On Saturday night, around 11 p.m. (March 29th, 2025), I had just finished watching a movie and was getting ready for bed. I just so happened to open my Facebook app and see a post that instantly stopped me in my tracks. It was on Richard Norton’s page, but it was made by his wife of over thirty years, model and actress Judy Green.
Needless to say, I was shocked. I didn’t know Richard Norton personally, but we have exchanged emails and had a lengthy chat over Zoom just over a year ago. I found him to be very kind and humble, and I was surprised by how enthusiastic he was to talk with me about some films he had worked on in the ’90s. I’ve yet to decide if I’ll change how I’ll share this interview we did. It’s meant to be a part of a book project I’m currently working on. Maybe I’ll change my mind and get it out before then for fans to read and enjoy.
Richard Norton was an Australian martial artist, actor, stunt performer, stunt coordinator, fight choreographer, and did security. He was a highly decorated martial artist, holding black belts in multiple fighting styles, including Karate, Jui-Jitsu, and Chun Kuk Do. Before transitioning into films, he was a bodyguard to the stars in the ’70s. His first acting role came in 1980 when he appeared with his pal Chuck Norris in the action classic The Octagon. Throughout his five-decade career, he would appear in over seventy films and worked on dozens more behind the scenes.
Through the ’80s and ’90s, he would star in countless action films with other esteemed fighters like Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Bolo Yueng, Billy Blanks, and more. He and Cynthia Rothrock had great chemistry and would continually be cast opposite one another in at least ten films, including the upcoming martial arts western Black Creek. He was also widely known for his work in post-apocalyptic films like Equalizer 2000 (1987), Raiders of the Sun (1992), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), and last year’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
When you think about some of the action scenes he participated in, you’ll realize they’re now considered classics. When working on several Hong Kong productions, he would throw down with Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. These weren’t one-time deals either; they would invite him back for multiple projects, their respect for him was evident, and his work ethic had to be strong. Fans can see the history they made together in films like Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985), Millionaires’ Express (1986), City Hunter (1993), and Mr. Nice Guy (1997), as well as other Hong Kong productions where the stunt teams really put it all on the line.
This is a major loss to the industry and the fans but, most importantly, to his friends, family, and the love of his life, his wife Judy. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this time. As I said, I didn’t know him personally, but I would like to share something he said to me during our chat:
“Corey, I’m just trying to find a good balance in life, not scurry around and do too much. I’m at that stage in life where it’s time to relax a little bit and not have to be achieving, working, and that sort of stuff all the time. I don’t want to end up dropping dead and asking myself if it was really worth it. I’ve taken away so many life lessons over the years from the people in my life, the people that I’ve worked with, that I’m looking forward to applying those lessons to my life now.”
Judging by all the heartfelt posts from Richard Norton’s friends and fans, he has positively affected people with his wisdom, set a standard, and taught people to work hard and be the best they can be. He’s done for others what he mentioned others had done for him.
Thank you, Mr. Norton, for taking the time to talk to me, your dedication to your craft, and being a role model. You’ve left behind a unique legacy that will continue to entertain, inspire, and excite generations to come. Your impact was massive, and you’ll never be forgotten.