James Norton has established himself as one of British television’s most versatile and compelling actors. Whether portraying troubled souls, charming heroes, or morally ambiguous figures, Norton brings a level of authenticity that makes his performances unforgettable. Born James Geoffrey Ian Norton in Lambeth, London, England, the actor studied theology at the Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, graduating with First Class Honours.
Although he has had a successful television career, his announced casting to join HBO’s House of the Dragon series may be his biggest TV project yet. James Norton is expected to portray Ormund Hightower, Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) nephew, and Queen Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) cousin. With House of the Dragon season 3’s production underway, here’s a look at James Norton’s Top television roles.
Grantchester
In ITV’s British detective drama series Grantchester, James Norton played an Anglican vicar, Reverend Sidney Chambers. The series had been adapted from James Runcie’s mystery crime short stories The Grantchester Mysteries. Sidney, a World War II Scots Guard officer, also works as an amateur detective. Set in the 1950s, Grantchester follows Norton’s character as he teams up with Detective Inspector Geordie Keating (Robson Green) to solve crimes in their small Cambridgeshire village. Although Sidney is portrayed as a thoughtful and moral man, he struggles with personal demons, including a complicated love life and a crisis of faith. James Norton starred in the show from its debut on October 6, 2014, until his departure in 2019, when his character was written out and replaced by a new vicar, Will Davenport (Tom Brittney).
Happy Valley
James Norton’s performance in Happy Valley is one of his most critically acclaimed career roles. Norton portrayed Tommy Lee Royce, the show’s primary antagonist. Tommy is a violent and manipulative criminal who serves as the main source of torment for the show’s protagonist, Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire).
Norton’s character had a dangerous and deeply unsettling presence throughout the series, particularly due to his connection to Catherine’s late daughter and their shared grandson. Of his many memorable scenes, setting himself on fire in the series finale is one of the show’s most iconic and shocking scenes. Tommy Lee Royce finally succumbs to his injuries, as confirmed by a text message in the final scene. Happy Valley aired for 3 seasons from April 29, 2014, to February 5, 2023.
War & Peace
The BBC One 2016 British historical drama series War & Peace was based on Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s 1869 novel War and Peace. James Norton was cast as Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, one of the series’ main characters. The Prince is a noble and introspective Russian officer in search of the meaning of life. Norton’s performance was widely praised for capturing Andrei’s internal struggles, emotional restraint, and moments of vulnerability. The series also starred Paul Dano, Callum Turner, Jessie Buckley, Lily James, Brian Cox, Tom Burke, and Gillian Anderson.
McMafia
James Norton played another Russian character in the short-lived 2018 British crime drama McMafia. Norton led the cast as Alex Goodman, a British-raised son of Russian exiles with connections to organized crime. Alex is a successful English investment fund manager who spent his life distancing himself from his family’s criminal past. However, when his uncle is threatened, he’s drawn back into the dark world of international crime. This forces him to navigate a dangerous path of power, corruption, and moral compromise. McMafia only aired 8 episodes from January 1, 2018, to February 11, 2018, and was not renewed for a second season.
The Trial of Christine Keeler
In the six-part British series The Trial of Christine Keeler, James Norton portrayed Stephen Ward, the high-society osteopath who became a central figure in the Profumo Affair. Ward was a key link between politician John Profumo (portrayed by Ben Miles) and model Christine Keeler (Sophie Cookson), introducing her to influential men. The series portrays Stephen Ward’s role in the scandal, exploring his relationships, influence, and ultimate downfall as he became a scapegoat in the political and social turmoil of the time.
The Nevers
In The Nevers TV series, James Norton played Hugo Swan, a wealthy pansexual aristocrat and owner of an exclusive gentlemen’s club that caters to illicit desires. He becomes entangled with individuals who mysteriously gain supernatural abilities. Although he doesn’t have supernatural abilities, Hugo is fascinated by them and seeks to exploit their existence for his amusement and financial gain. Portrayed as morally ambiguous, Hugo occasionally aligns with Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and her allies, although his primary motivations remain self-serving.
Follow Us
