Who is the BBC Presenter Graham Norton? All About Graham Norton
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 10, 2023
Who is the BBC Presenter Graham Norton?
Graham Norton, whose real name is Graham William Walker, is a versatile Irish entertainer known for his roles as a comedian, actor, author, and television host. He has gained considerable fame in the United Kingdom and has received numerous awards for his work.
One of his most notable achievements is hosting the comedy chat show called The Graham Norton Show, which has been on the air since 2007. The show has been a huge success and has earned Norton five BAFTA TV Awards, making him a highly acclaimed host in the industry.
Norton's career in television began with his show So Graham Norton, which aired from 2000 to 2002 on BBC Two. The program showcased his comedic talents and earned him three British Academy Television Awards for Best Entertainment Performance. Following its success, Norton's chat show moved to various time slots on BBC One and eventually took over the prestigious late-Friday-evening slot previously occupied by Friday Night with Jonathan Ross in 2010.
In addition to his television work, Norton has also made a mark in the radio industry. From 2010 to 2020, he hosted a popular Saturday-morning slot on BBC Radio 2. However, in 2021, he made a switch to Virgin Radio UK, where he now presents shows on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Norton has been the BBC's television commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009. His witty and flamboyant style, coupled with his knack for innuendo-laden dialogue, has made him a fan favorite. Some even consider him as the modern-day equivalent of Terry Wogan, a legendary Irish broadcaster known for his Eurovision commentary.
Before establishing himself as a presenter, Norton showcased his acting skills in the award-winning Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted, where he portrayed the character Father Noel Furlong in three episodes. Norton's success extends beyond his on-screen appearances. In 2012, he made a significant business move by selling his production company, So Television, to ITV for approximately £17 million. This further solidified his position in the entertainment industry.
Continuing to explore new ventures, Norton joined the judging panel of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019, showcasing his expertise and flair in the world of drag. Overall, Graham Norton is a highly accomplished and multi-talented entertainer who has made a significant impact in the realms of comedy, hosting, acting, and writing. His charismatic presence and unique style have endeared him to audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Name
Graham William Walker
Age
60 years old
Profession
comedian, actor, author, and television host.
Net Worth
$40 million
Instagram
@grahnort
Graham Norton Age
Graham Norton, originally named Graham William Walker, was born on April 4, 1963, in Clondalkin, County Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in a Protestant family in Bandon, County Cork, which made him feel somewhat isolated. His father, William, worked as a Guinness sales representative, and his mother, Rhoda, was originally from Belfast.
During an episode of the genealogy series "Who Do You Think You Are?" in 2007, Norton discovered that his father's direct ancestors were of English origin, having migrated to Ireland from Yorkshire in 1713. Norton attended Bandon Grammar School in County Cork before enrolling at University College Cork to study English and French in the 1980s.
However, he experienced a breakdown and chose not to complete his studies, remaining in his flat. In 2013, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from University College Cork. In the late 1980s, Norton moved to London to attend the Central School of Speech and Drama.
During that time, he worked as a waiter to support himself. When he joined the actors' union Equity, he changed his surname to Norton (his great-grandmother's maiden name) since another actor named Graham Walker was already represented by the union.
Graham Norton Career
Graham Norton, born Graham William Walker, is a well-known television presenter, comedian, and author. He began his career in broadcasting in the UK, making regular appearances on the BBC Radio 4 show "Loose Ends" in the early 1990s. Norton gained popularity as a stand-in host for a late-night talk show on Channel 5 and as the host of the quiz show "Bring Me the Head of Light Entertainment." In 1996, he played Father Noel Furlong in the Channel 4 sitcom "Father Ted."
Norton joined Channel 4 in 1998 and hosted his own chat shows, including "So Graham Norton" and "V Graham Norton." His flamboyant and cheeky style endeared him to audiences, making him a successful host. In 2003, he faced controversy for making an insensitive comment about the death of Bee Gees singer Maurice Gibb on his show.
In 2005, Norton moved to the BBC, where he hosted various shows such as "Strictly Dance Fever," "Graham Norton's Bigger Picture," and "When Will I Be Famous?" He also became a regular host of the British Academy Television Awards and embarked on hosting talent shows to find performers for West End productions. His most well-known show, "The Graham Norton Show," began on BBC Two in 2007 and later moved to BBC One in a one-hour format.
Norton's career expanded beyond television. He appeared in films such as "Another Gay Movie" and "I Could Never Be Your Woman." He was involved in advertising campaigns for the UK National Lottery and McVitie's biscuits. Norton also wrote an advice column for The Daily Telegraph and published a memoir titled "The Life and Loves of a He-Devil." In 2016, he released his debut novel "Holding."
On the radio, Norton appeared on the panel show "Just a Minute" and hosted a Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 2, which he left in 2020 after ten years. He joined Virgin Radio UK in 2021 to host shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Norton gained recognition as a presenter of the Eurovision Song Contest, hosting the UK national selection and serving as a commentator for the main contest. He also co-hosted the Eurovision Dance Contest.
Additionally, Norton has been involved in various charitable events and broke the Guinness World Record for "Most Questions Asked on a TV Chat Show" during Comic Relief's Big Chat. In 2020, Norton voiced the character Moonwind in the Disney/Pixar animated feature "Soul."
Graham Norton Net Worth
Graham Norton, an Irish comedian, has amassed a net worth estimated at $40 million. Throughout his successful career in entertainment, Norton has garnered substantial wealth through various ventures. Known for his witty humor and charismatic hosting style, Norton has been a prominent figure in the comedy scene.
His stand-up performances, television shows, and hosting gigs have contributed significantly to his financial success. Norton's work as a comedian, both in live performances and on television, has earned him a devoted fan base and lucrative opportunities. As a television host, Norton has fronted several successful shows, including "So Graham Norton," "V Graham Norton," and his widely popular talk show, "The Graham Norton Show."
These programs have not only showcased his comedic talent but have also attracted high viewership and lucrative advertising deals. Norton's presence in the media extends beyond the small screen. He has ventured into film, appearing in movies such as "Another Gay Movie" and "I Could Never Be Your Woman." Additionally, Norton has ventured into writing, publishing a memoir titled "The Life and Loves of a He-Devil" and a novel called "Holding." These literary endeavors have added to his wealth.
Who is the BBC Presenter Graham Norton: FAQs
Graham Norton is an Irish comedian, television host, and author.
Graham Norton's net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
Norton accumulated his wealth through various sources, including his career as a comedian, hosting successful television shows such as "The Graham Norton Show," appearances in films, writing books, and participating in advertising campaigns.
Graham Norton has appeared on the panel show "Just a Minute" and hosted a Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 2. He later joined Virgin Radio UK to host shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to his comedy and television career, Graham Norton has been involved in advertising campaigns for the UK National Lottery and McVitie's biscuits.