According to Yahoo Entertainment, legendary American action star and martial artist Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, March 20.
In the statement, Norris’ family said: “With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Chuck Norris suddenly passed away early yesterday morning.” The statement noted that specific details will remain private, but he was surrounded by family and passed peacefully.
TMZ reported that earlier this week, Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii due to a sudden health issue. His family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his hospitalization.
“For the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and symbol of strength; for us, he was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and the heart of our family,” the statement read.
Once Bruce Lee’s ‘rival’
CNN reported that Norris first gained prominence as a martial arts champion. In 1972, he played Bruce Lee’s formidable opponent in the film Way of the Dragon, which launched his film career. He later solidified his tough-guy image in action films such as Missing in Action and Delta Force.
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In the 1990s, he transitioned to television, starring as lawman Cordell Walker in the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001. The show became a defining mark of his career and introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
His consistently stoic and resolute on-screen persona, along with his signature line delivery, made him an iconic action hero in American pop culture.
Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma, USA, was introduced to martial arts while stationed in Korea with the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s and began formal training.
After leaving the military, he dedicated himself to teaching karate and eventually became a world champion, also creating the “Chuck Norris System™” based on his own training methods.
His students included celebrities such as Priscilla Presley and Steve McQueen. Norris recalled that it was McQueen’s encouragement that prompted him to pursue a career in entertainment.
An internet-era legend
With the rise of the internet, Norris’ tough-guy image was further amplified, giving rise to the viral “Chuck Norris Facts”—a series of exaggerated and humorous pseudo-facts portraying him as almost omnipotent.
He told Time magazine that these jokes were “unexpectedly amusing” and was surprised by their enduring popularity. In 2010, then-Texas Governor Rick Perry even named him an “Honorary Texas Ranger,” reflecting his iconic role in Walker, Texas Ranger.
Beyond his film and martial arts accomplishments, Norris actively engaged in philanthropy. In 1990, with support from then-President George H.W. Bush, he founded the “Kickstart Kids” program, using martial arts to teach discipline and values to youth.
Law enforcement officials noted that the program was highly effective in crime prevention.
Norris often emphasized that martial arts is not only physical training but also a tool for mental and spiritual development. He once said that if more people understood its inner value, society’s violence would decrease.
Even in his final days, Norris remained active. Having just turned 86 on March 10, he posted videos on social media sparring with his coach and wrote: “I don’t age, I just level up.”
