Chuck Norris, Martial Arts Legend and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Star, Dies at 86
Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star best known for his role as Cordell Walker in the television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” died Thursday at the age of 86, his family announced. The cause of death was described as a “sudden passing,” and the family requested privacy.
From Martial Arts Champion to Hollywood Icon
Before achieving fame on the screen, Norris was a highly decorated martial arts competitor. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion and founded his own Korean-based American style of karate, Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation. The Associated Press reported that Black Belt magazine credited Norris with holding a 10th-degree black belt, the highest honor possible.
“Walker, Texas Ranger” and Texas Connections
Norris rose to widespread recognition with his portrayal of Cordell Walker in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which aired on CBS for nine seasons in the 1990s. NBC DFW noted his strong ties to Texas, becoming an honorary Texas Ranger in 2010 alongside his brother, Aaron Norris, a stunt coordinator, and producer. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry bestowed the honor, recognizing Norris’s contributions as a martial arts expert and humanitarian.
Early Career and Film Roles
Norris began his acting career with an uncredited role in the 1968 film “The Wrecking Crew,” featuring a fight scene with Dean Martin. He later shared the screen with Bruce Lee in the 1972 film “Return of the Dragon,” where Lee’s character defeated Norris’s in a memorable fight in the Colosseum. He went on to star in numerous action films, including “Missing in Action” and “The Delta Force.”
The “Chuck Norris Facts” Phenomenon
In the early days of internet memes, Norris became the subject of a viral phenomenon known as “Chuck Norris Facts.” These hyperbolic statements celebrated his fictional toughness with lines like, “Chuck Norris doesn’t do pushups, he pushes the earth down.” Norris embraced the meme, even publishing “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush.
Political Involvement and Later Years
Norris was openly conservative and involved in politics, endorsing Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee during the 2008 Republican presidential primary and Donald Trump in 2016. He as well wrote guest columns supporting Trump in subsequent elections. He continued to take on occasional acting roles, appearing in “The Expendables 2” in 2012 and the 2024 film “Agent Recon.” He was slated to appear in the upcoming film “Zombie Plane” with Vanilla Ice.
Family and Legacy
Norris is survived by his five children: Mike and Eric Norris (with his late ex-wife Dianne Holechek), twins Dakota and Danilee Norris (with his wife Gena Norris), and Dina Norris, from a previous relationship. He celebrated his 86th birthday just over a week before his death, posting a sparring video on Instagram with the caption, “I don’t age. I level up.”