Obituary: Norman Yemm – Television.AU

Norman Yemm, veteran actor of Australian film, stage and television, has died at the age of 81.

With a background in opera and musical theatre, Yemm made the transition to television in the police drama Homicide. After making a number of guest appearances in the series, he took on the regular role of Detective Jim Patterson from mid-1969.

He also appeared opposite his twin brother Gordon, who made a guest appearance in the series as Patterson’s twin.

After leaving Homicide he starred in controversial drama Number 96, playing the part of car salesman Harry Collins. He made his entrance into the series as the estranged husband of Vera Collins (Elaine Lee) who returns to her apartment and rapes her. At the time it was believed to be the first time a male actor had appeared nude on Australian TV.

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He later bared all in a Cleo magazine centrefold.

tvtimes_130578 Yemm was one of the regular cast members of the long-running World War II drama The Sullivans, playing the part of Norm Baker.

Other television credits included Hunter, I’ve Married A Bachelor, Boney, Ryan, Matlock Police, The Lost Islands, The Fourth Wish, A Country Practice, Prisoner, Neighbours, Joh’s Jury, The Flying Doctors, Blue Heelers and Something In The Air.

In 1993 he harked back to his musical roots with a guest appearance in comedy show The Late Show.

Norman Yemm is survived by three children, including actress Jodie Yemm.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, IMDB. TV Times, 2 July 1969. TV Times, 13 May 1978. TV Week, 26 February 1972.

12 thoughts on “Obituary: Norman Yemm”

I had the privilege to direct Norman Yemm in ‘Runaway Island’ for Grundy Motion Pictures in 1983.

He was a pleasure to work with and his creative skill and humour has always stayed with me. He made such a contribution to the Australian Television Industry, and will be missed by many industry professionals.

Great actor he be sadly missed

I’ve said it elsewhere, I’ll say it here – Vale Norman Yemm – Rest In Peace. Fondly remembered for his role as Jim Patterson in Australian Television Nework’s legendary “Homicide” series.

R.I.P Norman you were great in The Classic Drama The Sullivans and Homicide you will be greatly missed

Also best remembered in the sullivans and prisoner

Vale Norman Yemm. Sad news. Will always remember the role of Norm Baker in The Sullivans. Iconic. The true hero of the series. Anzac with a heart of gold.

Thoughts are with your family, a great loss to the Australian Industry of theatre, television and film. A mentor to many. Good memories are which we all have left. Rest in Peace.

I liked Norman Yemm in a Country Practice. He was a great actor. Vale Norman Yemm.

Yes I remember the good old 1970’s/80’s shows with Norman Yemm he was a brilliant and great actor I only just found out, about Norman Yemm passing away. I will all ways remember him from homicide and of course The Sullivans. A fantastic Australian actor gone to soon.

Very good runner norman won many races as a professional…..RIP xxxx

He was a lovely man with a hilarious laugh. He was great as the no-nonsense Detective Jim Patterson with a big heart in Homicide. His best role was in The Sullivan’s as the kind-hearted, paternal Norm Baker. Such a sad loss.