| So Graham Norton! Flamboyant Irish comedian
Graham Norton, one of British television’s most well known and in-demand
television personalities, is gaining a devoted fan following among American
viewers. The Dublin-born Norton’s program So Graham Norton is now airing
six nights a week on the BBC America.
Recently Norton was taping his show in New York City and said, “This
audience, they are so smart, and warm, and welcoming. They just couldn’t
be better.”
Norton, who describes himself as “a shiny Irish poof,” isn’t your average
celebrity talk show host. Unlike more conventional late-night formats, So
Graham Norton is known for its outrageous blend of crude sketch comedy and
politically incorrect banter.
Celebrity guests on the show often find themselves mercilessly probed
by Norton about the most personal aspects of their lives with hilarious
results. Past guests who bravely squared off with Norton include comediennes
Whoopi Goldberg and Joan Rivers, singers Boy George and Dolly Parton, actor
Dustin Hoffman, actress Susan Sarandon, and Weakest Link presenter Anne
Robinson.
However, the guests aren’t the only ones who wind up the butt of Norton’s
many jokes. A big fan of interacting with the crowd, Norton calls upon his
studio audience to take part in spontaneous and embarrassing polls, compete
in ridiculous games for prizes, and bring in funny pictures from home to
put on display.
“Unlike the daytime confessional show, we don’t judge them, we celebrate
them,” said Norton about the good-natured ribbing his audience receives.
The son of a Guinness brewery worker, Norton spent most of his youth
moving around Ireland before his family settled in the remote village of
Bandon, County Cork. He then spent his twenties in London, struggling to
supplement his meager acting wages with waiting and bartending jobs. Norton
finally got his big break in 1997 when he was recognized for his comedic
talents at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, which led to the offer for
his own television program. He also caught the public’s eye with his hilarious
appearances on the popular sitcom Father Ted.
So Graham Norton can be seen on BCC America Monday through Saturday nights
at 11 p.m. ET. For more information, see the BBC America Web site at
www.bbcamerica.com.
-Christopher Reilly
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