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Last updated on the 21 May 2025 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 18 July 1985,London, England.
James Norton’s formal training began at the Bramcote Prep School and Ampleforth College, where he developed his acting skills and developed a deep appreciation for the dramatic arts. His academic pursuits led him to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where he studied theology and religious studies. Despite his academic inclinations, Norton’s heart remained with acting and he participated in the Marlowe Society, a renowned university theatre club.
In 2004, Norton’s acting career took a significant leap forward when he secured a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). During his time at RADA, he refined his craft and gained valuable experience in various theatrical productions. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, paving the way for his professional debut.
James Norton’s television career took off in 2013 with his role in the BBC miniseries “Death Comes to Pemberley,” an adaptation of P.D. James’s mystery novel. His breakthrough came in 2014 with his portrayal of the troubled and manipulative Tommy Lee Royce in the critically acclaimed BBC police drama “Happy Valley.” His captivating performance earned him widespread recognition and established him as a rising star in the British television landscape.
Since then, Norton has appeared in several other critically acclaimed TV shows and films. He played the lead role of Sidney Chambers in the period drama series “Grantchester” from 2014 to 2019. In addition to this, he also starred as Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in the BBC miniseries adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s novel “War & Peace.”
Beyond his professional achievements, James Norton has also gained recognition for his philanthropic endeavours. He is a patron of the London based charity “The Children’s Cancer Fund,” supporting their efforts to improve the lives of children affected by cancer.
Suggested viewing
McMafia (2018)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6
The privileged son of exiled Russian oligarchs living in London reluctantly becomes drawn into the world of international organised crime. Attempting to protect his family and build his own legitimate business, he finds himself traversing a dangerous landscape of global corruption, money laundering and violence.
Top cast: James Norton, David Strathairn, Juliet Rylance, Merab Ninidze, Aleksey Serebryakov, Mariya Shukshina, Faye Marsay, Oshri Cohen.
Happy Valley (2014)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.5
Set in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, “Happy Valley” follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a dedicated police officer juggling her demanding job with the complexities of her personal life. When a young woman goes missing, Catherine finds herself drawn into a complex web of secrets and lies, uncovering a dark side to the seemingly peaceful community.
Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Joe Armstrong, Adam Long, George Costigan, Karl Davies.
Grantchester (2014)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9
Set in the idyllic English countryside, “Grantchester” follows the unlikely partnership between a charismatic clergyman, Sidney Chambers, and the gruff but brilliant Inspector Geordie Keating as they investigate a series of intriguing crimes. Combining the charm of vintage detective dramas with modern sensibilities, Grantchester offers a captivating blend of mystery, humour and social commentary.
Top cast: James Norton, Robson Green, Morven Christie, Tessa Peake-Jones, Al Weaver, Kacey Ainsworth, Tom Britney, Charlotte Ritchie.
Mr. Jones (2019)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
In the 1930s, Welsh journalist Gareth Jones travels to the Soviet Union to uncover the truth behind the country’s seemingly prosperous facade. Venturing into Ukraine, he witnesses the horrors of the Holodomor, a man-made famine orchestrated by Stalin that resulted in the deaths of millions. Despite facing threats and intimidation, Jones remains determined to expose the truth, risking his life to bring the world’s attention to this devastating tragedy.
Top cast: James Norton, Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard, Joseph Mawle, Kenneth Cranham, Celyn Jones, Krzysztof Pieczyński, Beata Pozniak, Fenella Woolgar.
Related to
War & Peace (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
Amidst the sweeping backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, “War & Peace” chronicles the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit amidst the chaos of war. As the characters live through personal struggles and societal upheavals, they discover the resilience of the human heart and the transformative power of love and compassion.
Top cast: Lily James, James Norton, Paul Dano, Tuppence Middleton, Gillian Anderson, Olivia Ross, Jessie Buckley, Aneurin Barnard, Greta Scacchi, Aisling Loftus, Brian Cox.
