If you’ve spent any Friday night over the last two decades curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine and the BBC, you’ve probably asked yourself the same thing: how old is Graham Norton and how on earth does he still have that much energy?
He’s the man who made the "big red chair" a national institution. He’s the guy who gets Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep to actually act like human beings instead of PR-managed robots. But while his wit stays sharp and his suits stay loud, the calendar keeps moving.
As of right now, in early 2026, Graham Norton is 62 years old. He was born on April 4, 1963. That means he’ll be hitting the big 6-3 this spring. Honestly, seeing him leap around the set of The Graham Norton Show, it’s kinda hard to believe he’s technically a senior citizen in the eyes of some. But for Graham, age seems more like a suggestion than a rule.
Why We’re Still Obsessed With Graham Norton’s Age
There is a weird thing that happens with iconic TV presenters. They become part of the furniture. We’ve seen Graham go from the bleached-blonde, chaotic energy of his early Channel 4 days to the more refined (but still slightly wicked) silver fox of the BBC.
People search for how old is Graham Norton because he’s managed to stay relevant across generations. My parents watch him. I watch him. Gen Z kids watch clips of his show on TikTok.
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He isn't just "the chat show guy" anymore. He’s an award-winning novelist, a Virgin Radio host, the voice of Eurovision, and a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. When you’re that busy, people naturally wonder where you find the stamina.
The Early Years: From Clondalkin to London
Graham wasn't always "Norton." He was born Graham William Walker in Clondalkin, County Dublin. He actually had to change his name to Norton—his great-grandmother’s maiden name—because there was already a Graham Walker in the actors' union, Equity.
- Born: April 4, 1963
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
- Education: University College Cork (didn't finish, but later got an honorary doctorate) and the Central School of Speech and Drama.
He spent some time in a hippy commune in San Francisco in his 20s. Can you imagine? Graham Norton in a commune. It’s a hilarious mental image, but he’s gone on record saying he basically got bored because San Francisco felt "small" after a year.
The Longevity of a Legend
Most talk show hosts have a shelf life. They get stale. They stop "getting" the guests. But Graham has this weird alchemy.
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In late 2025, the BBC confirmed a new three-year deal for The Graham Norton Show. That keeps him on our screens until at least 2028. By the time that contract is up, he'll be 65. Most people are thinking about retirement at that age, but Graham seems to be ramping up.
He recently talked about how he manages the workload. He’s smart. He doesn't do the show year-round anymore. He takes long breaks to go to his home in West Cork, drink wine, and write his books. That balance is probably why he doesn't look or act like a man in his 60s.
More Than Just a Talk Show
If you only know him for the sofa, you're missing half the story. His career has been a masterclass in diversification.
- The Novelist: Since 2016, he’s turned into a legitimate literary force. Books like Holding and Home Stretch aren't just celebrity "vanity" projects; they’re dark, twisty, and critically acclaimed. In fact, his novel Forever Home is being adapted into a six-part thriller for Channel 5, set to air later in 2026.
- The Eurovision Voice: Since taking over from Terry Wogan in 2009, he has become the soul of Eurovision for the UK. His commentary is the only reason half the country tunes in.
- The Entrepreneur: He has his own line of "GN" wines and spirits. It’s not just a branding exercise—the stuff actually wins awards.
What’s Next for Graham?
As he navigates his 60s, Graham is leaning harder into drama and production. Being the executive producer on the TV adaptation of his own book, Forever Home, shows he’s thinking about his legacy beyond the studio lights.
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The cast for that show is already looking stacked—Amy Nuttall and Douglas Henshall are attached. It’s a "dark romp" about a body found in a basement. It's a far cry from asking a Hollywood star about their latest blockbuster, and that’s clearly how he likes it.
He also recently married his partner, Jono McLeod, in 2022. It feels like he’s in a really settled, happy place. Maybe that’s the secret to not looking your age? Just being genuinely content.
Staying Up to Date with Graham Norton
If you want to keep up with what he’s doing as he heads toward 63, here’s the best way to do it:
- Watch the Show: Friday nights on BBC One. It’s still the gold standard.
- Listen to the Radio: Catch him on Virgin Radio on the weekends for a more relaxed version of his personality.
- Read the Books: If you haven't read Holding yet, go get it. It’ll change how you see him.
- Look out for "Forever Home": Keep an eye on the TV schedules for his new drama series later this year.
Graham Norton has proven that 62 is just a number. Whether he’s sipping wine with Adele or writing a murder mystery in Ireland, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Check your local listings for the next season of his talk show, which is currently slated to continue through the 2026/2027 broadcast cycle.