British comic Norman Wisdom retiring

Legendary British comic Norman Wisdom, known for the catchphrase "Mr. Grimsdale," is set to retire after his 90th birthday, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Wisdom, who turns 90 Feb. 4, will end his 55-year screen and TV career to spend more time golfing and being with his family.

"He has been thinking about (retiring) for the past couple of weeks. His family may have also had an influence and he wanted to see more of them. He thought that 90 was a good cut-off point," Johnny Mans, the comedian's agent and manager, told the BBC.

Rex Harrison is credited with discovering Wisdom during a charity performance in the 1940s, leading to a career that included shows with Laurel and Hardy and Vera Lynn, as well as film, TV and Broadway credits.

The BBC said Wisdom, who was knighted in 2000, is scheduled to perform on a Caribbean cruise ship and at a variety show at the Theater Royal in Norwich, England, before he retires.

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