Tributes have poured in from across the world following the death of legendary martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died at the age of 86.
His family confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, saying the actor passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after being hospitalized in Hawaii earlier in the week due to an undisclosed medical emergency.
“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,” the statement read.
From Air Force to martial arts champion
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris joined the United States Air Force in 1958 and began learning martial arts while stationed in South Korea. After returning to the United States, he became a professional martial artist and went on to win multiple championships, including becoming a six-time World Professional Middleweight Karate champion.
He later founded his own martial arts style known as Chun Kuk Do, also called the Chuck Norris System, and trained several celebrity clients, including Steve McQueen.
Hollywood breakthrough
Norris’ Hollywood breakthrough came in 1972 when he starred alongside Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon, a role that helped launch his film career.
He went on to star in a long list of action films including Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Firewalker.
Walker, Texas Ranger fame
His television career reached new heights with the hit series Walker, Texas Ranger, which debuted in 1993 and ran for eight seasons, turning Norris into a global television icon.
He continued acting in later years, including a role in The Expendables 2 alongside Sylvester Stallone, and appeared in the 2024 sci-fi action film Agent Recon.
Internet fame and political influence
In the mid-2000s, Norris became an internet phenomenon through the viral “Chuck Norris Facts” jokes, which portrayed him as a near-mythical figure with superhuman strength.
Beyond entertainment, Norris was also known for his conservative political views and endorsed several Republican candidates, including Donald Trump, George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mike Huckabee.
Tributes pour in
Political leaders and fellow actors paid tribute following news of his death. Texas Governor Greg Abbott described him as a legend who embodied toughness, patriotism and discipline.
Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme also paid tribute, saying Norris would “never be forgotten,” while Stallone remembered him as “All American in every way.”
A lasting legacy
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, his children and several grandchildren.
From martial arts champion to Hollywood star and pop culture icon, Chuck Norris built a career that spanned more than five decades, inspiring millions around the world through his films, discipline and larger-than-life persona.
His family said the love and support he received from fans across the world meant everything to him, adding that to him, his fans were “not just fans, but friends.”
