| Full Name | James Joseph Norton, Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Bayonne, New Jersey, USA |
| Profession | Comedian, Radio Personality, Actor, Author |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Salary | Varies (Mainly from radio shows, stand-up performances, specials, and book sales) |
| Famous For | Co-hosting the “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” radio show, stand-up specials, and “The Chip Chipperson Podacast” |
| Notable Works | Stand-up comedy specials, authoring two books, co-starring in TV shows like “Lucky Louie” and “Louie” |
| Marital Status | Married to Nikki, a Norwegian transgender webcam model (2023) |
Early Life and Education
Jim Norton was born James Joseph Norton, Jr. in Bayonne, New Jersey, on July 19, 1968. He grew up in a working-class family with his father working as a truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service and his mother as a librarian. Jim has one sister named Tracy.
His teenage years were fraught with difficulties. He started drinking heavily by the age of 13, which led him down a path of self-destructive behavior. Jim dropped out of high school during his senior year after a failed suicide attempt, which prompted him to enter rehab. During this tough period, he also discovered his passion for comedy and humor, which would later help him shape his career.
After becoming sober and staying away from alcohol, Jim earned his GED and briefly attended Middlesex County College to study law. However, this venture was short-lived as he dropped out after just a month. Before his stand-up career took off, Jim worked various jobs, including a stint as a forklift operator.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
Jim Norton had his first taste of stand-up comedy in April 1990 when he performed at an open mic. His dream of becoming a comedian began when he was just 12 years old, but it took time, perseverance, and dedication to reach the level of success he enjoys today.
One of the turning points in his stand-up career came in 1997 when he appeared on an episode of Louie Anderson’s “The Louie Show.” That performance caught the attention of renowned comedian Andrew “Dice” Clay, who immediately became a fan. Jim’s collaboration with Andrew turned into a three-year partnership, where Norton served as Clay’s touring opener. This exposure helped him develop his comedic voice and build a reputation on the national stage.
Norton’s comedy style is edgy, honest, and unapologetically raw. He has built a fan base through his self-deprecating humor and fearless approach to taboo subjects. Over the years, Jim has released several stand-up albums and comedy specials, earning respect and admiration in the comedy community.
Stand-Up Albums and Specials
Jim Norton’s work as a stand-up comedian has resulted in the release of four stand-up albums and eight official DVDs/specials, showcasing his humor to a wider audience.
- Stand-Up Albums: These albums feature some of Jim’s most iconic and risqué material, solidifying his position as a stand-up heavyweight.
- DVDs/Specials: His stand-up specials, including the popular “A Mouthful of Shame” (2017, Netflix) and “The Degenerates: Jim Norton” (2019), were well-received and solidified his place among top-tier comedians.
Radio Career: Opie & Anthony and Beyond
Jim Norton’s radio career began when he was introduced to the famous radio duo Opie & Anthony through Andrew Dice Clay. The show was a national sensation in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its controversial humor and public stunts.
Norton’s chemistry with the hosts, Anthony Cumia and Gregg “Opie” Hughes, quickly became apparent, and by 2000, Jim had established himself as a regular guest on the show. His quick wit and sharp comedic timing resonated with the audience, and soon he was hired as the third mic comedian on the show. His position as the third mic continued even after the show transitioned to XM Satellite Radio in 2004.
While Jim Norton was instrumental in keeping the Opie & Anthony show running smoothly, he also got caught up in some of the controversies that surrounded the show. In 2000, he and fellow comedian Lewis Black were arrested following a public stunt related to the show’s content.
When Anthony Cumia was fired in 2014, Jim stayed on and the show evolved into “Opie with Jim Norton”, though it ultimately came to an end. In 2016, Jim started a new chapter with co-host Sam Roberts on the “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” show on SiriusXM. This show continues to thrive and serves as a platform for Jim’s comedic takes on current events and interviews with celebrities.
The Chip Chipperson Character and Podcast
In addition to his main radio show, Jim Norton is also known for creating various comedic characters, one of the most popular being Chip Chipperson. As Chip, Jim started the “Chip Chipperson Podacast” in 2017, a satirical and irreverent podcast that has garnered a cult following. Chip’s purposely misspelled “podacast” and absurd humor are a departure from Jim’s usual material, showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with different audiences.
Other Media Ventures
Jim Norton has expanded beyond radio and stand-up comedy into acting and television. Some of his notable appearances include:
- Television: Norton co-starred in HBO’s “Lucky Louie” alongside comedian Louis C.K. and appeared on the critically acclaimed FX show “Louie”. He also made appearances as himself on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” multiple times.
- Movies: His film credits include small roles in popular movies such as “Spider-Man” (2002), “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (2008), “Trainwreck” (2015), and “The Comedian” (2016). One of his most prominent roles was playing Don Rickles in Martin Scorsese’s 2019 film “The Irishman”, a part he was personally invited to play by co-star Robert De Niro.
- UFC Unfiltered: Jim also co-hosts the popular podcast “UFC Unfiltered” with former MMA fighter Matt Serra. This show offers a unique mix of comedy and MMA insights.
Author and Books
Jim Norton has also found success as an author. His first book, “Happy Endings: The Tales of a Meaty-Breasted Zilch”, was published in 2007 and ranked #7 on the New York Times bestseller list. His second book, “I Hate Your Guts”, was released in 2008 and reached #13 on the bestseller list. Both books feature a combination of personal stories and the same raw humor that has become Norton’s signature style.
Personal Life
Jim Norton is a longtime fan of heavy metal bands like KISS, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne. His admiration for Ozzy Osbourne eventually blossomed into a friendship, and he became close with both Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne.
In 2023, Jim made headlines for his marriage to his long-time girlfriend, Nikki, a Norwegian transgender webcam model. The couple had been together for several years before deciding to tie the knot. Despite his fame, Jim has managed to keep most aspects of his personal life relatively private.
Real Estate Ventures
Jim Norton has also made some savvy real estate moves over the years. In September 2006, he purchased a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan for $1.05 million. He later sold the property for $1.4 million in 2016. In 2021, Jim bought a three-bedroom penthouse in downtown Manhattan for $585,000. The property boasts a 650-square-foot private deck with full city views and a hot tub, making it a luxurious retreat.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Jim Norton’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including his radio career, stand-up comedy performances, book sales, acting roles, and real estate investments. While his exact salary from his SiriusXM show and other ventures varies, it’s clear that his diverse portfolio has contributed significantly to his financial success.
| Net Worth | $3 million |
|---|---|
| Sources of Income | Radio shows, stand-up specials, books, acting, podcasts, real estate |
Jim Norton’s journey from a troubled teenager to a successful comedian and radio personality is a story of perseverance, talent, and hard work. His fearless comedy style, engaging characters, and ability to adapt to various media formats have earned him a loyal fan base and financial success. Whether through his stand-up specials, his radio show, or his Chip Chipperson persona, Jim Norton continues to be a dynamic force in the entertainment industry.
