Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris no more
2026-03-20 - 15:14
Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris died yesterday morning aged 86, his family has announced on Instagram. Announcing Chuck Norris’s death, his family had written on Instagram: 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. 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. We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. 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 1940, he served in the United States Air Force before rising to fame as a star of martial arts – for which he held multiple black belts including in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. He rose to fame as an actor in 1972, after he appeared in Way of the Dragon, alongside martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Some of Norris’s other films include Delta Force and Missing in Action. But he is perhaps best known for playing Cordell “Cord” Walker in the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger. He is survived by his five children and wife, Gena O’Kelley.