Edward Harrison Norton is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. After graduating from Yale with a history degree in 1991, he briefly worked in Japan before pursuing acting in New York City. His debut performance in "Primal Fear" (1996) garnered critical success, earning him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He received another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actor, for his portrayal of a reformed neo-Nazi in "American History X" (1998). Norton further solidified his career with a starring role in the cult classic "Fight Club" (1999).
August 18, 1969: Birth of Edward Harrison Norton
Edward Harrison Norton was born on August 18, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts.
1984: Winning Acting Cup at Pasquaney
Edward Norton won the acting cup at Pasquaney summer camp in 1984.
1987: Graduation from Wilde Lake High School
Edward Norton graduated from Wilde Lake High School in 1987.
1991: Graduation from Yale and Work for Enterprise Community Partners
Edward Norton graduated from Yale College in 1991 with a BA in History and worked for Enterprise Community Partners in Osaka, Japan.
1991: Graduation from Yale and Work in Japan
In 1991, Edward Norton graduated from Yale College with a history degree and then worked in Japan for a few months before pursuing an acting career.
1993: Publication of "Primal Fear" Novel
The novel "Primal Fear," which Edward Norton's debut film was based on, was published in 1993.
1994: Acting in Edward Albee's "Fragments"
In 1994, Edward Norton was cast by playwright Edward Albee in the world premiere of "Fragments."
1995: Discovered by Shirley Rich
In 1995, Edward Norton was discovered by casting agent Shirley Rich, leading to his film career.
1996: Publication of "Fight Club" Novel
The novel "Fight Club," the basis for the film adaptation starring Edward Norton, was published in 1996.
1996: Primal Fear Distribution
In 1996, Paramount Pictures distributed Norton's film Primal Fear.
1996: "Everyone Says I Love You" and Work Ethic
In 1996, Edward Norton starred in "Everyone Says I Love You." His strict work ethic and dedication were noted during this time.
1996: Critical Acclaim for Early Roles
In 1996, Edward Norton garnered significant critical acclaim for his performances in three films: "Primal Fear," "The People vs. Larry Flynt," and "Everyone Says I Love You."
1996: Rumors of Relationship with Courtney Love
Following "The People vs. Larry Flynt" in 1996, tabloids speculated about a romantic relationship between Edward Norton and Courtney Love, though Norton denied these rumors.
1996: Film Debut and Rise to Stardom
Edward Norton made his film debut in "Primal Fear" in 1996, achieving almost instant stardom.
1996: Release of "Primal Fear," "The People vs. Larry Flynt," and "Everyone Says I Love You"
1996 saw the release of three films starring Edward Norton: "Primal Fear," "The People vs. Larry Flynt," and "Everyone Says I Love You."
1996: Debut and Critical Acclaim in "Primal Fear"
In 1996, Edward Norton made his film debut in "Primal Fear," earning a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for his performance.
1997: Death of Edward Norton's Mother
Edward Norton's mother, Lydia Robinson "Robin" (Rouse), passed away from a brain tumor in 1997.
1998: Academy Award Nomination for "American History X"
Edward Norton received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the film "American History X" in 1998.
1998: Release of "Rounders" and "American History X"
Edward Norton starred in two films released in 1998: "Rounders" and "American History X."
1998: Enterprise Community Partners Board Member
In 1998, Edward Norton became a board member of Enterprise Community Partners, a non-profit affordable housing developer.
1998: "American History X" Editing Dispute
In 1998, Edward Norton clashed with director Tony Kaye over the final cut of "American History X."
1998: American History X
Norton starred in the controversial film "American History X" in 1998.
1999: Starring in "Fight Club"
In 1999, Edward Norton starred in the film "Fight Club," which later gained a cult following.
1999: Premiere of "Fight Club"
The film "Fight Club," starring Edward Norton, premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 1999.
1999: "Motherless Brooklyn" Inspiration
Edward Norton first became interested in adapting Jonathan Lethem's novel "Motherless Brooklyn" into a film in 1999.
1999: Fight Club
In 1999, Norton appeared in the cult classic film "Fight Club."
1999: Relationship with Salma Hayek Begins
After his relationship with Courtney Love ended, Edward Norton began dating Salma Hayek in 1999.
2000: Directorial Debut with Keeping the Faith
In 2000, Edward Norton made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Keeping the Faith, in which he also starred as a priest. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising his directing and acting while others criticized the plot.
2000: Producing "Keeping the Faith"
In 2000, Edward Norton was involved in the production of the film "Keeping the Faith."
2000: DVD Release and Cult Status of "Fight Club"
The DVD release of "Fight Club" in 2000 contributed to the film's rise to cult classic status.
2001: Acting in "The Score"
Edward Norton acted in the film "The Score" in 2001.
2001: Starring in The Score
In 2001, Norton starred in the heist film The Score alongside Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando. His performance was highly praised, with some critics even saying he outshone the legendary actors.
2001: Working with Marlon Brando
Norton co-starred with Marlon Brando in The Score in 2001. This experience likely informed his contribution to the 2007 documentary Brando.
2001: The Score
Norton starred alongside Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando in the heist film "The Score" in 2001.
2001: The Score Distribution
Paramount Pictures distributed Norton's film The Score in 2001.
2002: "Red Dragon" Conflicts
In 2002, Edward Norton had conflicts with director Brett Ratner on the set of "Red Dragon."
2002: Multiple Film Appearances
In 2002, Edward Norton appeared in four films: Death to Smoochy, Frida, Red Dragon, and 25th Hour. He played diverse roles, from a kids' show host to Nelson Rockefeller. His uncredited script rewrites for Frida were well-received, while Red Dragon became his most commercially successful film of the year. He also co-produced and starred in 25th Hour.
2002: Acting in Films
Edward Norton starred in both "25th Hour" and "Red Dragon" in 2002.
2002: Brett Ratner Joins "Motherless Brooklyn"
Brett Ratner, who directed Norton in "Red Dragon," joined the "Motherless Brooklyn" project to help with production in 2002.
2002: Critical and Commercial Success
2002 was a successful year for Norton, with critically acclaimed roles in "Frida" and "25th Hour," and a commercially successful role in "Red Dragon."
2002: Appearance in "Frida"
Edward Norton and Salma Hayek appeared together in the biopic "Frida" in 2002.
2003: Conflict with Director Brett Ratner
During the production of Red Dragon in 2002, Norton and director Brett Ratner reportedly clashed frequently over the script, with Ratner characterizing Norton as both a blessing and a curse for his tendency to challenge the director.
2003: Breakup with Salma Hayek
Edward Norton and Salma Hayek ended their relationship in 2003 but remained friends.
2003: Establishment of Class 5 Films
Edward Norton established the production company Class 5 Films in 2003.
2003: Solar Neighbors Program
In 2003, Edward Norton collaborated with BP to launch the Solar Neighbors program, which installed solar panels on homes in Los Angeles.
2003: "The Italian Job" Promotion Refusal
In 2003, Edward Norton refused to promote "The Italian Job."
2003: The Italian Job and Class 5 Films
In 2003, Norton starred in The Italian Job under duress due to a contractual obligation with Paramount Pictures, and subsequently refused to promote the film. Despite this, his performance was praised. He also co-founded the production company Class 5 Films.
2003: Initial Rejection of Hulk Role
Norton initially declined the role of Hulk in 2003, feeling the previous film had strayed too far from the source material.
2003: Previous Hulk Film as Reference
The 2003 Hulk film served as a point of comparison for Norton when considering and later accepting the role in the 2008 version.
2004: Opposition to George W. Bush
During the 2004 presidential election, Edward Norton publicly opposed George W. Bush, criticizing his policies on college financing and tax breaks.
2005: Kingdom of Heaven
In 2005, Norton appeared in the historical epic "Kingdom of Heaven."
2005: Kingdom of Heaven and Down in the Valley
In 2005, Norton starred in Kingdom of Heaven as Baldwin IV and in Down in the Valley as a delusional cowboy. While both films received mixed reviews, Norton's performances were generally praised.
2005: Strange Days on Planet Earth
In 2005, Edward Norton narrated the National Geographic documentary "Strange Days on Planet Earth," which explores earth system science.
2005: Producing and Directing Films
In 2005, Edward Norton directed and/or produced the films "Down in the Valley" and "Kingdom of Heaven."
