Action legend Chuck Norris, the martial arts icon who kicked his way into Hollywood history, has died at 86.
The star—best known for his roles in classic ’80s action films and the long-running TV hit Walker, Texas Ranger—passed away on Thursday morning, according to a statement shared by his family on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris,” the statement read. “He was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
While fans around the world knew him as an unstoppable force on screen, his loved ones painted a different picture behind the scenes.
“To the world, he was a symbol of strength,” the family said. “To us, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and the heart of our family.”
The news comes just days after Norris celebrated his 86th birthday—and even shared a video of himself training and sparring, showing off the same grit that defined his career.
Reports say he had been hospitalized in Hawaii shortly before his death, though details surrounding his passing have not been made public.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, his rise to fame didn’t come easy. He battled a difficult childhood shaped by his father’s alcoholism and struggled with shyness growing up. But everything changed after he joined the Air Force and discovered martial arts while stationed in Korea.
That decision would alter his life forever.
After returning home, Norris built a reputation as a top karate competitor and instructor, eventually training celebrities and catching the attention of Hollywood. A friendship with Bruce Lee led to his breakout role in Way of the Dragon—a moment that launched him into global stardom.
By the 1980s, Norris had become one of the biggest action stars in America, headlining hits like Missing in Action, Lone Wolf McQuade, and Code of Silence.
But it was Walker, Texas Ranger that cemented his legacy. The series ran for eight seasons and turned Norris into a household name, blending action with moral storytelling that resonated with audiences across the country.
Even decades later, Norris found a new generation of fans thanks to viral “Chuck Norris facts” online—larger-than-life jokes that only added to his legend.
Off-screen, he dedicated much of his life to giving back. He founded organizations aimed at helping young people stay away from drugs through martial arts and worked closely with veterans’ causes.
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena, and his children.