Australian stunt choreographer Richard Norton (right) has died aged 75. Photo: Personal archive
The extraordinary Bruce Lee faced martial arts legends Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan, two of the most popular fighting icons in the history of cinema. However, another man also accomplished this feat: Richard Norton. The Australian stunt choreographer died last Sunday (30) at the age of 75. The information was released by Judy Green, the artist's wife, on social media.
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While his name may not have the same recognition as the legendary Bruce Lee, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Norton at some point in movies or on TV. He’s been one of the biggest names behind the scenes in Hollywood action cinema over the past few decades. He’s come into the spotlight in recent years for his stunt work on the 'Mad Max', including 'Fury Road' e 'Furious'. He also played the 'Prime Imperator' in the series, one of the main henchmen of the villain 'Immortan Joe' in the story.
Working with George Miller catapulted Norton to a prominent position in the American industry. He worked as a fight choreographer on big-budget productions such as the two 'Suicide Squad' e 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix'.
The legendary Chuck Norris (left) next to Richard Norton (right). Photo: Personal archive
Born in Melbourne, Australia, the artist began his career in the 1980s, working on the film 'ABBA'. He is credited for stunt work on 'Octagon: School for Assassins', a 1980 film starring Chuck Norris and Lee Van Cleef, and played the character Slade in 'Equalizer 2000'Of 1987.
Richard Norton is still credited as one of the creators of the 'Zen Do Kai' martial arts style in the 1970s.
Let's face it: not just anyone can take on Chuck Norris. The legendary martial arts actor mourned Norton's death with a post on 'Instagram'. Norris also posted a scene from the film 'Octagon: School for Assassins', where he faces the Australian in a sword fight. (see below)
“Richard Norton was a wonderfully talented stuntman, stunt coordinator and actor. He was also a friend. I first met Richard as the fight choreographer on The Suicide Squad; he was a tough but sweet Australian with a warm laugh and a million stories about his years making movies. I would constantly press him for stories about working on the 90s Hong Kong films we both loved so much, and he was always happy to oblige,” wrote the director of 'Marvel' and 'A.D', James Gunn, on social media.
“He was an extraordinary individual, a towering figure in the martial arts community and a contemporary of Chuck Norris. In addition to his impressive career as a sought-after bodyguard to rock stars, he made his mark as a talented fight coordinator on major motion pictures. More than that, he was a wonderful human being, and I feel lucky to have shared the screen with him,” actor Robert Patrick said in a tribute also on social media.
The cause of Richard Norton's death has not yet been revealed.
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