Edward Norton is an American actor and director, best known for his roles in the films "Primal Fear" (1996), "American History X" (1998), "Fight Club" (1999), "The Illusionist" (2006), and "Birdman" (2014).
Edward Norton
Childhood and Youth
Edward Harrison Norton was born on August 18, 1969, in Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. The actor's father, Edward Mower Norton Jr., served in Vietnam and later became an environmentalist in Asia and a federal prosecutor for Jimmy Carter's administration (the 39th President of the United States). His mother, Lydia Robinson, an English teacher, died of a brain tumor in 1997. Norton has a younger sister, Molly, and a brother, Jim.
Edward's maternal grandfather was a successful businessman: he founded the "Entrepreneurship Fund" (affordable housing construction) and the well-known construction company The Rouse Company. Thanks to the grandfather's efforts, the historic Baltimore seaport, a festival market in Florida, and other facilities were built.
Edward Norton during his school years
Unlike his grandfather, Norton envisioned himself on stage, not in business, from an early age. The boy made his first steps towards an acting career at the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts. Exceptional talent brought the 15-year-old Norton an acting trophy at summer camp in Bristol, New Hampshire - later, the most famous pioneer was appointed head of the summer theater, where he happily honed his skills.
After graduating from high school, Edward enrolled in Yale University's history department. During his student years, he engaged in rowing and eagerly participated in amateur performances. By the way, together with future Hollywood stars Ron Livingston and Paul Giamatti.
Edward Norton in his youth
After university, Norton went to Japan to help his grandfather in his construction business. Since then, the actor speaks Japanese quite well. But even in such a job, Edward managed to utilize his acting skills: he starred in a series of educational videos for an English language textbook of the country's largest language school.
Acting Career
In the early 1990s, Edward moved from Japan to New York with the final decision to become a star. His breakthrough came in 1993 at an Off-Broadway theater, where he participated in a production of Edward Albee's play (author of the world-famous work "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?").
Edward Norton on stage
Norton made his film debut in 1996, starring in "Primal Fear". In Gregory Hoblit's thriller, the actor played a young man accused of murdering an archbishop and defended in court by a famous lawyer (Richard Gere). Critics and viewers were thrilled with young Norton's performance, who soon won a "Golden Globe" and was nominated for an "Oscar".
Primal Fear (1996) - Ending scene
The same year, Edward appeared as lawyer Alan Isaacman in the biographical film "The People vs. Larry Flynt". Woody Harrelson starred as the scandalously famous publisher and businessman Flynt.
Edward Norton and Woody Harrelson in “The People vs. Larry Flynt”
However, true fame was yet to come. In 1998, in the drama "American History X", the actor played Derek Vinyard, a former ruthless leader of a neo-Nazi group who changes his views on life after leaving prison. The film truly shocked the audience and received a plethora of positive reviews. Critics noted that Norton's character has "ambiguous erotic charm" and that Edward perfectly brought the image to life.
Edward Norton in 'American History X'
During the filming, Norton proved himself a true perfectionist. The film's director, Tony Kaye, edited the film for a whole year, taking into account numerous notes from Norton. Subsequently, the actor often intervened in the production process with his ideas, often causing the dissatisfaction of directors and screenwriters.
On the set of “American History X”
The next big film featuring Norton was David Fincher's "Fight Club". In the 1999 psychological thriller based on Chuck Palahniuk's novel, Edward played the anonymous narrator, a yuppie dissatisfied with his life, who creates the underground organization "Fight Club" together with soap salesman Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt).
On the set of “Fight Club”
To prepare for the role, Norton took boxing, taekwondo and grappling lessons, and deliberately lost weight from the start of filming (unlike Pitt, who was gaining mass).
Brad Pitt and Edward Norton in “Fight Club”
The film was nominated for an "Oscar", and Edward Norton could have received the MTV Movie Awards for the best fight (in one of the scenes he beats himself up), but the award went to Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne for the fight in "The Matrix" (1999).
A scene from «Fight Club»
In 2002, Norton starred in Brett Ratner's thriller "Red Dragon", the second film in the series about intellectual psychopath Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins). Just as successful was the film "25th Hour" by Spike Lee. In it, the actor played a prosperous American, sentenced to 7 years for drug trafficking – he has just 24 hours to say goodbye to his loved ones.
Edward Norton in “25th Hour”
The film has many crossovers with "American History X": both films have scenes mentioning slavery, Norton has the same hairstyle and beard, his father is a firefighter, and he himself is a criminal.
In 2003, Paramount Studios forced the actor to appear in the action movie "The Italian Job" – such were the terms of the contract. Norton was not eager to participate in this project, and later refused to participate in the promotional tour before the premiere. Nevertheless, the film was commercially successful.
Edward Norton, Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron in “The Italian Job”
Then followed roles in "The Illusionist" and the romantic drama "The Painted Veil" with Naomi Watts, and in 2008 the film "The Incredible Hulk" by Marvel Studios was released, in which the actor played the lead role. Norton embodied the image of scientist Bruce Banner, who after an unsuccessful experiment mutates, turning into the green monster Hulk.
