Jim Norton

Often typecast as a clergyman, Irish actor Jim Norton's most notable role came as Bishop Brennan in the British sitcom "Father Ted," which aired from 1995 to 1998. Movie audiences, however, will remember Norton for his portrayal of the violent rat catcher Chris Cawsey in the 1971 psychological thriller "Straw Dogs," starring Dustin Hoffman and directed by Sam Peckinpah. Although he has acted regularly in film and television for over 40 years, Norton's most recognized work has been in the theater. In 2007 he won a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for playing the part of Richard Harkin in Conor McPherson's "The Seafarer." In 2009, Norton earned critical praise for playing the title role of Finian McLonergan in New York City Center's production of "Finian's Rainbow." Norton is also an accomplished voice actor and has recorded audio books of James Joyce's seminal works "Ulysses," and "Finnegans Wake."