2006: Courtney Love Discusses Past Relationship with Norton
In 2006, Courtney Love publicly stated that she and Edward Norton had dated for four years, and spoke about his positive influence on her relationship with her daughter.
2006: Documentary Project Begins
In 2006, Edward Norton began planning a documentary about then-Senator Barack Obama, viewing him as a lens through which to examine American politics. This project would later become the documentary "By the People."
2006: Producing and Acting in Films
In 2006, Edward Norton produced "The Painted Veil" and acted in "The Illusionist."
2006: The Illusionist and The Painted Veil
In 2006, Norton starred in two critically acclaimed films: The Illusionist, where he played a magician, and The Painted Veil, which he also co-produced, starring alongside Naomi Watts.
2006: Joining The Incredible Hulk Project
Norton joined The Incredible Hulk project during pre-production in 2006 and became heavily involved in rewriting the script.
2006: The Illusionist and The Painted Veil
Norton starred in two critically acclaimed films in 2006: "The Illusionist" and "The Painted Veil."
2006: Start of Obama's political activities documented in film
This entry marks the beginning of Barack Obama's political activities that were later documented in Edward Norton's 2009 film.
2007: Documentary Appearances
In 2007, Norton appeared in two documentaries: Brando, about Marlon Brando, and Man from Plains, about Jimmy Carter.
2008: The Incredible Hulk
Norton took on the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, after initially declining. He was actively involved in script rewrites, which were welcomed by the director but led to disputes with the screenwriter and, eventually, the Writers Guild of America. Despite his contributions, he did not participate in the film's promotion, choosing instead to pursue humanitarian work in Africa.
2008: The Incredible Hulk
Norton portrayed Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk" in 2008.
2008: Pride and Glory Release
In 2008, Norton starred in the crime drama Pride and Glory, which received criticism for its plot.
2008: "The Incredible Hulk" Screenplay Dispute
In 2008, Edward Norton clashed with screenwriter Zak Penn over uncredited rewrites of "The Incredible Hulk" screenplay.
2008: Support for Barack Obama
Edward Norton supported Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Acting in "The Incredible Hulk"
Edward Norton played the role of Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the 2008 film "The Incredible Hulk."
2008: Obama's Election Victory
Barack Obama won the U.S. Presidential election in 2008. This was documented in the film "By the People," which Edward Norton produced.
2008: Green Affordable Housing Initiative
In 2008, Edward Norton initiated a green affordable housing plan within Enterprise Community Partners.
November 1, 2009: NYC Marathon Run for Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
On November 1, 2009, Edward Norton led a team of runners in the New York City Marathon, raising over $1.2 million for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.
2009: Documentary Release: By the People: The Election of Barack Obama
Edward Norton produced and released the documentary "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" in 2009. The film chronicled Obama's successful 2008 presidential campaign.
2009: "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" Documentary
In 2009, Edward Norton produced the documentary "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama."
May 2010: Crowdrise Launch
Edward Norton launched Crowdrise, an online fundraising platform, in May 2010.
July 2010: UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity
In July 2010, Edward Norton was appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity.
2010: Dual Lead Roles in "Leaves of Grass" and "Stone"
In 2010, Edward Norton showcased his versatility by taking on two contrasting lead roles. He played twin brothers in the comedy "Leaves of Grass" and a convicted arsonist in the crime film "Stone." Both films received mixed reviews, with praise for Norton's acting but criticism for their plots.
2011: Engagement to Shauna Robertson
Edward Norton proposed to Canadian film producer Shauna Robertson in 2011 after six years of dating.
May 2012: Soccer Aid for UNICEF
In May 2012, Edward Norton participated in Soccer Aid, raising funds for UNICEF.
2012: Acting in Films
In 2012, Edward Norton appeared in both "Moonrise Kingdom" and "The Bourne Legacy."
2012: Moonrise Kingdom and The Bourne Legacy
In 2012, Norton appeared in the critically acclaimed "Moonrise Kingdom" and the commercially successful "The Bourne Legacy."
