Atterton's first television role was in an episode of ITV's Agatha Christie's Poirot in 1993. The same year, he was cast in the recurring role of Dr. Alex Taylor in the ITV drama series Medics. After continuing in various British television productions for some years, Atterton began working in the United States.[citation needed]
In 1997, Atterton began dating actress Salma Hayek and moved to Los Angeles to be closer to her. The couple broke up in 2000. He is married[when?] to Kelly Atterton, the West Coast editor for Allure magazine. He and Kelly share a daughter, Piper, born December 23, 2004, and son Rex, born October 18, 2008. Atterton has a black belt in karate.[13]
Atterton had a role in the 1998 remake of The Man in the Iron Mask, and also starred in the WB's short-lived spy series Three. Following this, he had appearances in several cult sci-fi/fantasy productions including Alias, Firefly, and Charmed.[citation needed]
In 2005, Atterton left acting to become the principal manager for the Los Angeles branch of Jigsaw London, whose co-founder, John Robinson, is the partner of his sister, Bella Atterton.[12][4][5]
^ ab"Local hero with his sights set on Hollywood; Actor Edward Atterton tells how a need to show off brought him fame". The Birmingham Post. 23 May 2000.