Biography

Known for his aggressive style, his love of controversial subjects, and his hatred of Derek Jeter, comedian Jim Norton has earned a fanatical following thanks to his busy touring schedule and hilarious contributions to the Opie & Anthony radio show. Raised in suburban New Jersey, Norton fell in love with the work of Richard Pryor at the age of 12. A normal childhood turned into turbulent teen years with Norton dealing with low self-esteem, alcohol abuse, and eventually a successful stint in rehab. He hit the standup circuit in 1989 and met comic Jim Florentine a year later. The two would become friends and roommates, and would tour together for several years while both were pursuing careers in show business. Norton's big break arrived in 1999 when he became a frequent guest on the nationally syndicated Opie & Anthony radio show. He would officially join the O&A crew five years later as the show was making the jump to XM Satellite Radio. Appearances on television as a Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn panelist and a co-star on Louis C.K.'s HBO series Lucky Louie led to Norton landing his own one-hour HBO special, Monster Rain, which aired in 2007. That same year he released his first book, the autobiographical collection of essays Happy Endings: The Tales of a Meaty-Breasted Zilch. In 2009 he became a regular on Jay Leno's short-lived post-Tonight Show vehicle The Jay Leno Show; in 2010 he launched his own XM series The Jim Norton Show; and in 2011 he released the comedy album Despicable on his own EatABullet record label. Recorded live in Boston, No Baby for You! followed in 2012, the same year he premiered his television special Please Be Offended. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi