James Norton is a talented actor who became famous thanks to the television project "Grunchester", in which he embodied the image of a detective priest. By the age of 31, the mysterious and charming Englishman had already played more than twenty roles in films and TV shows, especially often he can be seen in biographical and historical dramas. What is known about him?
James Norton: biography of the star
The future actor was born in London, a joyful event took place in July 1985. James Norton was born into a family of teachers, far from the world of cinema. Nevertheless, the boy's father was fond of the theater, even began to play episodic roles after his retirement. No wonder he infected his son with his love.
The future Andrei Bolkonsky (TV series War and Peace) spent his first years of life in North Yorkshire, where his mother and father moved shortly after his birth. In his teenage years, James Norton was fond of sports, he was even promised a great future in the world of tennis. Howeverthe young man gave preference to the theater, at the age of 15 he began to take part in amateur productions.
The start of the journey
After graduation, the future actor became a student of the college, which worked at the University of Cambridge. The main discipline he studied was theology, James even had the opportunity to go to India with missionary work. However, Norton refused this trip, as he continued to dream of becoming an actor. He became a member of the troupe that performed at the Marlow Drama Club and acted in many Shakespearean plays.
After graduating from college, James Norton continued his education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. However, fate did not allow him to receive a diploma from this educational institution. Only six months remained before graduation, when the young actor was offered a key role in the production of "That Face". After some hesitation, James decided to leave the university, which he did not have to regret.
First successes
James Norton is an actor who first appeared in films in 2009. Of course, the role that he received in the drama "Education of Senses" turned out to be episodic and did not bring him fame, but the shooting gave the future Andrei Bolkonsky a useful experience. This was followed by the appearance in episodes of the films Blandings Castle, Restless, Good Day for a Wedding. The little-known actor did not ignore long-term projects, he managed to play small roles in the popular series Doctor Who, Inspector George Gently.
Gradually, James Norton began to receive more and more prominent roles. Films that finally attracted the attention of viewers and directors to the young actor: "Race", "Belle". The film "Race" tells about the difficult life of racers who were famous in the 70s. The drama "Belle" tells about the misadventures of a girl who is the illegitimate daughter of an officer.
Star roles
The first significant event in the life of a young actor was the game in the TV project "Death Comes to Pemberley". This picture has become a kind of continuation of the cult drama "Pride and Prejudice", the plot of which is borrowed from the work of the same name by Jane Austen.
With even greater enthusiasm, the audience accepted "Happy Valley" and "Grunchester", in these crime series Norton played far from episodic roles. The audience most loved his Sidney Chambers - a charming vicar, forced to intervene in the investigation of a mysterious murder and look for a clue to the death of one of his parishioners.
Famous movies and series
What other bright images did James Norton manage to embody on the screen by the age of 30? The actor played one of the central roles in the action adventure film Vikings. His hero Bjorn was among the Scandinavian warriors forced to fight for survival in a foreign land. The audience also remembered his Clifford Chatterley - a deceived husband, whose image he created in the poignant drama Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Finally, it is impossible not to note the large-scale TV project "War and Peace", filmed onTolstoy's novel of the same name. In this series, James brilliantly embodied the image of the brave and noble aristocrat Andrei Bolkonsky, who died from a combat wound.
Life behind the scenes
Of course, fans of the actor are interested not only in films and series in which James Norton managed to star. Personal life, unfortunately, is not a topic that the star willingly discusses with journalists. It is known that for several years the actor has been in a romantic relationship with actress Jessie Buckley. The charming Englishwoman can also be seen in the movie saga "War and Peace", in which she embodied the image of Maria Bolkonskaya.
Where does James Norton currently live, whose personal life and biography arouse the curiosity of thousands of fans? The actor does not change his beloved London, he is the owner of real estate in the elite district of Packham. It is also known that James has first-degree diabetes, but he alth problems do not prevent the star from delighting fans with more and more bright roles.
