Graham Norton, born Graham William Walker on April 4, 1963 in Clondalkin, Dublin, Ireland, is an internationally renowned Irish presenter, comedian, and broadcaster whose flamboyant style and quick wit have made him a beloved fixture of British and Irish television. His claim to fame is as the host of the wildly successful, multi-award-winning comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show, a role that has earned him numerous accolades and cemented his status as a master of the genre. Known for his innuendo-laden dialogue and ability to orchestrate hilarious interactions between celebrity guests, Norton's career spans stand-up comedy, acting, writing, and radio.

After studying English and French at University College Cork and later attending the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Norton began his career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian on the alternative comedy circuit. His big break came with his portrayal of the outrageously camp Father Noel Furlong in the critically acclaimed sitcom Father Ted. This role showcased his comedic timing and led to his own television projects. His first major presenting success was the Channel 4 chat show So Graham Norton, which began in 1998 and won him his first three British Academy Television Awards for Best Entertainment Performance, establishing his signature interactive and risqué interviewing style.

Norton's career continued to ascend with various shows before he found his definitive platform. In 2007, he launched The Graham Norton Show on BBC One, which became a cultural phenomenon. The show's format, featuring a distinctive red sofa and a steady stream of A-list guests from Meryl Streep to Tom Hanks, proved immensely popular, winning Norton five BAFTA TV Awards. Beyond his flagship program, he became a familiar voice on BBC Radio 2, hosting a popular Saturday morning show for a decade. Since 2009, he has served as the BBC's much-loved television commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest final, bringing his unique blend of humor and insight to the event, and even co-hosted the final in 2023. He also joined the judging panel on the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.

A shrewd businessman, Norton sold his production company, So Television, to ITV in 2012. He remains a prolific figure in broadcasting, continuing to host The Graham Norton Show and, until 2024, presenting a weekend show for Virgin Radio UK. As an author, he has published several novels and an autobiography. Graham Norton's enduring appeal lies in his unique ability to blend irreverent humor with genuine warmth, creating an environment where celebrities often let their guard down, resulting in some of the most memorable and entertaining moments on modern television.