Actor Richard Norton Dies After Double Dose of Prescribed Peptides

Melbourne coroner David Ryan concluded that the death of actor Richard Norton was directly caused by an injection of peptides he had self-administered at twice the prescribed amount. The ruling was filed on Wednesday in the Coroners Court of Victoria, providing a detailed account of the medical events leading to Norton’s death in March 2025.

Norton, 75, was a well-known film fighter who had faced Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan on screen. He also trained Hollywood actors including Ben Affleck, Tom Hardy, Scarlett Johansson, and Margot Robbie. Prior to his acting career, he worked as a stuntman and bodyguard for musicians such as David Bowie and Stevie Nicks. His death appears to be the first confirmed fatality in Australia linked to the use of unapproved peptides.

The timeline of events began on March 11, 2025, when Norton visited Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki for fatigue and pain following shoulder surgery. Norton expressed interest in peptide therapy, admitting he had used the treatment previously. The doctor reviewed his medical history and explained the experimental nature of the therapy, including potential risks. Norton signed a consent form before Muchnicki prescribed the medication.

By March 25, Norton reported feeling better and noted that his symptoms were improving. Two days later, on March 28, he called the doctor’s office to request a replacement vial of CJC1295 and Ipamorelin after dropping and breaking his original supply. During that call, the nurse noted that Norton had been administering double the prescribed dose for the previous week. The nurse advised him to return to the standard dose starting the following week.

Dr. Muchnicki authorized the replacement vial over the phone without reviewing the nurse’s notes regarding the dosage error. The report faults the doctor for not speaking directly with Norton to confirm proper usage or assess for adverse effects. That evening, Norton’s wife, Judy Green, called the office after he administered the second dose of the new vial. She reported that he complained of feeling hot and flushed before collapsing and becoming unresponsive.

Norton was rushed to a hospital where he suffered an anaphylactic reaction that led to cardiac arrest. He died on March 30, 2025. The coroner’s report states that the injection triggered the reaction. Ryan noted that Norton had been taking the medication in excess of the dose prescribed by his medical practitioner, which was the direct trigger for the fatal event.

Dr. Muchnicki has accepted accountability for his actions and apologized for his errors in judgment. He has stated he will no longer prescribe peptides. NBC News contacted the doctor’s practice for comment on Wednesday, but no response had been received as of the filing. The report recommends that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration impose tougher restrictions on the use of unapproved peptides.

Peptides are small proteins promoted by online influencers for benefits ranging from faster healing to improved sleep. While some peptides are in approved U.S. medications for conditions like diabetes and obesity, a grey market of unapproved products has expanded. On the same day the coroner’s report was filed, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized compounding pharmacies to produce six specific peptides, including BPC-157 and epitalon, despite FDA scientists citing insufficient data on their safety and efficacy.