Richard Norton
Encyclopedia
Richard Norton is a martial artist, action film star, and stuntman
. Norton worked as a bodyguard in the entertainment business before pursuing an acting career. He has attained an eighth-dan
in Zen Do Kai
, Australia.
His first screen appearance was in the 1980 Chuck Norris
film The Octagon
, and to date he has worked on over 70 feature films and television programs.
, Linda Ronstadt
, James Taylor
, David Bowie
, ABBA
, John Belushi
, Fleetwood Mac
and Stevie Nicks
.
, being one of few Western stars that can handle the fast pace of HK-style action.
Norton's Hong Kong credits include The Magic Crystal
, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars, City Hunter, (a live action remake of the comic book), Millionaire's Express
, and Mr. Nice Guy
. A signature catchphrase of Norton's characters is "Painful?", usually asked after striking a decisive blow. The most comical example is in Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars
, where he faces Sammo Hung
and in the movie Millionaire's Express
against Yasuaki Kurata.
Over his career, Norton has faced off with many top martial arts action stars, including Jackie Chan
(in three films), Sammo Hung, Yasuaki Kurata, Benny "the Jet" Urquidez
(in Kick Fighter), Don "The Dragon" Wilson (in CyberTracker
), and Cynthia Rothrock
(in Lady Dragon and others).
More recently, Norton served as fight coordinator on the 2007 film The Condemned
(starring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
and Vinnie Jones
), doubling for Jones. His latest starring role is in the soon to be released contemporary drama, 'Under the Red Moon', which is now in post production.
And more so recently Richard Norton appeared at a convention of martial arts in Berlin where in August 2010 he was joined by 10 other stars of Martial arts cinema in a show that spanned two days.The show was called the Berlin Movie Con and staged in the Universal hall in Berlin Germany.Among his fellow stars where the likes of Cynthia Rothrock
, Don 'The Dragon' Wilson and Conan Lee
.
, Karate
, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
, Aikido
, Thai boxing and several Japanese weapons systems. He used this experience to co-create the hybrid martial art Zen Do Kai
with fellow security guard Bob Jones
. He has a 5th-degree Shihan rank Black Belt in Goju Ryu, 5th-degree Masters rank in Chun Kuk Do (Chuck Norris system), 4th-degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an 8th-degree Black Belt in Zen Do Kai Karate. He has trained extensively with such Martial Arts legends as Tino Ceberano
, Tadashi Yamashita
, Fumio Demura
, Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace
, Pete "Sugar Foot" Cunningham
, the Machado
brothers and Chuck Norris
.
Norton is in constant demand for seminars all over the world, covering such topics as street defense, martial arts weapons drills, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts
. His 15 years experience as a Personal Body Guard for some of Rock and Roll's greats finds Richard in particular demand for teaching the realities of real life street defense, focusing on aspects such as adrenal dump, stress control and pre-emptive strikes.
In Sept 2007, Norton released a two-disc DVD set on Black Belt Digital Video called 'Black Belt training Complexes'. The DVDs show Norton executing some very fast and accurate examples of his skill, and some additional seminar footage is also included. The 3 plus hours of training drills and information focus on the development of explosive speed, power and continuity of movement, with in depth explanation of the various principles one needs to understand to develop incredible speed, regardless of their particular style or discipline.
Stunt double
A stunt double is a type of body double, specifically a skilled replacement used for dangerous film or video sequences, in movies and television , and for other sophisticated stunts...
. Norton worked as a bodyguard in the entertainment business before pursuing an acting career. He has attained an eighth-dan
Dan (rank)
The ranking system is a Japanese mark of level, which is used in modern fine arts and martial arts. Originally invented in a Go school in the Edo period, this system was applied to martial arts by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo and later introduced to other East Asia countries.In the modern...
in Zen Do Kai
Zen Do Kai
Zen Do Kai is a freestyle martial art system which originated in Australia by Bob Jones and Richard Norton when they left the Japanese Gōjū Kai karate dojo of Tino Ceberano in 1970....
, Australia.
His first screen appearance was in the 1980 Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do...
film The Octagon
The Octagon (film)
The Octagon is a 1980 action film with Chuck Norris in the leading role. It was directed by Eric Karson and written by Paul Aaron and Leigh Chapman. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California and released on August 14, 1980. It is notable for its inventive use of 'voice over' effects to portray the...
, and to date he has worked on over 70 feature films and television programs.
Career
Norton worked as a personal bodyguard for the likes of The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
, Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
, James Taylor
James Taylor
James Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000....
, David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
, ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
, John Belushi
John Belushi
John Adam Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician, best known as one of the original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, The Star of the Films National Lampoon's Animal House and the The Blues Brothers and for fronting the American blues and soul...
, Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
and Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks
Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums...
.
Film
Norton is known for his appearances in Hong Kong action filmsHong Kong action cinema
Hong Kong action cinema is the principal source of the Hong Kong film industry's global fame. It combines elements from the action film, as codified by Hollywood, with Chinese storytelling and aesthetic traditions, to create a culturally distinctive form that nevertheless has a wide transcultural...
, being one of few Western stars that can handle the fast pace of HK-style action.
Norton's Hong Kong credits include The Magic Crystal
The Magic Crystal
The Magic Crystal is a 1986 Hong Kong film martial arts fantasy film, directed by Wong Jing and starring Andy Lau.It is about a mysterious crystal that holds powers to be able to do both nice and terrible things. The film is well known for being one of those 'so bad it's good' films...
, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars, City Hunter, (a live action remake of the comic book), Millionaire's Express
Millionaire's Express
Millionaire's Express aka. Shanghai Express is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action western film written and directed by Sammo Hung. Film starred Hung, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan, Mei-sheng Fan and Hwang Jang Lee.-Plot:...
, and Mr. Nice Guy
Mr. Nice Guy (1997 film)
Mr Nice Guy is a 1997 Hong Kong martial arts action crime comedy film directed by Sammo Hung and starring Jackie Chan. It also stars Richard Norton as the villain, with whom Chan had worked in 1993 film City Hunter and Chan and Hung had worked in Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. Hung makes a cameo as...
. A signature catchphrase of Norton's characters is "Painful?", usually asked after striking a decisive blow. The most comical example is in Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars
Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars
Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is a 1985 Hong Kong action comedy film directed and co-written by Sammo Hung. It is the third instalment in the Lucky Stars series, following Winners and Sinners and My Lucky Stars...
, where he faces Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film producer and director, known for his work in many martial arts films and Hong Kong action cinema...
and in the movie Millionaire's Express
Millionaire's Express
Millionaire's Express aka. Shanghai Express is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action western film written and directed by Sammo Hung. Film starred Hung, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan, Mei-sheng Fan and Hwang Jang Lee.-Plot:...
against Yasuaki Kurata.
Over his career, Norton has faced off with many top martial arts action stars, including Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
(in three films), Sammo Hung, Yasuaki Kurata, Benny "the Jet" Urquidez
Benny Urquidez
Benny Urquidez is an American kickboxer, martial arts choreographer and actor. Nicknamed, The Jet, Urquidez was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the U.S. He made the transition from point to full-contact karate in 1974 – the year of its inception...
(in Kick Fighter), Don "The Dragon" Wilson (in CyberTracker
CyberTracker (film)
CyberTracker is a 1994 science fiction action film written by Jacobsen Hart and directed by Richard Pepin. It stars Don "The Dragon" Wilson as Eric Phillips...
), and Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. -Martial arts achievements:Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985...
(in Lady Dragon and others).
More recently, Norton served as fight coordinator on the 2007 film The Condemned
The Condemned
The Condemned is a 2007 action film, co-written and directed by Scott Wiper, and starring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones, Robert Mammone, Madeleine West and Rick Hoffman....
(starring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Steve Austin , better known by his ring name "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, is an American film and television actor and retired professional wrestler...
and Vinnie Jones
Vinnie Jones
Vincent Peter "Vinnie" Jones is an English film actor and retired Welsh footballer.Born in Hertfordshire, England, Jones represented and captained the Welsh national football team, having qualified via a Welsh grandparent. He also previously played for Chelsea and Leeds United. As a member of the...