2012: Lead Roles in "Moonrise Kingdom" and "The Bourne Legacy" and Producing "Thanks for Sharing"
Edward Norton starred in two films in 2012: the critically acclaimed "Moonrise Kingdom" and the commercially successful "The Bourne Legacy." He also produced the comedy-drama "Thanks for Sharing," which garnered a mixed reception.
2012: Support for Barack Obama
Edward Norton supported Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election.
2012: Marriage to Shauna Robertson
Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson married in 2012.
2012: Replacement in The Avengers
Despite the success of The Incredible Hulk, Norton was replaced by Mark Ruffalo for The Avengers in 2012, allegedly due to disputes with Marvel. Norton later claimed he chose not to reprise the role for creative reasons, desiring more diversity in his roles.
February 2014: Norton Announces "Motherless Brooklyn"
In February 2014, Edward Norton announced he would direct "Motherless Brooklyn," a film adaptation of the 1999 novel.
2014: Acting in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Birdman"
In 2014, Edward Norton acted in two acclaimed films: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Birdman."
2014: "Birdman" Performance
In 2014, Edward Norton's performance in "Birdman" was seen by some as a self-referential nod to his image.
2014: Appearances in Oscar-Winning Films and Academy Award Nomination
In 2014, Norton appeared in two Academy Award-winning films: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Birdman." His performance in "Birdman" earned him his third Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2014: The Grand Budapest Hotel and Birdman
Norton starred in two critically acclaimed films in 2014: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Birdman."
2016: Voice Role in "Sausage Party" and Appearance in "Collateral Beauty"
In 2016, Edward Norton lent his voice to the animated film "Sausage Party" and starred in the drama "Collateral Beauty."
2016: Sausage Party
Norton provided a voice role in the animated film "Sausage Party" in 2016.
2016: Original "Sausage Party" Film Release
The first "Sausage Party" film, in which Norton had a voice role, was released in 2016.
2017: Voice Role in "The Guardian Brothers"
Edward Norton voiced a character in the English dub of the Chinese animated film "The Guardian Brothers" (also known as "Little Door Gods") in 2017.
2017: Salma Hayek Reveals Norton's Uncredited "Frida" Rewrites
In 2017, Salma Hayek revealed that Edward Norton had significantly rewritten the script for "Frida" but did not receive credit.
2018: Voice Role in Wes Anderson's "Isle of Dogs"
Edward Norton voiced Rex in Wes Anderson's stop-motion animated film "Isle of Dogs" in 2018.
2018: Isle of Dogs
Norton had a voice role in Wes Anderson's stop-motion animated film "Isle of Dogs" in 2018.
2019: "Motherless Brooklyn" Release
"Motherless Brooklyn," directed by and starring Edward Norton, was released in 2019 to mixed reviews.
2019: Directing and Acting in "Motherless Brooklyn"
In 2019, Edward Norton directed and starred in the crime film "Motherless Brooklyn."
November 2020: Criticism of Donald Trump
In November 2020, Edward Norton criticized Donald Trump's claims of election fraud.
2020: Donation to Joe Biden Campaign
In 2020, Edward Norton donated to Joe Biden's presidential campaign.
2022: Role in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery"
Edward Norton played Miles Bron, a tech billionaire, in the 2022 Netflix film "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery." The film was well-received and had high viewership.
2022: Starring in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery"
Edward Norton was part of the ensemble cast in "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," released in 2022.
January 2023: Pocahontas Ancestry Confirmed
In January 2023, Edward Norton's appearance on the PBS series "Finding Your Roots" confirmed his familial connection to Pocahontas.
May 23, 2023: "Asteroid City" Premieres at Cannes Film Festival
Edward Norton's latest collaboration with Wes Anderson, "Asteroid City," premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2023.
2024: Academy Award Nomination for "A Complete Unknown"
Edward Norton received another Academy Award nomination in 2024, this time for his portrayal of Pete Seeger in the film "A Complete Unknown."
2024: Critical Acclaim and Award Nominations for "A Complete Unknown"
Edward Norton's performance as Pete Seeger in the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" earned him critical acclaim and award nominations, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
2024: "Sausage Party: Foodtopia" Release and "A Complete Unknown" Release
In 2024, Edward Norton reprised his voice role in "Sausage Party: Foodtopia." He also starred in the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown."