Graham Norton is a prominent Irish comedian, actor, author, and television host. He began his career in stand-up comedy, performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1992. His portrayal of Mother Teresa drew the attention of BBC Radio 4, leading to his role in the programme "Loose Ends." This exposure helped him secure the part of Father Noel Furlong in the acclaimed sitcom "Father Ted," establishing his reputation in British comedy.
In the late 1990s, Norton shifted to hosting, creating shows like "So Graham Norton" and "V Graham Norton" on Channel 4, which earned him a BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance. He continued to develop his hosting skills with "The Graham Norton Effect" and "Graham Norton's Bigger Picture," but his most significant success came with "The Graham Norton Show," launched in 2007. This chat show has become a staple of British television, featuring a monologue followed by lively interviews with multiple guests, often infused with adult humour. The show has been on BBC One since 2009 and has won numerous awards, including five BAFTA TV Awards.
Norton's talents extend to film, with appearances in "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" and "Soul." He has also been a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" since 2019 and has served as the BBC's commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009.
In his personal life, Norton married Jono McLeod in 2022. Despite a life-threatening attack in 1989, he has thrived in his career, captivating audiences with his humour and charisma. His contributions to British comedy and television have earned him eight BAFTA Awards, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry.