Chuck Norris, the martial-artist-turned-actor who helped popularize karate and action films in the US and became a TV mainstay with “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died. He was 86.
Born March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Okla., Norris first rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a champion martial artist who helped bring martial arts into the American mainstream.
At a time when Eastern fighting disciplines were still relatively unfamiliar to US audiences, Norris became one of their biggest champions by blending the principles of athleticism, discipline and showmanship.
His breakthrough in film came alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 classic “Way of the Dragon.”
Norris, who began his martial arts training in the late 1950s while stationed in South Korea as a US Air Force air policeman, first met Lee at the 1967 All-American Karate Open Championships at Madison Square Garden.
The pair developed a strong friendship and began training together, which led Lee to invite Norris to play one of the main villains in “The Way of the Dragon.”
Their climactic fight scene in Rome’s Colosseum is widely regarded as one of the most iconic martial arts showdowns ever captured on film, and it helped cement Norris’ reputation as a powerful onscreen presence.
Norris went on to headline a string of action movies through the 1970s and 1980s, including “Good Guys Wear Black,” “Lone Wolf McQuade” and the “Missing in Action” series.
His stoic persona, martial arts prowess and all-American image made him a defining figure in the era’s action genre.
But Norris reached an even broader audience with the long-running CBS TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which aired for eight seasons from 1993 to 2001 and included an impressive 196 episodes.
As Cordell Walker, a no-nonsense lawman with a strong moral code, Norris became a household name and brought martial arts action into weekly living rooms across the country.
Beyond his film and TV work, Norris was also a bestselling author and a longtime advocate for martial arts education. He founded organizations promoting youth development and discipline through karate training.
Over the course of his career, Norris received numerous honors recognizing both his martial arts achievements and his contributions to pop culture.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame as one of its 10 inaugural members in 1999.
Norris was also presented with the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame in 2000 and given the title of honorary Texas Ranger by then-Texas Governor Rick Perry in 2010.
In later years, Norris remained a cultural icon and was introduced to a new generation of fans as his tough guy image evolved into internet folklore through the viral “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon.
The “Walker, Texas Ranger” star’s family shared the sad news of his death with “heavy hearts” on social media Friday, explaining that he died suddenly Thursday morning.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the statement began.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”
His family highlighted that “he lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved” and “inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact” … “through his work, discipline, and kindness.”
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him,” the lengthy statement continued.
“The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.”
The family also acknowledged that many had “heard about his recent hospitalization” and are “truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent this way.”
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time,” they concluded, signing off as the Norris family.
Norris’ 24-year-old son, Dakota, also took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to his late father.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” he began alongside three sweet snaps of the pair. “You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life.”
Dakota continued, “Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.”
The late icon’s son went on to remember his dad as the “greatest father God could have ever given me” and “the finest man I’ve ever known.”
Just yesterday, news broke that Norris had been rushed to the hospital the previous day after suffering a medical emergency on the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Although the nature of the incident is unknown, it was reported that he had bounced back and was in good spirits.
On March 10, the “Delta Force” actor celebrated his birthday by sharing a video of himself taking a private outdoor boxing lesson.
“I don’t age. I level up,” he captioned the video shared via Instagram. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
“I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love,” Norris continued.
The actor expressed his gratitude to the “best fans in the world,” concluding, “Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
