Richard Norton, a 75-year-old Australian martial artist, actor, and stunt coordinator, died on Sunday, March 30. He most recently appeared in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. He was 75.
Norton’s wife, Judy Green, revealed the actor’s death on Instagram, saying, “I am numb and devastated. I have no words. I have lost everything.”
“I know there will be a lot of shock and affection after this exceptional person dies.” The love of my life. “I’m using this time to come to terms with my wonderful loss,” she said in her Instagram caption.
The cause of Norton’s death is still unknown.
James Gunn also paid homage to Norton on Instagram, mentioning that Norton worked as a battle choreographer for 2021’s Suicide Squad. The filmmaker provided a photo of Norton on the set of the DC film with John Cena, who played Peacemaker; Joel Kinnaman, who portrayed Colonel Rick Flag; and the actors’ stunt doubles.
“Richard Norton was an exceptionally gifted stunt performer, stunt supervisor, and actor. He was also a buddy.” I met Richard as the fight choreographer on The Suicide Squad; he choreographed the Harley escape scene, Peacemaker vs. Rick Flag Jr., and others,” Gunn stated in his description.
“He was a gruff but charming Australian man with a big chuckle and a million anecdotes about his filmmaking career. I’d continually quiz him for stories about working on the 90s Hong Kong films we both adored, and he was always ready to comply,” Gunn said.
“Richard seemed twenty years younger than he was, so I was particularly surprised to wake up this morning to hear of his passing,” he told me. “My heart goes out to his entire family, all of his friends and coworkers who cherished him, and especially his wife Judy, whom he often spoke of with even more enthusiasm than when discussing trading onscreen punches with Jackie Chan. The film industry will be less lively without him. “Rest in peace, friend.”
Chuck Norris also paid homage to Norton, saying on Instagram, “I am deeply crushed by the passing of my great friend and brother, Richard Norton. The wonderful experiences we shared will be treasured in my heart forever,” accompanied by a video and a sequence of photos of the two taken over the years.
“Richard, you not only strengthened my martial arts skills but also my overall character. You have influenced so many people, and your legacy and effect will carry on for future generations. You were unquestionably one of the best individuals I’ve ever known. Although I long for more time with you, I find solace in the knowledge that we will reunite in the future. Please join Gena and me in praying for Judy, Richard’s wife, best friend, and the love of his life, as well as their entire family, at this difficult time. I adore you, brother. ” Rest in peace,” Norris ended.
During his 72 acting credits, the actor has collaborated with various martial arts stars, including Jackie Chan, since his big break in Norris’ 1980 film The Octagon. One of his most recent roles was as The Prime Imperator in 2024’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which he previously played in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).
Norton has also worked as a combat choreographer on scores of films, including The Condemned, Mad Max: Fury Road, Suicide Squad, and Dark Phoenix.