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When asked about keys to success, many point to hard work, organization or diligence. Not Norman King. He’ll enthusiastically tell you about the importance of a smile and the colorful life he could not have possibly planned, which has now led him to spend his retirement at Vi at Aventura.
Although King’s shorts and tan could easily fool you, King hasn’t always been a Floridian.
Born in England in 1937, he spent his early childhood during WWII. When he was just 15, King left school without graduating and became a chef. “I was hungry, so I cooked,” he recalls.
A few years later, King decided to become a hairdresser. After a quick apprenticeship, he says he took to cutting hair “like a duck to water,” and stuck with it for 50 years. He “could write a whole television series” about his clients from all those decades as a hairdresser, but instead, he directs his interest in the entertainment industry towards acting, which he took up at age 5 in England. At age 65, King made his stage debut in the U.S. Now living at the Vi, he is excited to get involved in the choral group and the drama group.
Although he just moved to the senior living community a few months ago, King has already become friends with many residents, no doubt due to his infinite reserve of stories and vivacious personality. King claims his personality is so bright because he’s a Leo, “and most Leos are outgoing people.” He even claims he can tell if a taxi or Uber driver is also a Leo, just by spending a few minutes with them.
Some words of wisdom from King: a nice smile “can crack mountains, melt ice, and open doors.” He firmly believes being nice to people can get you anywhere. If you’re looking for a party tip, King suggests discussing star signs or quizzing people on the names of the seven dwarves.
“It has been an absolute pleasure having Mr. King at Vi at Aventura,” said Renee Garvin, Vi at Aventura’s Executive Director. “His bright smile and larger-than-life personality are felt throughout the community.”
Vi at Aventura is located at 19333 West Country Club Drive. To learn more, visit miami.viliving.com, call 305-912-0613 or email Aventura@viliving.com.ith
