Chuck Norris, the martial artist and action film star known for his commanding presence on screen, has died. He was 86.
Norris died Thursday morning in Hawaii, according to a statement shared by his family. Loved ones said the actor passed away peacefully while surrounded by relatives.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris,” the statement read. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
The family also reflected on the values that guided Norris throughout his life and career.
“He lived life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the statement continued.
Norris rose to international fame through a series of action films that showcased his martial arts background. Audiences widely recognized him for roles in The Delta Force and Missing in Action, two movies that helped shape the action genre during the 1980s.
He later became a television fixture as the star of Walker, Texas Ranger. Norris portrayed Texas Ranger Cordell Walker, a crime-fighting lawman known for martial arts skills and a strong moral code. The series aired throughout the 1990s and expanded his popularity with television audiences.
Born in Ryan, Oklahoma in 1940, Norris served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. During that period he began studying martial arts, a passion that shaped both his life and his future acting career.
Norris also formed a friendship with martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The pair trained together during the 1960s and later appeared in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon.
In later years, Norris stepped back from acting but remained a recognizable cultural figure. He appeared in The Expendables 2 in 2012 and became a frequent subject of viral internet memes celebrating his legendary toughness.
Just days before his death, Norris posted a playful video marking his birthday.
“I don’t age,” he joked in the clip. “I level up.”
Norris is survived by five children, including actor Mike Norris and NASCAR driver Eric Norris. His legacy spans martial arts, film, and television, leaving a lasting imprint on popular culture.
