Norman Frederick Jewison, CC, O.Ont (born 21 July 1926) is a Canadian film director, producer, actor and founder of the Canadian Film Centre.

Jewison was born in Toronto, the son of Dorothy Irene (née Weaver) and Percy Joseph Jewison, who managed a general store and post office. He attended Kew Beach School, and while growing up in the 1930s displayed an aptitude for performing and theatre. He served in the Navy (1944-1945) during World War II, and after being discharged traveled in the American South, where he encountered segregation, an experience that would influence his later work.

Jewison attended Victoria College in the University of Toronto, graduating with a B.A. in 1949. As a student he was involved in writing, directing, and acting in various theatrical productions, including the All-Varsity Revue in 1949. During the summer he worked as a waiter at the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as doing local theatre production. Following graduation he was determined to work in show business, preferably as an actor, and ventured to Hollywood and New York in search of opportunities.