Richard Norton, the actor and martial artist who appeared in Mad Max: Fury Road, died after an injection of unapproved peptides triggered a severe allergic reaction, according to findings released by a Victorian coroner.
Coroner David Ryan delivered his findings on October 28, nearly 19 months after Norton died at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital on March 30, 2025. He was 75.
The products, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin, had been prescribed by Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki and prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy in Queensland, ABC News reported. Neither had been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Norton had sought treatment for fatigue, shoulder pain, reduced recovery and declining muscle mass. His medical history included asthma, osteoarthritis and reconstructive surgery on both shoulders.
Norton Reported Taking Twice the Prescribed Dose Before His Collapse
Muchnicki discussed the treatment’s experimental nature with Norton, arranged blood tests and obtained written consent acknowledging risks that included anaphylaxis, according to Australian Associated Press. The prescription was issued March 19.
Norton initially reported better sleep, less pain and improved exercise capacity. During a March 28 conversation with a clinic nurse, he disclosed that he had been administering double the prescribed amount. The nurse advised him to use the prescribed dose from the following week.
Hours later, after another injection, he felt hot and flushed before collapsing. His wife, Judy Green, began CPR, and paramedics found him in cardiac arrest. Entertainment Weekly‘s account of the findings describes earlier redness and swelling after injections. In hospital, Norton developed ischemic bowel, a complication involving inadequate blood supply to the intestines.
The Medical Board Cautioned His Doctor Over Recordkeeping
A notification to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency prompted the Medical Board of Australia to investigate Muchnicki’s care. Its independent assessor, clinical professor Alistair Vickery, found insufficient evidence that the products were safe, effective or beneficial for human use.
Vickery nevertheless assessed the clinical care as meeting a reasonably expected standard, considering the doctor’s training, the consent process and Norton’s previous use of peptides without adverse effects. He separately criticized the doctor’s notes as inadequate.
According to ABC’s reporting, the board issued a caution and imposed conditions in July 2026. Muchnicki accepted criticism of his judgment and recordkeeping, apologized and arranged individual education in clinical documentation and management.
The Coroner Asked Regulators to Consider Tighter Restrictions
Ryan recommended that the TGA review the products’ benefits and safety risks. His recommendation included considering a move from prescription-only Schedule 4 to Schedule 10, which could prohibit supply and use except in specified circumstances such as clinical trials.
The TGA distinguishes approved peptide medicines from unapproved products, which it has not assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness. Limited pathways can allow practitioners to access unapproved treatments for individual patients. The regulator told ABC it was continuing to assess the risks and considering additional measures.
Victoria’s Department of Health issued a separate warning on October 27. It recorded 13 notifications of anaphylaxis associated with unapproved peptides since July 2025, including five in the second half of September 2026. Almost all involved people who had never previously experienced anaphylaxis.
The advisory warns that a serious reaction can occur after an initial dose or after several doses that caused no apparent problems. It urges people with symptoms such as difficulty breathing or collapse to seek emergency care immediately.
Norton Fought Jackie Chan Onscreen and Trained Hollywood Stars
Norton met Chuck Norris during Norris’ 1976 visit to Australia and appeared opposite him in The Octagon in 1980. His subsequent Hong Kong credits included the Jackie Chan films Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars, City Hunter and Mr. Nice Guy.
His Bob Jones Martial Arts profile also describes years spent as a bodyguard and trainer for touring musicians, including the Rolling Stones and David Bowie. He later became fight coordinator on Walker, Texas Ranger and appeared in guest roles on the series.
His work on major studio films included training Charlize Theron for Mad Max: Fury Road, in which he also played the Prime Imperator, and working with Margot Robbie and Will Smith on Suicide Squad.
Chuck Norris and James Gunn Remembered Their Work With Norton
View this post on Instagram
After Norton’s death, Norris shared photographs from their years together, including their work on The Octagon. His March 2025 tribute described Norton as a friend and brother.
James Gunn also remembered the stories Norton told while they worked on The Suicide Squad. In a tribute quoted by PEOPLE, Gunn recalled asking him about the Hong Kong action movies they both loved.
He said Norton spoke about his wife, Judy, with even greater enthusiasm than he brought to those filmmaking memories. “Richard, you made me not only a better martial artist but a better person,” Norris wrote.