Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

Graham Norton

TV Presenter

Graham Norton

Cork broadcaster who hosts the BBC's biggest chat show.

ArtisticSocialEnterprising

Education

Graham Norton grew up in Bandon, County Cork, and attended Bandon Grammar School. After his Leaving Cert, he studied English and French at University College Cork before leaving to travel to London. He later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he trained in acting and performance. His early years were shaped by a love of comedy, storytelling, and connecting with people.

Career

Norton moved to London in the 1980s with little money and spent years doing small acting and stand-up comedy roles before finding his footing. His big break came when he landed his own late-night chat show on Channel 4 in the late 1990s, where his quick wit and bold humour won over audiences. He went on to host The Graham Norton Show on the BBC from 2007, turning it into the biggest chat show in Britain and winning a record six BAFTA awards for his performance. Today he is one of the most recognisable Irish voices in global entertainment.

Key Lesson

Graham's story shows that leaving home and taking risks on yourself can open doors you never imagined. If you have a genuine talent for making people laugh or feel at ease, that is something worth building on. You do not have to have everything figured out after your Leaving Cert — some of the best paths take a few unexpected turns first.

Careers like this on Findmino

Which celeb are you most like?

Take the 5-minute swipe quiz and discover your own celebrity matches.

Take the quiz

This website uses cookies

We use functional cookies and — with your consent — cookies for preferences, statistics and marketing.

New version of Findmino

Refresh the page to see the latest improvements.