Chuck Norris Dead At 86, Iconic Martial Artist and Walker, Texas Ranger Star Passed Away

The family of Chuck Norris, star of Walker Texas Ranger and a list of iconic movies over the years has died at the age of 86.

Norris started out in karate films including A Force of One and An Eye for an Eye in the 1980s leading to him being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars by the end of the decade. His series Walker, Texas Ranger premiered in 1993 and ended in 2021.

Key Points

• Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed in an emotional social media statement.

• The martial arts legend rose to fame through action films before becoming a household name on Walker, Texas Ranger.

• Norris began his martial arts journey while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Korea.

• He later founded organizations focused on helping youth through discipline and martial arts training.

• The beloved star is survived by his wife, children, and millions of fans worldwide.

Chuck Norris Family Confirms Death

Chucks family released the confirmation of his death on March 20 in a statement on Instagram. The post stated, “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 Actor Turned 86 Earlier This Month

Chuck, who turned 86 earlier this month, was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday, March 19 according to TMZ. This was just days after Norris’ Instagram post of himself training on March 10.

Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Okla. in 1940. His mother was Irish and his father, he said, was Cherokee.

In his 1988 memoir The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story, Norris opened up about his father’s alcoholism and how it affected his childhood and adolescence.“ It wasn’t until my dad came home from WW II that he really started to drink.” But at his worst, he would leave the family for months at a time, then return to wreak havoc, Norris told People in an article in 1988.

After graduating from high school, Norris joined the Air Force, and while stationed in Korea he learned karate. Norris kept working at it until he perfected his technique.

When he returned from the Air Force, he worked a side gig as a karate teacher. He also competed in the sport and won consecutive middleweight titles in 1968. His classes became popular with celebrities, including Bob Barker and Marie Osmond.

Steve McQueen Encouraged His Acting Career

Steve McQueen, encouraged Norris to get into movies. Bruce Lee, legendary martial artist cast Norris in his 1972 film Way of the Dragon. The film grossed an estimated $130 million worldwide and set Norris on his path to stardom.

Ironically, “Though almost all his movies were R-rated, he told PEOPLE in 1985 that he didn’t think they were actually that violent. “The buildup makes it look like more. I do violence in a self-defense way,” he said. He also did less and less martial arts in every film, aiming to expand the audience. They also avoided sex, drugs and alcohol, as Norris wanted his heroes to be an example to young people.”

Norris’s Walker Texas Ranger had early trouble but the show aired on Saturday nights, by 1996 it was a Top 10 show.

“Norris established the United Fighting Arts Federation and Kickstart Kids in 1990, hoping to use martial arts to keep kids away from drugs. He also worked as a spokesperson for the U.S. Veterans Administration. A longtime Republican, he endorsed Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.”

Chuck Norris’ Family Life

Norris married Dianne Kay Holechek, his high school classmate, in 1958. They shared songs Mike and Eric. He also welcomed a daughter, Dina, in 1963 during an extramarital affair; he did not meet her until decades later. Norris and Holechek divorced in 1989.

In 1998, he married Gena O’Kelley, who was 23 years his junior. They met on the set of Walker, Texas Ranger. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh! She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,’ he told PEOPLE in 1999. “I finally got the courage to ask her out, and we definitely connected.” Norris welcomed twins Dakota and Danilee together in 2001.

Norris is survived by his wife and children.

Norris’ family went on to say that “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.”

RIP Chuck Norris!