Richard Norton, a legendary Hollywood coach and bodyguard, combat choreographer, stuntman and actor within the Mad Max franchise, has died on the age of 75, his spouse Judy Inexperienced introduced on Instagram.
“I’m numb and devastated, I’ve no phrases I’ve misplaced my every thing,” she wrote within the caption, alongside a photograph of her, Norton and their Husky. “I do know there may be, and can be a number of love and shock that we have now misplaced this unbelievable human being. The love ❤️ of my life. I’m utilizing this time to return to phrases with my nice loss.”
Within the feedback, colleagues like Charlee Fraser, who labored with Norton on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, supplied, “Sending a lot love and lightweight to you Wealthy!” The Boys star Karen Fukuhara and James Gunn, each of whom labored alongside Norton as he coordinated fights for 2016’s Suicide Squad and 2021’s The Suicide Squad, respectively, supplied their condolences.
The Australia native had an early fascination with martial arts, quickly changing into an professional and ultimately taking jobs as a bodyguard to the likes of The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Mick Jagger, ABBA and Linda Ronstadt, who inspired him to enterprise into Hollywood. Famend within the discipline, he has additionally skilled such stars as Scarlett Johansson, Charlize Theron, Anya Taylor-Pleasure, Margot Robbie, Liam Neeson and extra.
Norton’s first position was in 1980’s The Octagon, taking part in the antagonist ninja Kyo reverse pal and collaborator Chuck Norris. He would go on to combat in opposition to martial artist Sammo Hung in 1985’s Twinkle Twinkle Fortunate Stars, paving the way in which for future forays into Hong Kong productions with Jackie Chan, together with 1993’s Metropolis Hunter and 1997’s Mr. Good Man, directed by Hung. In 2015, Norton appeared as The Prime Imperator in Mad Max: Fury Street, later reprising the position within the 2024 prequel movie led by Taylor-Pleasure.
Gunn posted a prolonged tribute to Norton on X, writing: “Richard Norton was a splendidly gifted stunt performer, stunt coordinator, and actor. He was additionally a pal. I met Richard because the combat choreographer on The Suicide Squad; he choreographed the Harley escape scene, Peacemaker vs Rick Flag Jr. and extra. He was a tricky however candy Australian dude with a hearty snort and 1,000,000 tales about his years making motion pictures. I’d continuously grill him for tales about engaged on the 90’s Hong Kong motion pictures we each beloved a lot, and he was at all times blissful to oblige. Richard appeared twenty years youthful than he was so I used to be notably shocked to get up this morning to listen to of his passing. My love goes out to his whole household, all his buddies and coworkers who adored him, and particularly his spouse Judy, who he at all times spoke of with much more gusto than when discussing exchanging onscreen blows with Jackie Chan. The movie world can be a much less vibrant place with out him. Relaxation in Peace, pal.”
Actor Robert Patrick added in a publish, alongside a video of the 2 from final 12 months: “I’m deeply saddened to share that my pal Richard Norton has handed away on the age of 76 [sic]. He was a unprecedented particular person, a towering determine within the martial arts group, and a recent of Chuck Norris. Along with his spectacular profession as a extremely sought-after bodyguard for rock stars, he made his mark as an completed combat coordinator on main movies. Greater than that, he was an exquisite human being, and I really feel lucky to have shared the display screen with him in ‘Equalizer 2000.’ My heartfelt ideas and prayers exit to his spouse, Judy, and his household throughout this tough time.”
