Richard Norton's biography:
Born in Croydon, Australia, Norton's early fascination with martial arts led him to become a karate black belt by age 17. He worked as a security guard for nightclubs and as chief instructor for 500 karate schools nationwide. Norton's bodyguard work for The Rolling Stones during their Australian tour introduced him to the demands of global celebrity. He trained with Mick Jagger and later became the bodyguard for Linda Ronstadt, who invited him to California.
Norton's friendship with Chuck Norris led to his first film role in The Octagon (1980),where he played a masked ninja. His performance in Force: Five (1981) further cemented his career in Hollywood. Norton's reputation for high-energy performances emerged from his work in Hong Kong films, particularly those directed by Sammo Kam-Bo Hung and starring Jackie Chan.
Norton's collaborations with Cynthia Rothrock earned them the title of the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of martial arts movies. He has worked with various partners, including Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, and has appeared in films such as Rage and Honor (1992),China O'Brien (1990),and Lady Dragon (1992).
Norton has also appeared in crime dramas, MIA pictures, and futuristic adventures, often featuring his real-life training partners in supporting roles. His standout performances in The Sword of Bushido (1990) and Under the Gun (1995) showcase his attraction to heroes with dimensions and flaws.
Behind the camera, Norton has worked as a stunt/fight coordinator and producer, choreographing action in films such as Nomad: The Warrior (2005) and Devil's Pond (2003). Despite his busy career, Norton continues to achieve black belts in the martial arts and is a motivating force for his accomplishments.
