Wanted to be a CIA agent: 7 interesting facts about actor Edward Norton

**7 Interesting Facts About Edward Norton, the Actor Who Dreamed of Becoming a CIA Agent**

Actor, director, producer and screenwriter Edward Norton is well-known to audiences around the world. His roles in films such as "Fight Club", "Keeping the Faith" and "The Incredible Hulk" brought him great fame. On the occasion of the actor's birthday, we present interesting facts about him.

**Wanted to be a CIA agent**

Edward Norton first became acquainted with theatrical art at the age of five, when his parents took him to see the play "Cinderella". Three years later, he himself played a role in a theater-restaurant musical. And at the age of 15, he won an acting competition.

However, acting was not his main dream. As a child, Norton wanted to become a CIA agent.

In 1980, the popular science series "The Universe: A Personal Journey" created by American astronomer Carl Sagan changed his interests. Norton became interested in the universe, but in college he realized that the exact sciences were not his strong suit, and eventually chose acting.

**A complex character**

Photo: kino.mail.ru Although Edward Norton is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, his desire to actively participate in the creative process has repeatedly caused conflicts. The actor is known for his habit of reworking roles and scripts to suit his imagination.

One of the biggest conflicts occurred during the filming of the film "American History". Director Tony Kaye was dissatisfied with the new editing that was prepared after the intervention of Norton and the studio. He noted that the film was too long and even demanded that his name be removed from the credits.

Working on the film "Italian Style" was also not easy. Norton initially did not want to star in the film, but due to a contract with Paramount, he was forced to play the role. Despite this, he did not take part in the film's promotion.

Later, there were also disagreements around the film "The Incredible Hulk". Norton actively participated in the reworking of the script and editing of the film. After the release of the film, the relationship between the actor and the studio completely deteriorated. In the film "The Avengers" Bruce Banner was played by Mark Ruffalo.

**Flying the plane himself**

Edward Norton not only films, but also flies a plane. He was interested in aviation since childhood and, having grown up, received a pilot's license. Later, the actor bought a Cessna U206F aircraft, in which he sometimes travels with his family.

However, Norton flies a plane not only for personal purposes. He collaborates with Angel Flight West, a non-profit organization that transports patients to places of treatment for free. In 2023, the actor had the honor of making the organization's 100,000th flight.

**A project that has lasted more than 20 years**

Photo: kino.mail.ru Edward Norton also works as a producer, screenwriter and director. He has two full-length films as a director: the romantic comedy "Keeping the Faith" and the crime drama "Orphan Brooklyn".

Interestingly, work on the second film lasted more than 20 years.

Norton bought the rights to the film adaptation of Jonathan Letham's novel "Orphan Brooklyn" in 1998 and began working on the script. A year later, he announced that he would play the main role and participate as a producer. However, the project was stuck in the development stage for a long time. In the end, Norton decided to take over the director's chair himself.

Filming began in February 2018. Two months later, a fire broke out on the set. One firefighter died while extinguishing the fire. The tragedy led to legal proceedings.

"Orphan Brooklyn" was released in theaters in the fall of 2019 - more than 20 years after Norton began working on the project.

**Surfing**

Photo: kino.mail.ru One of Edward Norton's favorite activities is surfing. The actor compared this activity to meditation.

The reason for his surfing was an injury he received during the filming of the film "The Painted Veil". Norton fell from a horse and injured his back.

The actor went to Indonesia to recover. There he practiced yoga, got massages and swam. One day, he saw an advertisement for a surfing school on the beach and decided to try a new activity.

Gradually, a random interest turned into a permanent hobby. Norton even said in an interview that if he were given the opportunity to put any message he wanted on any billboard in New York, he would encourage people to take up surfing.