Chuck Norris Dies at 86: Remembering the Action Star & ‘Way of the Dragon’ Role

Chuck Norris, the iconic action star and martial artist who captivated audiences for decades, has died at the age of 86, his family announced Saturday. The news of his passing was shared via a statement on social media, according to multiple news reports.

“It is with a heavy heart that we convey the news that our beloved Chuck Norris passed away suddenly yesterday morning,” the family statement read. They described Norris as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, emphasizing that while he was a symbol of strength to the world, he was first and foremost a family man.

Norris was briefly hospitalized on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, prior to his death, reports indicate.

Born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940, Norris’s journey to stardom began with a foundation in martial arts. He started training while serving as a military police officer in Korea with the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s. He rose through the ranks of the martial arts world, becoming a champion and ultimately playing a key role in popularizing karate and other disciplines in the United States during the 1960s and 70s.

A pivotal moment in Norris’s career came through his association with Bruce Lee. The two met at the 1967 National Karate Championships, forging a friendship and training partnership. This connection led to a memorable role for Norris in Lee’s 1972 film, The Way of the Dragon (also known as The Dragon and the River). The climactic fight scene between Norris and Lee, set in the Roman Colosseum, is widely regarded as a landmark moment in martial arts cinema.

Norris later recalled a conversation with Lee regarding the outcome of their on-screen duel. “When I, the reigning champion, jokingly asked, ‘Who will win?’, Bruce Lee replied, ‘I am the main character of this movie, so I must win,’” Norris recounted in a past interview. Despite playing a losing role, Norris maintained a lifelong respect for Lee, describing him as a “powerful opponent with a sculptural physique and outstanding skills” even after Lee’s untimely death in 1973.

Norris achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with films like Good Guys Wear Black and Missing in Action, and later through the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001. His portrayal of Sergeant Cordell Walker, known for his signature spinning heel kick, resonated with audiences across generations.

Actor Akshay Kumar, reflecting on Norris’s influence, described watching him on screen as an “education,” according to reports from The Hans India.