James Norton was born in 1985 to a family of educators, his parents being teachers, and has a younger sister who has followed in their footsteps, becoming a doctor. Growing up in the picturesque county of North Yorkshire, Norton's passion for acting became evident at a remarkably young age, as he played the role of Joseph in his primary school's nativity play when he was just five years old.
After completing his secondary education at Ampleforth College, Norton pursued work experience at the renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, where he gained valuable insights into the world of theatre. Instead of immediately enrolling in acting school, Norton decided to read theology at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, a decision that would shape his perspective on life and the world.
Following his graduation from Cambridge, Norton embarked on a journey to Nepal, where he developed a deep interest in Buddhism and its teachings. Upon his return to the UK, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating in 2010. Norton's early career saw him land a small but significant role as Carey Mulligan's boyfriend in the final scene of the critically acclaimed film "An Education" just before graduating.
Norton's subsequent career saw him take to the London stage, starring in revivals of "Journey's End" and "The Lion in Winter" alongside esteemed actors Joanna Lumley and Robert Lindsay. Towards the end of 2013, he appeared in the television adaptation of "Death Comes to Pemberley", a period drama that piqued the interest of audiences nationwide.
However, it was 2014 that truly catapulted Norton to stardom, with his performances in the period films "Mr Turner" and "Belle" cementing his status as a rising star. In the latter, he played the role of the heroine's first love interest, while in "Mr Turner", he appeared alongside Timothy Spall. Norton's versatility as an actor was further showcased in the violent serial "Happy Valley", where he portrayed a murderous kidnapper and rapist, and in the post-war whodunit series "Grantchester", where he played a tipsy young vicar with a penchant for solving cases.
