Martial arts legend and actor Chuck Norris has died at 86, with his family describing his passing as “sudden” and peaceful, surrounded by loved ones.
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he grew up poor and moved to California at age 12.
After joining the US Air Force in 1958, he began training in martial arts during a deployment to Korea, later mastering judo and Tang Soo Do.
He founded his own style, Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded over 3,300 black belts worldwide.
Norris rose to fame in Hollywood with films including The Wrecking Crew, Return of the Dragon alongside Bruce Lee, Missing in Action, and The Delta Force.
He became iconic on television as the lawman in Walker, Texas Ranger, earning honorary Texas Ranger and Texan titles. His tough-guy persona inspired the viral “Chuck Norris Facts” meme, which he embraced in books and public appearances.
A devout Christian and supporter of gun rights, Norris was also a philanthropist, promoting martial arts for children.
He is survived by five children: Mike, Eric, Dakota, Danilee, and Dina. Even before his death, he celebrated his enduring vitality, posting on Instagram, “I don’t age. I level up.” (PTI)
