Norman Pace (born 17 February 1953 in
Dudley,
West Midlands) is an
English actor and
comedian, best known as one half of the comedy duo
Hale and Pace with his friend and comic partner
Gareth Hale. Former teachers, their comedy partnership has fronted several television programmes, most notably Hale and Pace, Pushing Up Daisies, h&p;@bbc and Jobs for the Boys.
Early life
He grew up in
Newark-on-Trent in
Nottinghamshire. He attended the Magnus Grammar School (now called the
Magnus C of E School). He then went to Avery Hill College, now the
Avery Hill Campus of the
University of Greenwich, in
Eltham where he gained a
BEd in 1975.
Work with Gareth Hale
As straight actors, they also fronted the original TV dramatisation of
Dalziel and Pascoe; and in
1989 guest-starred together in the
Doctor Who serial
Survival. Also in 1989, Hale and Pace won the
Golden Rose of Montreux. In 2007 they appeared in the Christmas Special of , called
The Extra Special Series Finale, playing themselves.
Later work
Recently, Norman Pace has taken a direction towards
theatre and has starred in 'Chicago' (Adelphi), 'Breakfast with
Jonny Wilkinson' and
Our Man in Havana at the
Nottingham Playhouse. Currently, (summer 2010) he is appearing as the detective in a touring production of Peter Gordon comedy 'Murdered to Death'.
He is also a regular presenter for 'The Open' on the Sky Poker channel. His most memorable episode is where he was presenting, whilst his family was playing in the studio.
Personal life
Norman Pace is a keen
poker player himself and has done well in several tournaments. In 2005 he appeared on the celebrity poker chatshow
Heads Up with Richard Herring to discuss his career and his love of poker. He has also provided commentary for the
PartyPoker.com European Open.
Pace won the Grand Final of the Showbiz Poker event. In the final hand, his A♦ J♣ hole cards started off ahead of Michael Greco's K♦ Q♦, but Greco made two pair on the 8♦ Q♥ K♠ flop. However, the 4♥ 10♣ that followed allowed Pace to complete his straight to win the £25,000 first prize.
Pace has a disabled daughter Holly, he has revealed that he fears for her wellbeing after he and her mother Beverley have passed on.
References
External links
Norman Pace Hendon Mob poker tournament results
Category:1953 births
Category:Living people
Category:Alumni of the University of Greenwich
Category:English comedians
Category:English actors
Category:Poker commentators
Category:People from Newark-on-Trent
