44 Photos of Edward Norton Throughout His Career
A look back at the work and life of the Hollywood staple, 20 years after Fight Club.
By 
Since the '90s, Edward Norton has been one of Hollywood's most versatile and respected actors. But the notoriously private star has kept a low profile over the years. In honor of the 20th anniversary of Fight Club and the upcoming release of his new film, Motherless Brooklyn (which he also directed), we did a deep dive into the actor's life and career and dug up some rarely-seen photos.
1991: A Young Ed Norton
Born and raised in Maryland, Norton was always drawn to acting. In 1991, he graduated from Yale University and shortly afterward moved to New York City to pursue a career in film.
1995: With Costars Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love
In 1995, Norton's star was on the rise after landing a role in Primal Fear and the biographical drama The People vs. Larry Flynt alongside Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love.
1995: On Set of 'Everybody Says I Love You'
Another movie he filmed in 1995: Woody Allen's Everybody Says I Love You alongside Drew Barrymore. Here they are on set of the movie.
1996: Dating Costars
Norton and Barrymore were briefly linked after costarring in Everybody Says I Love You. He also dated former co-star Courtney Love. The two were together on and off until 1998.
1997: Winning a Golden Globe
In 1997, Norton won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his very first film, Primal Fear, securing his spot as an up-and-coming actor to watch in Hollywood.
1998: A Dramatic Transformation
Norton drastically changed for his role in American History X, in which he played Neo-nazi/ex-convict, Derek Vinyard. A shaved head, goatee, and bulked up muscles made him unrecognizable.
1999: Another Big Hit
The late '90s was a series of hit after hit for Norton. Case in point: In 1999 he starred alongside Brad Pitt in Fight Club, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary on October 15. Here he is at the premiere at Mann's Village Theater in Westwood, California.
2000: Norton's Directorial Debut
Norton ventured behind the camera in 2000 to direct and star in Keeping the Faith alongside Ben Stiller and Jenna Elfman.
2001: With Director Martin Scorsese
As a young filmmaker, Norton has called legendary directors, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and Terrence Malick some of his biggest inspirations.
2000: Young and In Love
In 1999, Norton began dating Salma Hayek after getting set up with her by their mutual chiropractor.
2001: Shop Talk With Fellow Actors
Norton, Hayek, and fellow actress Hilary Swank are seen catching up over a bowl of French fries at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.
2002: On the Set of 'Twenty Fifth Hour'
Norton had the opportunity to work with Spike Lee on 25th Hour. The drama was based on the novel, The 25th Hour, about a convicted drug dealer. The film also starred Philip Seymour-Hoffman.
2002: Working Together
In 2002, one of Hollywood's hottest couples teamed up for the movie Frida. Norton and Hayek are pictured arriving at their premiere together here.
2002: Another Premiere
Soon after Frida debuted, Norton and Hayek attended another premiere for Red Dragon, which was the actor's 11th film in six years.
2003: At the Academy Awards
The A-list couple attended the 75th annual Academy Awards together and walked the red carpet hand in hand.
2003: Calling It Quits
In 2003, Norton and Hayek ended their romantic relationship, but the two remain friends. Shortly after, Hayek began dating actor Josh Lucas.
2003: Getting Into Production
In 2003, Norton founded his own production company, Class 5 films. Since then he has had over 13 producing and directing credits.
2004: Attending the NBA Finals
A proud Laker fan, Norton attended game six of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center in less-than-subtle style.
2004: Attending the Sundance Film Festival
The actor attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in 2004 for the debut of his film, Dirty Work.
2006: Giving Back to NYC
In addition to acting, Norton is an active environmentalist. He served as a board member of the High Line project in New York City. Here he's seen speaking to the media after a news conference with former Mayor Michael Bloomberg announcing the $43.25 million in funding being used to design and build the public park.
Does ‘The Fall Guy’ Have a Post-Credits Scene?
Every Ryan Gosling Movie Ranked
‘The Fall Guy’ Is Ready to Explode the Box Office
13 Photos of Directors at Their Cannes Premieres
