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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Although his name may not be as recognizable as the legendary Bruce Lee, there's a good chance you've seen Norton at some point in movies or on TV. He was one of the leading names behind the scenes of Hollywood action cinema in recent decades. He has been in the spotlight in recent years for his stunt work in the 'Mad Max' franchise , including 'Fury Road' and 'Furiosa' . He also played 'Prime Imperator' in the series, one of the main henchmen of the villain 'Immortan Joe' in the story.
Working with George Miller propelled Norton to a prominent position in the American film industry. He worked as a fight choreographer on big-budget productions such as the two 'Suicide Squad' films and '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 'ABBA' movie . He is credited with stunt work in 'Octagon: School for Assassins' , a 1980 film starring Chuck Norris and Lee Van Cleef, and played the character Slade in 'Equalizer 2000' , from 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 go up against Chuck Norris. The legendary martial arts actor mourned Norton's death with a post on Instagram. Norris also posted a scene from the movie '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 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 films. I constantly pressed him for stories about working on the 90s Hong Kong films that we both loved so much, and he was always happy to help,” wrote Marvel and DC director 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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