Richard Norton, Actor and Stuntman, Dies at 75 After Peptide Injection

Actor and stuntman Richard Norton, known for his work with A-list stars, died at age 75 after an apparent adverse reaction to peptides he was injecting. Norton passed away in Melbourne on March 30, 2025, following a cardiac arrest that a coroner’s report suggests was caused by his use of peptides.

The coroner's report indicates that Norton suffered an anaphylactic reaction after injecting what the report described as “excess” amounts of a doctor-prescribed peptide stack. This reaction is believed to have led to the cardiac arrest. Norton had reportedly been experiencing fatigue, diminished physical recovery, muscle loss, and shoulder pain following bilateral shoulder surgery. He had allegedly informed his physician, Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki, that he had previously been prescribed peptides by another doctor.

Muchnicki reportedly prescribed Norton two peptides, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin, which are not approved by regulatory bodies. In the days leading up to his death, Norton had expressed feeling positive effects from the peptides. However, on March 28, 2025, two days before his death, he informed a nurse that he was taking double the prescribed dose. Later that day, after injecting a dose of each peptide, he complained of feeling hot and flushed before losing consciousness. He was then taken to the hospital where he died.

Norton’s final public appearance, captured in photos just days before his death, showed him appearing fit and healthy. One photo posted to his Instagram account on March 19, 2025, showed him smiling in a karate outfit with martial arts instructor Kacey Chong, who noted the picture was taken “over the weekend.” Chong had also mentioned a “very special surprise” in store for martial arts friends.

Another photo from February 2025 depicted Norton during a martial arts training session. His last red carpet appearance was on October 9, 2024, at the Los Angeles premiere of his horror film “Black Creek,” where he wore a black shirt and jeans.

Norton's wife, Judy, announced his death on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together and expressing her devastation. The coroner, David Ryan, has reportedly called for a review of the safety and benefits of peptides, including those Norton was taking, by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Richard Norton had a prolific career in Hollywood, working as an actor, stuntman, and fight coordinator on numerous films. He collaborated with stars such as Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, and Jackie Chan.