Late Actor Richard Norton Looked Fit in Final Photos Before Peptide Death

Australian actor and veteran stuntman Richard Norton appeared to be the picture of health in final images captured just days before his sudden passing at age 75. Norton, who established a prominent Hollywood career working alongside major stars, died in Melbourne on March 30, 2025, following a cardiac arrest attributed to a peptide reaction.

In his final photo posted to Instagram 11 days before he passed away, Norton posed beaming in a white karate outfit alongside martial arts instructor Kacey Chong. The picture was taken following a training session at the BJMA State Training Day, where Chong noted they shared a good chat and teased a future surprise for martial arts fans. Another photograph from February 2025 similarly captured the performer active on a training mat.

Months prior to these training sessions, Norton made his final red carpet appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of his horror film "Black Creek," wearing a black shirt, matching jeans, and tan shoes. Throughout his extensive career, Norton worked as an actor, stuntman, and fight coordinator with notable A-listers including Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, and Jackie Chan.

According to a coroner’s report, Norton died after taking excess amounts of a doctor-prescribed peptide stack, which triggered an anaphylactic reaction and subsequent cardiac arrest. The performer had sought help from Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki after experiencing fatigue, diminished physical recovery, muscle loss, and shoulder pain following bilateral shoulder reconstruction surgery. Norton informed the doctor that another physician had previously prescribed him peptides.

The coroner's report states that Dr. Muchnicki prescribed two unapproved peptides, specifically CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. In the days leading up to his death, Norton told his care team that he was feeling good from the regimen. However, two days before passing away, he informed a nurse that he was doubling his prescribed dose. Shortly after injecting the doubled amount, Norton complained of feeling hot and flushed before becoming unresponsive and being rushed to the hospital.

Following the tragedy, coroner David Ryan called on the Therapeutic Goods Administration to review the safety risks and benefits associated with the peptides involved in Norton's death. The sudden loss prompted widespread shock throughout the entertainment and martial arts communities. Norton’s wife, Judy, announced his passing at the time through an emotional social media statement. Sharing a photo of the couple with their dog, she expressed complete devastation, writing that she was numb and had lost her everything.

The documentation surrounding Norton's final days highlights the severe medical risks associated with unapproved peptide stacks and dosage adjustments. As regulatory authorities review the safety parameters of these substances, fans and colleagues continue to remember the enduring legacy of the accomplished action performer and stunt coordinator.