Key takeaways:
- Chuck Norris, famed martial artist and actor known for “Walker, Texas Ranger,” died at 86; his family announced his sudden passing and requested privacy.
- Born in 1940, Norris was a six-time undefeated karate champion, founded Chun Kuk Do martial arts style, and transitioned to a successful acting career with iconic roles in action films and TV.
- He was also known for his conservative political views, Christian faith, authorship, and internet fame through “Chuck Norris facts,” and is survived by his wife and five children.
Chuck Norris, the renowned martial artist and actor best known for his role as Texas Ranger Cordell Walker on the CBS series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died at the age of 86. His family announced his passing on Friday via Instagram, describing the death as sudden but stating that Norris was surrounded by loved ones and at peace. The family requested privacy regarding the circumstances of his death and expressed gratitude for the support from fans worldwide.
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris moved to California at age 12. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he began studying martial arts, specifically tang soo do. After his military service, he pursued a career in martial arts, becoming a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. Norris founded his own martial arts style, Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded over 3,300 black belts globally.
Norris transitioned to acting in the late 1960s, making his film debut in 1968. He gained early recognition for his role opposite Bruce Lee in the 1972 film “The Way of the Dragon,” which featured a memorable climactic fight scene set in the Roman Colosseum. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Norris starred in numerous action films, including “Lone Wolf McQuade,” “Missing in Action,” “Code of Silence,” and “The Delta Force.” His portrayal of the stoic, morally upright lawman in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which aired for nine seasons, solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Beyond his entertainment career, Norris was known for his conservative political views and Christian faith. He publicly supported Republican candidates and authored several books, including memoirs and a fitness guide. In the 2000s, Norris became an internet phenomenon through “Chuck Norris facts,” humorous and exaggerated claims about his toughness. He is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and five children, including actor Mike Norris and former racecar driver Eric Norris. Texas Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to Norris, highlighting his influence on generations of conservatives and his embodiment of American values.
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