Edward Norton portrait photo

Edward Norton

Date of Birth:August 18, 1969 (Age 55)
Place of Birth:Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality:American
Net Worth:$300 million (est. 2025)
Height:6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Education:Yale University (BA in History)
Marital Status:Married
Spouse:Shauna Robertson (m. 2012)
Children:1 son (Atlas, b. 2013)
Parents:Edward Norton Jr., Lydia Robinson Rouse
Siblings:Molly Norton, James Norton
Known For:Primal Fear, American History X, Fight Club, Birdman, Motherless Brooklyn, Glass Onion

Early Life & Education

Edward Harrison Norton was born on August 18, 1969, in Boston and raised in Columbia, Maryland. His father, Edward Norton Jr., was an environmental lawyer and Marine veteran, while his mother, Lydia Robinson Rouse, was an English teacher. Norton’s grandfather founded Enterprise Community Partners, inspiring Edward’s lifelong focus on social entrepreneurship. He showed early interest in theater, debuted in a musical at age 8, and later earned a BA in History from Yale University in 1991. After college, he briefly worked in Japan before committing to acting in New York.

Career Breakthrough & Highlights

He made a monumental film debut in Primal Fear (1996), earning a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination. He followed this with acclaimed performances in American History X (Oscar-nominated), Fight Club, The Score, 25th Hour, The Italian Job, The Incredible Hulk, Birdman (Oscar-nominated), and Glass Onion. Norton also launched Class 5 Films, directing Keeping the Faith and Motherless Brooklyn, a passion project nearly 20 years in the making.

Awards & Recognition

  • Golden Globe for Primal Fear
  • Academy Award nominee (4 total: Primal Fear, American History X, Birdman, A Complete Unknown)
  • BAFTA nominee for Primal Fear, Birdman, A Complete Unknown

Net Worth & Ventures

Edward’s net worth is estimated at $300 million in 2025, thanks to his Hollywood career and smart investments including an early stake in Uber. He also invests in real estate and tech startups.

Personal Life & Interests

Edward is married to film producer Shauna Robertson since 2012. They have a son, Atlas (b. 2013). Known for his reclusive, thoughtful nature, Norton avoids tabloids and social media flair. He learned Japanese during his time in Japan and is a licensed pilot.

Philanthropy & Activism

A committed environmentalist and social advocate, Edward serves on the boards of Enterprise Community Partners and Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, working on affordable housing and biodiversity. He co-founded Crowdrise, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform, and is a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity.

Social Media Presence

Trivia

  • Early roles included musicals and the band The Sons of Mr. Green Genes
  • Known for rewriting scripts (Hulk, Frida) and clashing with studios when pursuing creative control, earning a reputation for meticulousness.
  • Trained pilot and environmental advocate in real life and film

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Edward Norton?

An acclaimed American actor, producer, director, and environmental activist, known for his powerful performances and commitment to social causes.

How old is he?

He is 55 years old, born August 18, 1969.

What are his most notable films?

Standouts include Primal Fear, American History X, Fight Club, Birdman, Motherless Brooklyn, and Glass Onion.

Has he won any awards?

He has won a Golden Globe Award and received four Academy Award nominations.

What is his net worth?

Estimated around $300 million (2025), boosted by acting, producing, and early investments like Uber.

Is he on social media?

Yes—he maintains official Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook profiles.

What causes does he support?

He advocates for affordable housing, biodiversity conservation, serves with Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, and co-founded Crowdrise.