to remember his lines on stage and screen, and it was some old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears that brought the brothers their success. He has three children; his daughter Jodie Yemm is an actress.

Death

Yemm died on 3 February 2015, aged 81, and his death was announced two days later.

Filmography

Film

Television