Aussie actor and stuntman’s death attributed to peptide usage
The death of Australian actor Richard Norton last year was brought on by unauthorised peptides, a coroner has found.
Norton, who was also known as a martial artist, stunt performer, and instructor, died aged 75 in Melbourne in March 2025.
Actor Richard Norton’s death has been attributed to peptide use, a coroner has found. Instagram
Coroner David Ryan has now found that Norton suffered a cardiac arrest after injecting himself with unapproved peptides, which had been prescribed to him by a doctor.
“I am satisfied that Richard’s death was triggered by his injection of the peptide CJC1295/Ipamorelin,” Ryan wrote in the report.
“Richard had been taking amounts of the medication in excess of the dose prescribed by his medical practitioner.
“The injection caused an anaphylactic reaction which in turn led to cardiac arrest.”
Norton’s death is believed to be the first in Australia attributed to peptide usage.
Ryan also recommended the Therapeutic Goods Administration re-examine the risks and benefits of the drugs, and consider imposing stricter guidelines.
The report noted that Norton’s doctor explained to him the experimental nature of peptide treatment, and the lack of TGA-approved options for it.
Norton also signed an informed consent form regarding the treatment.
“He disclosed ... that he had been previously prescribed peptides by another practitioner which had been effective in treating symptoms relating to fatigue, reduced physical recovery, shoulder pain and loss of lean muscle mass,” Ryan said of Norton.
On March 28 last year, Norton told a nurse he had been taking double the prescribed dosage, and was told in turn to stick to the prescription.
Richard Norton with actress Margot Robbie. Instagram
He became unresponsive in the following hours and died in hospital on March 30.
Norton’s lengthy career saw him work alongside screen industry greats including Chuck Norris, Liam Neeson, Charlize Theron, Jackie Chan, and Margot Robbie, both as an actor and a behind-the-scenes trainer.
He is survived by his wife, actress Judy Green.
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