James Norton

If you're familiar with the British TV series Happy Valley, then you've obviously heard James Norton's name. He is an English theater and movie actor who plays an ex-convict, Tommy Lee Royce, in the show.

Since Happy Valley, James's popularity has further increased with projects such as Grantchester, McMafia, and Little Women. Also, the 35-year-old is rumored to be the next James Bond.

James Norton's Family & Early Life

James Geoffrey Ian Norton, mostly known by the name James Norton was born on July 18, 1985, in London, the United Kingdom, to a family of educators. His mother, Lavinia J Norton, was a teacher at a secondary school, and his father, Hugh B Norton, was a lecturer at Hull School of Art and Design. He has a younger sister Jessica Norton who is a doctor. 

Norton's father, Hugh, also loves acting, and now after his retirement, he often appears in his son's projects as an extra. His appearances are getting quite popular among audiences, and he is becoming a celebrity in his own right.

James Norton with his father, Hugh.
Photo Source: James Norton Instagram

Norton has English, Irish, Scottish, Cornish, and one-sixteenth Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. From his maternal side, he is distantly related to former Prime Minister of the UK, David Cameron. Also, he is the Great-grandson of Hugh Ross Norton, the Archdeacon of Sudbury, and Vice-Admiral Horace Geoffrey Norman, an Allied Warship Commander.

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Though James was born in London, he grew up in North Yorkshire, as his family moved there when he was very young. Initially, he studied at Bramcote Prep School but later joined Ampleforth College, a Roman Catholic (Benedictine) boarding independent school. After high school, he studied theology at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and graduated in 2007 with First Class Honours.

James Norton's Career and Net Worth

James Norton began performing from a young age and, growing up, participated in school plays and local theatre. However, before entering showbiz, he wanted to have a college degree in a subject he loved; hence instead of joining showbiz right after high school, he began his professional acting journey after complete college education in 2007.

After graduating from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Norton joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Interestingly, he did not graduate from RADA as he left the academy just six months before graduation because of an acting assignment.

James Norton with his co-actor in 'HappyValley.'
Photo Source: Pinterest

The London native made his on-screen debut in 2009 with the teen movie, An Education. After that, he worked in several films & Tv shows in minor roles before landing the character of Tommy Lee Royce in the Tv series Happy Valley. The show was an instant hit, and he became an overnight star.

The actor's popularity further rose in the coming years with amazing performances in projects such as McMafia, Grantchester, and Little Women. 

As for Norton's net worth, the exact figure is not known. However, it is estimated to be around $3 million. In 2014, he bought a house in the Peckham area of London.

Is James Norton the Next James Bond?

James Norton is on the list of actors who might replace Daniel Craig in the next James Bond movie. In fact, many people are strongly putting their bet on Norton as many think he has all the prerequisites to be the next James Bond.

When talked to the actor about the speculations of him being the next 007, the 35-year-old mentioned that the rumors are bizarre but also quite flattering.

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The next James Bond will not be announced till the latest Bond movie releases. The film, which was initially slated to release in 2020, was postponed because of COVID-19 lockdowns. The film is expected to release in September 2021.

Are James Norton and Imogen Poots Still Dating?

James Norton and actress Imogen Poots are still going strong. The couple first met in 2017 when they worked together in a production of Belleville at the Donmar Warehouse in the West End.

Interestingly, at the time of production, Norton was dating actress Jessie Buckley. It is reported that he and Buckley broke up before he started dating Poots.
 

James with his ex-girlfriend Jessie Buckley
Photo Source: Bio Wikis 

Norton and Poots made their relationship public when they attended the red carpet together at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Since then, the couple has kept their relationship mostly lowkey. The pair rarely shares pictures of one another on their social media accounts.

Imogen Poots and James Norton in theater 
Photo Source: Mirror

Nonetheless, away from the public eye, Norton and his girlfriend are enjoying a steady courtship. As of April 2020, the pair is living together in Norton's house in London. Before that, the couple was in a long-distance relationship as Poots split her time between London and New York.

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