Graham Norton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Graham Norton
Norton in 2022
Born	Graham William Walker (1963-04-04) 4 April 1963 (age 62) Clondalkin, County Dublin, Ireland
Alma mater	Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Occupation	Comedian broadcaster actor writer
Years active	1981–present
Spouse(s)	Jonathan McLeod ​ (m. 2022)​
Signature

Graham William Walker (born 4 April 1963), known to everyone as Graham Norton, is a famous Irish comedian, TV and radio host, actor, and writer. He is best known for his popular comedy chat show, The Graham Norton Show, which has won him five BAFTA TV Awards.

Norton is known for his funny and lively hosting style. He first became well-known for playing Father Noel Furlong in the sitcom Father Ted. For many years, he has been the BBC's commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest, making viewers laugh with his witty comments. In 2019, Norton also became a judge on the reality show RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Early Life

Graham William Walker was born on 4 April 1963, in Clondalkin, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. His father, Billy, worked for the famous Guinness company, and his mother's name was Rhoda. He has an older sister named Paula. Because of his dad's job, his family moved several times, living in towns like Waterford and Kilkenny before settling in Bandon, County Cork.

Norton grew up in a Church of Ireland family. He later found out through the TV show Who Do You Think You Are? that some of his ancestors were from Yorkshire, England, and moved to Ireland in 1713.

He went to Bandon Grammar School and later studied English and French at University College Cork. In 2013, the university gave him an honorary doctorate to celebrate his success. In the late 1980s, he moved to London to study at the Central School of Speech and Drama. When he joined the actors' union, he had to change his last name because there was already an actor named Graham Walker. He chose "Norton," which was his great-grandmother's maiden name.

Career in Television and Radio

First Steps on TV

In 1992, Norton performed a comedy act at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that got him noticed. His first big break on TV was as a regular comedian on the BBC Radio 4 show Loose Ends.

He soon became a popular host on Channel 4. Between 1996 and 1998, he played the very funny character of Father Noel Furlong in three episodes of the show Father Ted. This role made him a star. After this, he hosted his own chat shows, So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton, which were huge hits.

Working with the BBC

Norton at the 2009 BAFTA Awards

In 2005, Norton moved to the BBC. He hosted many popular shows, including Strictly Dance Fever and a series of talent shows with Andrew Lloyd Webber to find new stars for West End musicals. These shows included How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do, and Over the Rainbow.

The Graham Norton Show

In 2007, his most famous show, The Graham Norton Show, began on BBC Two. It later moved to BBC One and became a must-see show on Friday nights. On the show, he interviews some of the world's biggest celebrities all at once on his famous red sofa. The show is known for its relaxed and funny atmosphere.

Radio Host

From 2010 to 2020, Norton hosted a popular Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 2. He was known for his fun features and great music choices. In 2021, he moved to Virgin Radio UK to host a weekend show, which he did until 2024.

Eurovision Song Contest

Norton co-hosted the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool alongside Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham.

Since 2009, Norton has been the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest for UK viewers. He replaced the legendary Terry Wogan and is loved for his funny and sometimes sarcastic comments about the songs and costumes.

In 2015, he co-hosted a special concert to celebrate Eurovision's 60th anniversary. In 2023, he was one of the main hosts of the Eurovision Grand Final when it was held in Liverpool. He shared the hosting duties with Mel Giedroyc while also providing his usual commentary.

Other Work

Norton has appeared in several movies. He played a version of himself in the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020). He was also the voice of the character Moonwind in the Disney/Pixar movie Soul.

In 2024, he began hosting a new version of the classic game show Wheel of Fortune on ITV.

Writing and Other Activities

Norton with his dog Bailey in 2006, supporting a charity

Besides his TV work, Norton is also a successful writer. For many years, he wrote an advice column for The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

He has written several books, including two memoirs about his life. In 2016, he published his first novel, Holding, a mystery story set in a small Irish village. The book was a bestseller and won an award. It was later turned into a TV series. He has written several other popular novels since then.

In 2013, Norton set a Guinness World Record for "Most Questions Asked on a TV Chat Show" during a special event for the charity Comic Relief. The event raised over £1 million.

Norton also has his own range of wines, which he created with a New Zealand winery called Invivo Wines.

Personal Life

Norton lives mainly in London. He also has homes in New York City and in Ahakista, County Cork, where he enjoys spending his time.

He is a big dog lover. He adopted two dogs, a labradoodle named Bailey and a terrier named Madge, from the UK charity Dogs Trust.

In July 2022, Norton married Scottish filmmaker Jonathan McLeod in a ceremony in County Cork.

Film and TV Work

Films

Television

Books

Non-Fiction

Novels

See also

In Spanish: Graham Norton para niños

• List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards