Alexander Hugh Norton (born January 27, 1950 in Glasgow) is a Scottish actor who played the role of Dennis Cooley in the Tom Clancy movie, Patriot Games. He is best known for his roles as DCI Matt Burke in Taggart, Eddie in the Renford Rejects, and McAngus in the first series of The Black Adder. He recently played Captain Bellamy in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. He also had a small role in Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson.

Norton discovered acting at the age of 14 via an out of school drama group. This led to his part in the TV series Dr. Finlay's Casebook and with it the decision that acting was what he wanted to concentrate on. Because of his background and his father's lack of approval of his chosen career, Alex decided to avoid the traditional route into acting and instead worked from part to part. Something which has really paid dividends for him.

Alex has appeared in numerous films including Gregory's Girl with Bill Forsyth, Little Voice, Orphans and Hollywood blockbusters such as Patriot Games with Harrison Ford.

Probably a little known fact is that Alex has won two awards for writing, something he very much enjoys. He also has an interest in directing.

Nowadays Alex is concentrating on playing DCI Burke in Taggart. His role in the show sees him working in Glasgow for half the year.

Norton also fronts the STV crime show, Unsolved.

External links

• Alex Norton at the Internet Movie Database