), doubling for Jones. His latest starring role is in the soon to be released contemporary drama, 'Under the Red Moon', which is now in post production.
And more so recently Richard Norton appeared at a convention of martial arts in Berlin where in August 2010 he was joined by 10 other stars of Martial arts cinema in a show that spanned two days.The show was called the Berlin Movie Con and staged in the Universal hall in Berlin Germany.Among his fellow stars where the likes of Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. -Martial arts achievements:Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985...
, Don 'The Dragon' Wilson and Conan Lee
Conan Lee
Conan Lee Yuen-Ba 李元霸 born Lloyd Hutchinson, is an Asian-American film actor and martial artist.-Biography:Born in Hong Kong but growing up in Queens, New York as Lloyd Hutchinson he was trained in his fathers self defense, he is best known for his roles in cult kung fu/ninja hybrid favorite "Ninja...
.
Filmography
- The OctagonThe Octagon (film)The Octagon is a 1980 action film with Chuck Norris in the leading role. It was directed by Eric Karson and written by Paul Aaron and Leigh Chapman. It was filmed in Los Angeles, California and released on August 14, 1980. It is notable for its inventive use of 'voice over' effects to portray the...
(1980) – Kyo - Force: FiveForce: FiveForce: Five is a 1981 film directed by Robert Clouse. It stars Joe Lewis and Bong Soo Han.-Cast:*Joe Lewis as Jim Martin*Bong Soo Han as Rev. Rhee*Sonny Barnes as Lockjaw*Richard Norton as Ezekiel*Benny Urquidez as Billy Ortega...
(1981) – Ezekiel - Forced VengeanceForced VengeanceForced Vengeance is a 1982 motion picture action drama. When the owner and proprietor of the Lucky Dragon casino in Hong Kong refuses to let mobsters take over his business he and his family are hit...
(1982) – Herb - GymkataGymkataGymkata is a 1985 martial arts film starring Olympic gymnast Kurt Thomas as Jonathan Cabot, an Olympic gymnast who combines his gymnastic ability with ninjutsu to enter a deadly competition in a fictional country, Parmistan...
(1985) – Zamir - Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky StarsTwinkle, Twinkle Lucky StarsTwinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars is a 1985 Hong Kong action comedy film directed and co-written by Sammo Hung. It is the third instalment in the Lucky Stars series, following Winners and Sinners and My Lucky Stars...
(1985) – Caucasian Assassin - American NinjaAmerican NinjaAmerican Ninja is a 1985 ninja action film produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus's Cannon Films. Directed by Sam Firstenberg, who specialized in this genre in the 1980s, the film stars Michael Dudikoff in the title role, with Steve James as his side-kick. Domestic box office grosses for the...
(1985) – MP (uncredited) - Equalizer 2000Equalizer 2000Equalizer 2000, also known as Defender 2000, is a 1986 action movie, filmed in the Philippines, featuring an early appearance by Robert Patrick from Terminator 2: Judgment Day fame...
(1986) – Slade - Future Hunters (1986) – Matthew
- Millionaire's ExpressMillionaire's ExpressMillionaire's Express aka. Shanghai Express is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action western film written and directed by Sammo Hung. Film starred Hung, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan, Mei-sheng Fan and Hwang Jang Lee.-Plot:...
– (1986) – Bandit - Magic Crystal (1987) – Karov
- Return of the Kickfighter (1987) – Brad Cooper
- The Fighter (1987) – Ryan Travers
- Fight to WinFight to WinFight to Win is an album by Nigerian musician Femi Kuti released in mid-October 2001.-Track listing:# "Do Your Best "# "Walk on the Right Side"# "Traitors of Africa"# "Tension Grip Nigeria"# "'97"# "Fight to Win Fight to Win is an album by Nigerian musician Femi Kuti released in mid-October...
