Born in Philadelphia, PA, Edward Norris was an actor who made approximately 79 films; many of which were A pictures, as well as many B features.
He was always in demand for his versatility, charm & good looks; yet he also had ability to play gangsters with equal aplomb. Smooth, sharp & cool onscreen, Norris appeared in Greta Garbo's "Queen Christina" in 1933, and had a larger dramatic role in Fox's "The Escape" ('38). Norris appeared in "They Won't Forget" (with Lana Turner) which showcased his talent to wonderful advantage. Also notable was Monogram's "Decoy" from 1946, and other noir roles to which he was ideally suited. Edward Norris was at his most memorable in MGM's "Boy's Town" when he played brother "Joe" to Mickey Rooney's flippant brother Whitey (who he must set straight in order that Whitey not follow in his footsteps as a "lifer"!) Mixing intense emotion upon the shadowy backgrounds against which he was cast, Norris was the perfect matinee idol who was sometimes misguided. Today, thanks to DVDs several of Norris' older films have been resurrected with beautiful vintage photo packaging. This is true of, for example, Norris' "The Man With Two Lives" - we now have the opportunity to retrace some of his films and appreciate his talent. In addition to his film career, Norris also was an entrepeneur in real estate who raised horses, and enjoyed myriad other interests. Although the famous firestorm of 1978 destroyed his Malibu home, including his car collection, he was nevertheless a wealthy man due to his sound investing. Also, Norris was married for several years to Ann Sheridan. He passed away in Ft. Bragg, CA. (Mendocino County). With his handsome good looks and intensity Edward Norris was groomed to be "another Robert Taylor" - but in truth he left his own indelible mark upon the Silver Screen.