
Edgar Norton
**Norton, Edgar** (1888 – 1953)
A British character actor, Edgar Norton was a prolific figure in Hollywood cinema, active mainly between the 1930s and 1940s. Recognizable for his physique and distinctive British accent, he specialized in secondary but memorable roles, often portraying valets, butlers, clerks, inspectors, or authoritarian but nervous and sometimes comical figures.
His screen presence, which combined a certain affected dignity with an air of anxiety or perplexity, made him an excellent supporting actor. Among his most notable films are Universal horror classics such as *Frankenstein* (1931), where he played the inspector, and *The Old Dark House* (1932), in the role of the butler Braithwaite. He also appeared in numerous comedies and dramas, often providing a touch of elegance or unintentional comedy. His career boasts over one hundred film appearances.