Richard Norton, a veteran Australian actor, died on March 30, 2025, at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
According to the Coroner's report released on October 28, 2026, Norton injected himself with peptides and soon after he collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.
The 75-year-old actor has had a prominent career in film and television. He worked as an actor, instructor, and stuntman. Richard has also trained actors such as Scarlett Johnson, Margot Robbie, and Ben Affleck.
Richard Norton grew up in Sydney. He began learning judo at a young age and earned a black belt at 17.
Norton was married to Judy, who was a model and a Sale of the Century Star in 1993.
Norton also appeared in famous movies like ABBA. He also made appearances as an actor in Hong Kong movies, including The Magic Crystal, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars and City Hunter.
According to the investigations, the main reason behind Norton’s death was the complications that were caused by the unapproved peptide that he injected.
According to the reports, the peptide products that he injected included CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin, which were prescribed to him by his doctors.
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are paired peptides designed to enhance natural growth hormone levels.
They are commonly used by individuals looking to maximize muscle growth, bounce back faster from intense workouts, and sleep better. The blend also promotes fat metabolism alongside tissue and skin repair via collagen production.
According to the reports, Norton’s death is the first of its kind in Australia. It is the first recorded death in Australia that was caused by the use of unapproved peptides.
Also see: DIY Peptide Injections Are Risky, and People May Make Serious Mistakes When Administering Them
Norton was prescribed the peptide products for treating health issues such as fatigue, reduced physical recovery, shoulder pain and the loss of lean muscle mass.
According to Coroner David Ryan, Norton was taking an excessive dosage of the products that were prescribed to him.
Ryan said that Norton approached Dr. Jezzy Muchnicki and expressed an interest in peptide therapy.
During his consultation with Dr. Muchnicki, Norton disclosed that he had been prescribed peptides by another provider. His medical history included asthma, osteoarthritis, and previous bilateral shoulder reconstructions.
The coroner wrote, 'Dr. Muchnicki discussed in detail what was involved with peptide therapy, including the experimental nature of the treatment.’
According to Ryan, Dr. Muchnicki also prescribed a few blood tests to Norton to identify any other health issues or underlying conditions that might influence treatment decisions.
According to the Reports, Norton signed an 'Informed Consent Form for Peptide Therapy' and was then prescribed CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin.
Norton’s prescription was prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy in Queensland.
A few days before his death, Norton informed Dr. Jezzy that he was feeling good and that his symptoms had improved.
Coroner Ryan found out that Norton told a nurse at Dr. Muchnicki’s clinic that he was taking double the dose of the peptide that was prescribed to him.
The coroner stated that the nurse advised Richard that from the following week he ought to only administer the prescribed dose.
According to the reports, right after he finished speaking to the nurse, Norton injected himself with CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin, and then he became unresponsive.
Mr Ryan suggested that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) evaluate the benefits and safety profile of peptides like Ipamorelin and CJC-1295.
The TGA stated that many practitioners have access to unapproved peptides.
The TGA report said, ”TGA continues to warn consumers about the risks of unapproved peptides, which have not been assessed by the TGA for safety, quality or effectiveness.”
The Coroner also insisted that peptides be restricted to clinical trials and other experimental use.
(Rh/ARC)