(1987) – Armstrong - Not Another Mistake (1987) – Richard Straker
- Jungle Assassin (1988)
- Hawkeye (1988)
- Licence to KillLicence to KillLicence to Kill, released in 1989, is the sixteenth entry in the Eon Productions James Bond series and the first one not to use the title of an Ian Fleming novel. It marks Timothy Dalton's second and final performance in his brief tenure in the lead role of James Bond...
(1989) - The Sword of Bushido (1989) – Zac Connors
- Hyper Space (1989) – Thomas Stanton
- The Blood of HeroesThe Blood of HeroesThe Blood of Heroes is a 1989 Australian post-apocalyptic film directed by David Webb Peoples and starring Rutger Hauer and Joan Chen. The film is also known by the names The Salute of the Jugger and Salute to the Jugger...
(1989) – Bone - Blood Street (1990)
- China O'BrienChina O'BrienChina O'Brien is a martial arts film starring actress and martial artist Cynthia Rothrock.-Plot summaries:Police Officer China O'Brien is a good cop who teaches martial arts class to her fellow officers...
(1990) – Matt Conroy - China O'Brien IIChina O'Brien IIChina O'Brien II is a 1991 film directed by Robert Clouse. It stars Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton. It is a sequel to the 1990 film China O'Brien.-Cast:*Cynthia Rothrock as China O'Brien*Richard Norton as Matt Conroy*Keith Cooke as Dakota...
(1991) – Matt Conroy - Raiders of the Sun (1992) – Brodie
- Rage and Honor (1992) – Preston Michaels
- Lady Dragon (1992) – Ludwig Hauptman
- IronheartIronheartIronheart is a martial arts film starring Bolo Yeung, created as a showcase vehicle for Britton K. Lee. It is considered a cult classic by many Bolo Yeung fans.-Plot:...
(1992) – Milverstead - City HunterCity Hunteris a hardboiled manga series written and illustrated by Tsukasa Hojo, published by Shueisha in the Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1985 to 1991. The manga was adapted into an animated television series by Sunrise Studios in 1987...
(1993) – MacDonald - Rage and Honor II (1993) – Preston Michaels
- Deathfight (1994) – Jack Dameron
- Direct HitDirect Hit (film)Direct Hit is a 1994 action film starring William Forsythe and directed by Joseph Merhi.-Plot:John Hatch informs his CIA handlers that his next hit will be his last. Unfortunately, he soon discovers that his target isn't a criminal at all...
(1994) – Rogers - CyberTrackerCyberTracker (film)CyberTracker is a 1994 science fiction action film written by Jacobsen Hart and directed by Richard Pepin. It stars Don "The Dragon" Wilson as Eric Phillips...
(1994) – Ross - The Ultimate Warrior (1995) – Earth Warlord
- Tough and Deadly (1995) – Agent Norton
- Under the Gun (1995) – Frank Torrence
- For Life or Death (1996)
- Soul of the Avenger (1997) – Sir Xavier
- Strategic Command (1997) – Carlos Gruber
- Mr. Nice GuyMr. Nice Guy (1997 film)Mr Nice Guy is a 1997 Hong Kong martial arts action crime comedy film directed by Sammo Hung and starring Jackie Chan. It also stars Richard Norton as the villain, with whom Chan had worked in 1993 film City Hunter and Chan and Hung had worked in Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. Hung makes a cameo as...
(1997) – Giancarlo - Tex Murphy: OverseerTex Murphy: OverseerTex Murphy: Overseer is the 5th installment in the Tex Murphy series of adventure games for the PC. In it, the player controls Private Investigator Tex Murphy as he recounts the story of his first case to his girlfriend, Chelsee Bando...
(1998) – Big Jim Slade - Black Thunder (1998) – Rather
- NautilusNautilusNautilus is the common name of marine creatures of cephalopod family Nautilidae, the sole extant family of the superfamily Nautilaceae and of its smaller but near equal suborder, Nautilina. It comprises six living species in two genera, the type of which is the genus Nautilus...