Edward Norton Reflects on The Incredible Hulk
In the first film of 2003, the mutant was played by Eric Bana - then designers using facial capture created the appearance of similarity, but now the Hulk's face was made without sketches of Edward's face and therefore it does not look like the actor. It was expected that Norton would repeat his role in "The Avengers" in 2012, but he was replaced by Mark Ruffalo because Norton had disagreements over salary issues.
On the set of “The Incredible Hulk”
In the 2010 tragicomedy "Leaves of Grass", the actor played two diametrically opposed twin characters, and in the thriller "Stone", Norton again played a prisoner willing to do anything to get out of jail. Two years later, Edward could be seen in the cult action movie "The Bourne Legacy", a spin-off of the films about former agent Jason Bourne.
Edward Norton on His Favorite Roles
Norton received a lot of praise for his work after the release of Alejandro González Iñárritu's Oscar-winning black comedy "Birdman" (2014). The peculiarity of the film is the effect of continuous shooting (in reality, the film has more than 100 editing glues). In the story about an aging theater director (Michael Keaton), Edward Norton appeared as a daring actor who undresses naked on stage, tries to rape his partner (Naomi Watts) in front of thousands of spectators, and desperately fights with his boss. Critics noted that for the first time in fifteen years after "Fight Club", the actor received a character equal in power and temperament.
Michael Keaton and Edward Norton on Birdman
In February 2018, work began on the creation of the film "Motherless Brooklyn", directed and written by Edward Norton, who also played the lead role in the film. The film takes place in 1950s New York and tells the story of a detective with Tourette's syndrome who is looking for his mentor's killer. The film also features Willem Dafoe, Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin and Leslie Mann.
“Motherless Brooklyn” – Norton's second directorial work
In March of the same year, a fire broke out on the set, in which a firefighter died while extinguishing it. A lawsuit worth $7 million was filed against Norton's production company, which acted "recklessly, carelessly and negligently". A week after the incident, filming was resumed.
It's no secret that Norton is one of independent director Wes Anderson's favorite actors. He appeared in his films "Moonrise Kingdom" (2012), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014), "The French Dispatch" (2021), "Asteroid City" (2023), and also voiced Rex, one of the main characters in his animated film "Isle of Dogs".
...Wes saw me in a play and sent a letter of praise, and I wrote him about his films. We both live in New York, and we both thought it would be great to work together, but I never pressed him because he has a very specific view of the world and creativity, you need to fit into it.
Edward Norton's Personal Life
In the mid-1990s, Edward Norton dated actress Drew Barrymore, then was engaged to rock singer Courtney Love, but the wedding never took place.
Edward Norton and Drew Barrymore
From 1999 to 2003, he was in a relationship with actress Salma Hayek.
Edward Norton and Salma Hayek
In 2011, Norton proposed to Canadian producer Shauna Robertson after six years of dating. In 2013, their son Atlas was born.
Edward Norton and Shona Robertson
Norton holds a private pilot's license and owns a modified Cessna 206 aircraft.
Edward Norton supports many environmental projects, particularly those related to renewable energy sources. He's also involved in the African Wildlife Foundation, campaigning against the ivory trade.
Edward Norton with his son Atlas
He serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador and a representative of the Convention on Biological Diversity, regularly donating to improve the quality of life in low-income communities. In May 2010, Norton launched the Crowdrise website, a platform for raising funds for charity.
In 2023, Norton participated in the documentary series "Finding Your Roots," where it was revealed that he is a 12th generation descendant of Pocahontas and also related to actress Julia Roberts.
Edward Norton Now
In the mystery film "Knives Out 2" (2022), Edward transformed into an eccentric billionaire who arranges a quest with unpredictable consequences for his island's guests. When asked who inspired his character, the actor grinned slyly: Miles is more of a composite character, whose behavior reminds of the absurd actions of many eccentric rich people. Honestly, my character has no specific prototype, but if anyone recognizes themselves in Miles, let me know, let's discuss.
Edward Norton in the movie 'Knives Out 2'
The actor also played a significant role in the series about irreversible climate changes "Extrapolations" (2022). And in 2024, Edward Norton voiced one of the main characters in the animated series "Sausage Party: Foodtopia".
He decided we didn`t deserve him, so he went to the other side of the movie screen?
2021-04-28 13:56:28
Nicholas Diaz
It is interesting, of course, that he decided to take up directing - it will be interesting to see if there will be an act of vanity or the real ascent of a genius ... Because I can`t even name the talented roles for him
2021-04-25 17:44:35
Andrea Dixon
Except for «Fight Club» Norton was no longer remembered for me :) and the meme with «always sleepy». Apparently, he has a very nasty character.
2021-04-03 09:53:15
Carlos Isaac Gonzales
I heard that now he plans to direct, not act. Apparently the character does not allow to be on the other side of the film crew
2021-04-02 08:16:23
William White
Norton starred in Fight Club, and this is a cult film. For this he is a great respect.
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Eileen Briggs
2021-04-28 13:56:28
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Nicholas Diaz
2021-04-25 17:44:35
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Andrea Dixon
2021-04-03 09:53:15
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Carlos Isaac Gonzales
2021-04-02 08:16:23
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William White
2021-03-03 12:57:06
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