Hollywood Actor Dies After Doctor-Prescribed Peptide Treatment
Richard Norton, a veteran Australian actor and stuntman, died at 75 following complications from unapproved peptides administered under medical supervision.
Veteran Australian actor, stuntman, and fight coordinator Richard Norton died at 75 after suffering cardiac arrest and complications linked to doctor-prescribed, unapproved peptides. Norton, known for his work with stars like Chuck Norris and for training Hollywood heavyweights, died on March 30, 2025, in a Melbourne hospital.
A coroner's report attributed his death to complications involving the peptide products CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. Although a physician prescribed the anti-aging cocktail, the report noted that Norton had taken amounts exceeding the prescribed dosage.
Norton had sought treatment from his physician, Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki, in March 2025 for issues including fatigue, diminished physical recovery, muscle loss, and shoulder pain. He disclosed that another doctor had previously prescribed peptides for him. Muchnicki prescribed CJC-1295 and ipamorelin, which are designed to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1. These peptides are marketed for muscle growth, fat loss, accelerated recovery, improved sleep, and enhanced energy, but lack extensive long-term human studies to confirm their safety and efficacy.
The coroner's report indicated that Muchnicki discussed the experimental nature of the treatment with Norton, who underwent baseline health tests. The potential risks and lack of TGA-approved alternatives were also reportedly discussed. Norton signed a consent form detailing the potential benefits and risks, including anaphylaxis.
In the days before his death, Norton reportedly informed his care team that he felt well and that the therapy was improving his symptoms. However, on March 28, he admitted to a nurse that he was taking twice the prescribed dose. Hours after this admission, Norton administered the peptides and subsequently became unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, where he died.
Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin is approved by the FDA or Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for medical use. The coroner has called for the TGA to review the substances' purported benefits and safety risks, urging tighter restrictions on their use. The coroner stated that it is not clear how their safe use can be clinically indicated given the uncertainties surrounding their therapeutic benefits and known risks.