Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris – martial artist, action star, and American icon – has passed away, his family confirmed Friday morning. He was 86.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” The Norris family wrote in a statement to social media. “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…While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris grew up in a modest household and, by his own admission, was shy. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in South Korea, where he began his training in the martial art of Tang Soo Do. That time he spent training in South Korea would redefine the rest of his life.
After completing his military service, Norris applied to join the police force but was placed on a waiting list, according to the VA. He then opened a martial arts school in Torrance, California, which eventually expanded to multiple locations. He also began competing in martial arts tournaments and, after years of effort, earned his first World Middleweight Karate Championship in 1968. Norris went on to hold the world champion title for six straight years before retiring following his 1974 win.
Around this time, Norris crossed paths with Bruce Lee, an epic meeting that drastically changed the trajectory of his career. He landed a major role as Lee’s rival in the 1972 film “The Way of the Dragon” (“Return of the Dragon” for American audiences), which launched him into the spotlight. Over the following decades, Norris built a long career starring in action films and TV series like Walker, Texas Ranger, The Delta Force, and others.
It was Norris’ role as Texas Ranger Cordell Walker in the long-running series that made him a household name and really deepened his bond with the Lone Star State. In 2017, Norris was even formally named an “Honorary Texan” by the state senate, per Texas Monthly, after having lived for many years on his ranch near Navasota.
Off-screen, Norris devoted himself to others. He created the KickStart For Kids Foundation, which taught martial arts as part of the school curriculum to at-risk youth in Texas. The Foundation’s website states that almost 9,000 students are currently enrolled in the program at 58 schools.
Norris was also involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the United Way, and would often be seen visiting veterans at VA hospitals across the country.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,” his family added.
His passing comes just days after a health scare. Sources close to Norris told TMZ that a medical emergency had occurred on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and that he had been in good spirits and cracking jokes just prior.
Two weeks ago, he posted a video to Instagram sparring with his boxing coach, celebrating his 86th birthday, with a classic Chuck Norris caption reading: “I don’t age. I level up.”
His family acknowledged in their statement that fans had been aware of the hospitalization and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support.
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way,” the family said. “To him, you were not just fans – you were his friends.”
