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Chuck Norris, the U.S. martial artist and Hollywood action star best known for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 86.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement posted on Instagram.
“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 family said Norris was surrounded by loved ones and at peace, adding that details of his passing would remain private.
U.S. media reported that Norris had been hospitalized on the island of Kauai for an undisclosed condition days after celebrating his 86th birthday.
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he developed an interest in martial arts while serving in the U.S. Air Force in South Korea.
After leaving the military in 1962, he opened a martial arts studio in Los Angeles and became a sought-after instructor, training celebrities including Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and Donny Osmond.
His breakthrough came in 1972 with a memorable fight scene opposite Bruce Lee in “The Way of the Dragon,” which helped launch his film career.
Norris went on to star in a string of action films, including “Good Guys Wear Black,” “Silent Rage” and “Lone Wolf McQuade.”
In 1993, Norris took on the role of Cordell Walker in the television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which ran for eight seasons and became a defining part of his legacy.
The show’s success helped cement Norris as a cultural icon and inspired a wave of internet memes and jokes celebrating his on-screen toughness.
Norris was married twice and had five children. He was also known for his evangelical Christian beliefs and political activism, including support for Republican candidates.
In 2017, he survived two cardiac arrests. He later faced controversy in 2019 after becoming a public face for firearms manufacturer Glock.
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