Edward Norton was born on August 18, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in Columbia, Maryland, where he attended Wilde Lake High School. Norton developed a passion for acting at a young age and began performing in school plays. He also excelled in athletics and was a competitive rower during his high school years.
After graduating from high school, Norton went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in history at Yale University. While at Yale, he continued to hone his acting skills by participating in numerous school productions. In addition to his passion for acting, Norton also had a keen interest in social issues and philanthropy.
Upon graduating from Yale in 1991, Norton briefly worked for his grandfather's company, Enterprise Community Partners, before deciding to pursue a career in acting full-time. He moved to New York City to study acting at the prestigious New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
During this time, Norton appeared in off-Broadway productions and landed his first major film role in the 1996 thriller "Primal Fear," which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This early success propelled Norton to stardom and established him as a versatile and talented actor.
Norton continued to impress audiences and critics with his performances in a series of critically acclaimed films. He received Academy Award nominations for his roles in "American History X" and "Birdman," solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented actors.
Some of Norton's other notable roles include starring in "Fight Club," "The Illusionist," and "The Score." He also made his directorial debut with the film "Keeping the Faith" in 2000, showcasing his talent behind the camera as well as in front of it.
In addition to his successful acting career, Norton has also found happiness in his personal life. He dated actress Salma Hayek from 1999 to 2003 before marrying Shauna Robertson in 2012. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Atlas, in March 2013.
Throughout his career, Norton has been known for his dedication to environmental and social causes, using his platform as a respected actor to advocate for positive change in the world. His passion for philanthropy and activism has earned him a reputation as a compassionate and socially conscious individual.