(2000) – John Harris - The Rage Within (2001) – Keller
- Amazons and Gladiators (2001) – Lucius
- Redemption (2002) – Tom 'Snake' Sasso
- Dream Warrior (2003) – Archer
- Mind GamesMind GamesMind Games is John Lennon's fourth post-Beatles album, and was recorded and released in 1973. Like his previous album, the politically topical and somewhat abrasive Some Time in New York City, Mind Games was poorly received by music critics...
(2003) – Carter Tallerin - Road House 2: Last CallRoad House 2: Last CallRoad House 2: Last Call is a 2006 action adventure film. It is the sequel to Road House , and was released direct to DVD.-Plot:...
(2006) – Victor Cross - Under a Red Moon (2008) – Jonathan Dunn
- Man of Blood (2008) – Lee Francis
- Dead in Love (2009) – Danny's Dad
Martial arts experience
Richard Norton has trained in many aspects of the martial arts in his 45 years of training, including JudoJudo
is a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, Karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting...
, Aikido
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, Thai boxing and several Japanese weapons systems. He used this experience to co-create the hybrid martial art Zen Do Kai
Zen Do Kai
Zen Do Kai is a freestyle martial art system which originated in Australia by Bob Jones and Richard Norton when they left the Japanese Gōjū Kai karate dojo of Tino Ceberano in 1970....
with fellow security guard Bob Jones
Zen Do Kai
Zen Do Kai is a freestyle martial art system which originated in Australia by Bob Jones and Richard Norton when they left the Japanese Gōjū Kai karate dojo of Tino Ceberano in 1970....
. He has a 5th-degree Shihan rank Black Belt in Goju Ryu, 5th-degree Masters rank in Chun Kuk Do (Chuck Norris system), 4th-degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and an 8th-degree Black Belt in Zen Do Kai Karate. He has trained extensively with such Martial Arts legends as Tino Ceberano
Tino Ceberano
Constantino 'Tino' Ceberano is a karate master who is a key figure in Australian martial arts history. He is a direct student of Gōju Kai karate founder Gōgen Yamaguchi...
, Tadashi Yamashita
Tadashi Yamashita
is an Japanese American martial arts instructor and actor.- Biography :Yamashita was born in mainland Japan but raised in Okinawa, where he earned a black belt at the age of 16...
, Fumio Demura
Fumio Demura
is a Japanese master of karate. He is a well known master of karate and kobudo , and his martial arts skills featured in the Karate Kid series of films. Demura holds the rank of 9th dan in Shitō-ryū karate.-Early life:...
, Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace
Bill Wallace (martial arts)
William "Bill" Louis Wallace is an American martial artist who was a Professional Karate Association world full- contact karate champion. He was the Professional Karate Association Middleweight Champion kickboxer for almost six years.- Background :Wallace was born in Portland, Indiana, and...
, Pete "Sugar Foot" Cunningham
Pete Cunningham (kickboxer)
Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham is a Canadian kickboxer and martial arts actor.Peter, like many others, wanted to train in the martial arts after watching Bruce Lee movies. Now he is a living legend in the world of kickboxing. He is a 7-Times Undefeated World Kickboxing Champion and the first inductee...
, the Machado
Machado family
The Machado family refers to the lineage of Brazilian mixed martial artists and Grapplers. They are known for being the founders of RCJ Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu...
brothers and Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do...
.
Norton is in constant demand for seminars all over the world, covering such topics as street defense, martial arts weapons drills, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts
Mixed martial arts
Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
. His 15 years experience as a Personal Body Guard for some of Rock and Roll's greats finds Richard in particular demand for teaching the realities of real life street defense, focusing on aspects such as adrenal dump, stress control and pre-emptive strikes.
In Sept 2007, Norton released a two-disc DVD set on Black Belt Digital Video called 'Black Belt training Complexes'. The DVDs show Norton executing some very fast and accurate examples of his skill, and some additional seminar footage is also included. The 3 plus hours of training drills and information focus on the development of explosive speed, power and continuity of movement, with in depth explanation of the various principles one needs to understand to develop incredible speed, regardless of their particular style or discipline.