Aussie Martial Arts Legend Richard Norton, Who Trained A-List Stars, Dies Suddenly at 75

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Australian martial arts legend Richard Norton has passed away aged 75.

On Friday evening, it was tragically reported that Norton, a renowned trainer known for honing the talents of stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, and Ben Affleck, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in South Melbourne.

His wife Judy Green confirmed the sad news in an Instagram post on Sunday.

‘I am numb and devastated, I have no words, I have lost my everything,’ she wrote.

‘I know there is, and will be lots of love and shock that we have lost this incredible human being.

‘The love of my life. I’m using this time to come to terms with my great loss. Judy.’

Terminator 2: Judgement Day star Robert Patrick also posted a tribute to Norton on Instagram.

He described him as an exceptional person, a highly respected figure within the world of martial arts, and a peer of Chuck Norris.

Beyond his successful career as a renowned bodyguard for popular musicians and a skilled action choreographer in blockbuster movies, he was also an exceptional individual. It was a privilege to work alongside him in The Equalizer 2000.

I’m deeply thinking of Judy and her family with all my empathy as they face these challenging moments.

In his youth, Norton resided in Sydney and commenced learning judo at the tender age of 11. By the time he was 17, he had achieved the rank of black belt in karate.

In 1970, he was hired as the chief instructor at Bob Jones’ Melbourne studio.

He subsequently achieved professional success in multiple roles, such as a martial arts teacher, bodyguard, and combat trainer for prominent Hollywood actors.

Norton married his wife Judy, a model and Sale of the Century star, in 1993.

Additionally, he made an appearance as a security personnel in the renowned 1977 film, ABBA: The Movie, which was shot in Australia.

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2025-03-30 09:48