Chuck Norris, the actor known for his roles in Walker, Texas Ranger and a long list of action movies, has died at age 86.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” an Instagram statement from Norris’ family read on Friday, March 20. “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.”
The obituary added, “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. While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.”
Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii earlier this month following an undisclosed medical emergency.
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“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,” his family added. “As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Born in Oklahoma in March 1940, Norris joined the United States Air Force in 1958. While stationed in South Korea, he began training in martial arts. After his discharge in 1962, he opened a martial arts studio and participated in competitions, becoming a karate champion.
Norris made his film debut in the 1968 film The Wrecking Crew, starring Dean Martin, but he was not launched into stardom until he appeared alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 movie Way of the Dragon. Following leading roles in 1977’s Breaker! Breaker! and 1978’s Good Guys Wear Black, Norris became a go-to action movie star, appearing in a string of action movies that started with 1979’s A Force of One and ran all the way to 2000’s The President’s Man. He starred in several classic bruisers and beat-em-ups like 1980’s The Octagon and 1983’s Lone Wolf McQuade and 1986’s The Delta Force, before landing his most iconic role in television. From 1993 to 2001, Norris portrayed Cordell Walker on the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger. The show, which ran for nine seasons, was inspired by his Lone Wolf McQuade and became one of Norris’ most notable projects.
In the later years of his career, Norris continued to act periodically, appearing among a cast of former action stars in 2012’s The Expendables 2, a 2020 episode of Hawaii Five-0 and 2024’s Agent Recon.
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In an August 2023 interview with The Healthy, Norris, who was 83 at the time, opened up about getting older. “I’m grateful to feel strong, healthy and energized,” he said. “I don’t see age as a reason to slow down — if anything, it’s given me an opportunity to renew my commitment to fitness and nutrition. I make sure to add movement whenever I can each day and fuel my body with nutrients that have helped me feel younger than ever.”
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in November 1998, his five children — sons Mike and Eric, whom he shared with ex-wife Dianne Holechek, daughter Dina from his relationship with a woman named Johanna and twins Dakota and Danilee with O’Kelley — and his grandchildren.
