Chuck Norris, action hero and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star, has died
Chuck Norris, Iconic Action Hero and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Star, Passes Away at 86
Renowned for his unyielding presence in cinema and television, Chuck Norris, a retired military officer and global martial arts icon, has left the world. His legacy, cemented through roles like the tough-guy lead in the 1993–2001 series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” continues to inspire millions.
The Norris family announced his passing via social media, sharing, “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 he was surrounded by loved ones and at peace.”
News reports indicated Norris faced an undisclosed medical crisis in Hawaii on Thursday. The family expressed gratitude for fans’ support during his hospitalization, emphasizing his life of faith, purpose, and dedication to those he cherished.
Before becoming a television staple, Norris built his reputation as a formidable actor in the 1970s and ’80s. His breakthrough came in 1972 as Bruce Lee’s rival in “The Way of the Dragon,” followed by a leading role in 1977’s “Breaker! Breaker!” as a truck driver hunting for his missing sibling.
His career shifted to TV in the 1990s, where he became a household name as Cordell Walker, a lawman battling crime in Dallas and the Texas countryside. The show earned him a 1999 TV Guide Award nomination for favorite actor in a drama.
“The type of films I want to do is — a good story, with good acting, with good direction, and with martial arts scenes inserted when it’s emotionally right,” Norris once said to David Letterman. He viewed action as a blend of philosophy and necessity, stating, “The difference between violence and action is the philosophy of when you use it. If a person tries to avoid a violent confrontation but is finally pushed into the corner where there’s no way out, then we want the ability to cope with it.”
Norris’ journey began in the late 1950s while stationed in Korea with the US Air Force. “I started training over there, and then I came back and got out of the service and started teaching. And to get students in my school, I became a karate fighter,” he recounted to Mike Douglas on CNN’s “People Now.” This led to the creation of his signature karate style, the Chuck Norris System™, rooted in Tang Soo Do.
Among his notable pupils were Priscilla Presley, the Osmonds, Steve McQueen, and Bob Barker, who shared a story of being kicked during training. Norris also gained recognition as an honorary member of the Texas Rangers, a distinction bestowed by Governor Rick Perry in 2010, mirroring his on-screen persona.
His impact extended beyond film and TV, sparking the “Chuck Norris facts” trend—a collection of exaggerated anecdotes that celebrated his rugged image. As People noted, these hyperbolic tales became a cultural phenomenon, reflecting his enduring mythos.
CNN has contacted Norris’ representatives for further remarks. Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, to Irish American and Cherokee Native American heritage, he relocated with his family to Kansas and later California after his parents’ divorce.
