Hollywood and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he rose to fame as a martial artist, actor, and cultural icon, leaving an enduring impact on fans worldwide.
Norris’ family shared that he “lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.”
They described him as “a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family,” while noting that his work inspired millions around the world.
Norris began his martial arts journey while serving in the United States Air Force in South Korea, eventually earning a black belt and winning multiple karate championships in the 1960s.
His acting career took off after meeting martial arts legend Bruce Lee, with whom he famously fought in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon.
Throughout the 1980s, Norris became a household name with roles in films such as Missing in Action, Delta Force, Code of Silence, and Invasion U.S.A..
He reached wider audiences with the CBS action series Walker, Texas Ranger, in which he played the titular role of Cordell Walker from 1993 to 2001. His final big-screen appearance came in 2012’s The Expendables 2.
Beyond his acting career, Norris was dedicated to promoting fitness and martial arts, founding multiple schools and serving as a symbol of discipline and strength.
In recent years, he also became a beloved figure in internet culture, known for the humorous “Chuck Norris facts” memes celebrating his toughness.
Norris passed away peacefully in Hawaii on March 19, surrounded by his family. The family asked for privacy during this time of mourning and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide.
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