James Norton & his dubbing voice Jacob Weigert
Profession: Actor & producer
Date of birth: 18 July 1985
Born in: London | England
Nationality: United Kingdom
Height: 185 cm
Former partners: Imogen Poots, Jessie Buckley
Miscellaneous:
James Geoffrey Ian Norton has Irish, English and Scottish roots and describes his early environment as having a formative influence on his later acting career. Even as a teenager, he developed a strong interest in literature and the performing arts.
It has been known for several years that he suffers from type 1 diabetes, which he talks openly about in order to raise awareness of the condition. He is committed to supporting awareness and research.
He subsequently received a scholarship from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), but dropped out shortly before graduation to work in film and theatre productions. His first performances took him to the Royal Court Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse and the Royal Opera House stage.
Breakthrough:
James Norton had his big breakthrough in 2014 in the British BBC miniseries ‘Happy Valley’. His role as the psychopathic Tommy Lee Royce brought him widespread recognition and made him known to an international audience.
Development:
He quickly established himself as a versatile actor who confidently carries historical dramas, thrillers, literary adaptations and modern series alike. His other projects include formats such as Little Women (2019) – Norton as John Brooke in Greta Gerwig's Oscar-nominated film adaptation – and Rogue Agent (2022), in which he plays the manipulative con artist Robert Hendy-Freegard.
He also expanded into producing and founded his own production company.
Accolades:
2 awards & 13 nominations
James Norton has received numerous awards and nominations for his acting skills throughout his career. His performance in Happy Valley was particularly noteworthy, earning him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2015 and bringing him international attention. In the same year, he was also honoured as a European Shooting Star at the Berlinale – an award given annually to promising young actors. Further nominations followed, including the Broadcasting Press Guild Award, and various critics' associations recognised his achievements in film and television projects. Ensemble awards, such as for the cast of Little Women, are among the accolades that underscore his steadily growing reputation as a versatile and powerful performer.
Filmography
We have listed some of his best and most famous films and series here:
2025: House of Guinness (television series)
2024: Joy
2024: Bob Marley: One Love
2022: Rogue Agent
2021: Things Heard & Seen
2021: The Nevers (television series)
2020: Nowhere Special
2019: Mr. Jones
2018: McMafia (television series)
2017: Flatliners
2014-2023: Happy Valley (television series)
2014-2016: Grantchester (television series)
2014: Northmen: A Viking Saga
2012: Inspector George Gently (television series)