Richard Norton, the celebrated Australian martial artist and actor, has passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades in the world of film and martial arts. Norton died suddenly in Melbourne over the weekend, as confirmed by his wife, Judy Green, in a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, March 30, 2025. "I am numb and devastated, I have no words, I have lost my everything," she wrote. "I know there is, and will be lots of love and shock that we have lost this incredible human being. The love of my life. I'm using this time to come to terms with my great loss. Judy."
Norton, who trained numerous A-list stars including Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, and Ben Affleck, was known for his remarkable skills both in front of and behind the camera. His impressive career included roles as a martial artist, stunt performer, and fight coordinator for major Hollywood films. He was a contemporary of martial arts icons such as Chuck Norris and had a significant impact on the action film genre.
Born on January 6 in Croydon, New South Wales, Norton began his martial arts journey at the tender age of 11 when he started studying judo. By 17, he had earned a black belt in karate, showcasing his dedication and talent early on. In 1970, he became the chief instructor at Bob Jones' Martial Arts studio in Melbourne, where he honed his skills and began to train others.
Throughout his career, Norton appeared in over 100 films, including notable works such as the 1980 classic "The Octagon," where he starred alongside Chuck Norris. His contributions to the film industry extended beyond acting; he worked as a fight coordinator on major productions like "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Suicide Squad," and "X-Men: Dark Phoenix." His expertise helped shape the action sequences that captivated audiences worldwide.
Norton was also known for his collaborations with fellow martial artists and actors. He teamed up with Cynthia Rothrock in several films, including "Lady Dragon" and the "Rage and Honor" series, creating memorable fight scenes that showcased both their talents. Rothrock expressed her grief on social media, stating, "I am beyond words. Absolutely devastated to lose my long-time friend, Richard Norton, on and off screen. So many incredible memories and stories. My heart goes out to his wife Judy and family. This hit really hard; the world lost an amazing martial artist and human being. May God speed, my friend."
In addition to his on-screen work, Norton had a remarkable career as a personal security guard and bodyguard for numerous celebrities, including rock stars. His reputation as a skilled martial artist made him a sought-after figure in Hollywood, where he not only acted but also trained many of the stars he worked with. His ability to teach and choreograph fight scenes made him an invaluable asset on set.
Robert Patrick, known for his role in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day," paid tribute to Norton, describing him as "an extraordinary individual, a towering figure in the martial arts community, and a contemporary of Chuck Norris." He praised Norton for his impressive career and expressed his condolences to Judy and the family during this difficult time.
One of Norton's early film appearances was uncredited in the 1977 film "ABBA: The Movie," where he served as a bodyguard. He later gained recognition for his roles in various Hong Kong action films, including "The Magic Crystal" and "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars." His versatility as an actor and martial artist allowed him to transition seamlessly between different roles and genres.
In a 2023 interview, Norton reflected on his extensive career, stating, "I did 60 movies in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but the older you get, the less roles there are unless you are playing someone’s dad or an ageing gangster, and I get that. I was lucky enough to learn what it is like behind the camera, and that is where my main career is now. My job is to train the actors up, figure out the choreography, choreograph the fights, and then teach the actors how to perform the fights and make sure they look good on set."
Norton also trained high-profile actors like Liam Neeson, Charlie Hunnam, and many others, providing them with the skills needed to perform complex fight scenes convincingly. His contributions to the industry extended beyond acting; he was a mentor to many emerging talents in Hollywood.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike. The Bulletproof Action account on X expressed their sorrow, stating, "Devastating news. Richard Norton has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans. Norton was a superb martial artist who spent decades contributing to the world of action entertainment. He will be greatly missed." Action-Flix.com also shared their condolences, noting, "R.I.P. to one of the legit bad asses on and off the screen … Richard Norton. A fan since the early days, I was actually setting up an interview with him, and he couldn’t have been any nicer. He was one of the best there was and ever will be. Action Cinema has lost a true pioneer."
In honor of Norton’s legacy, plans for a special podcast episode dedicated to his memory are underway, as fans and colleagues alike seek to celebrate the life and achievements of a true martial arts legend. The world of action cinema has lost a remarkable talent, and his contributions will not be forgotten.
