Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and action film star known for roles in films like The Delta Force and the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at age 86, his family announced Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement posted to Instagram. “While we would like to retain the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii since Thursday, according to the publication Variety, though details surrounding his hospitalization were not disclosed. News of his death comes just nine days after he posted a message to Instagram stating, “I don’t age. I level up.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris rose to prominence as a martial artist, becoming a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion from 1968 to 1974. He transitioned to acting, making his film debut in 1973’s The Way of the Dragon, where he famously fought alongside and against Bruce Lee in Rome’s Colosseum.
Throughout the 1980s, Norris starred in a string of action films, including Code of Silence (1985), Missing in Action (1984) and The Delta Force (1986), establishing himself as a prominent figure in the genre. Time magazine dubbed him “the ultimate tough guy” in 1985, recognizing his impact on action cinema.
He achieved further mainstream success with Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001. The series saw him portray Cordell Walker, a principled Texas Ranger enforcing the law with his signature blend of martial arts and unwavering morality.
In later years, Norris became the subject of an internet phenomenon known as “Chuck Norris Facts,” a collection of satirical jokes exaggerating his strength and masculinity. These jokes, such as claims that “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down,” went viral and spawned several books.
Norris likewise appeared in The Expendables 2 (2012) alongside fellow action stars Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis.
Tributes to Norris began circulating quickly following the announcement of his death. Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X, “Texas has lost a legend. He electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that create America the greatest nation on earth.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute, calling Norris “a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend.”
Actor Sylvester Stallone released a statement saying, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.” Author Stephen King recalled being both thrilled and frightened by Norris’s performance in the action-horror film Silent Rage, stating, “I thought he was great.”
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his children from previous marriages.
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