March 20, (THEWILL) — Iconic martial artist and action film star, Chuck Norris, has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news on his official Instagram page on Friday, March 20.
His death follows a reported medical emergency that led to his hospitalisation in Hawaii on Thursday, March 19.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.
“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.
“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”, the statement read.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940, he learned karate while serving in the Air Force in Korea and quickly rose to fame as a martial artist. He won consecutive middleweight titles in 1968 and became a sought-after teacher, instructing celebrities such as Bob Barker, Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen.
His acting career took off after meeting Bruce Lee, who cast him in the 1972 film “Way of the Dragon”.
He starred in action hits such as “A Force of One”, “An Eye for an Eye”, “The Octagon”, and “Lone Wolf McQuade”. His TV career was defined by “Walker” and “Texas Ranger”, which ran for eight seasons.
Later in his career, Norris appeared in films including “Bells of Innocence”, “DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story”, and “The Expendables 2”.
He also became a cultural phenomenon in 2005 when the internet meme “Chuck Norris Facts” brought him renewed fame.
Norris was committed to charitable work, founding the United Fighting Arts Federation and Kickstart Kids in 1990 to teach martial arts as a way to keep youth away from drugs. He also served as a spokesperson for the U.S. Veterans Administration.
He is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998, and their twins, Dakota and Danilee, as well as his children from previous relationships.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
