Chuck Norris: Martial Arts Legend & Walker, Texas Ranger Star Dies at 86
Chuck Norris, the action film star and martial arts icon best known for his role as Cordell Walker in the long-running CBS television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family announced Friday. He was 86 years old.
Norris’s family shared the news on Instagram, stating that his death was sudden but that he was “surrounded by his family and was at peace.” The family had recently disclosed that Norris had been hospitalized, but requested privacy regarding the circumstances of his death.
“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,” the family statement read. “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.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, Norris developed a passion for martial arts after serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He went on to become a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion and founded his own style of karate, Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded over 3,300 black belts worldwide.
Norris transitioned to acting in the late 1960s, making his film debut in 1968 and appearing alongside Bruce Lee in 1972’s “The Way of the Dragon.” He starred in a series of action films throughout the 1970s and 1980s before landing the title role in “Walker, Texas Ranger” in 1993.
The series, inspired by the film “Lone Wolf McQuade,” which as well starred Norris as a Texas Ranger, premiered on CBS on April 21, 1993, as a two-hour television movie. It quickly became a ratings success, dominating its timeslot with a 16.5 rating and 27 share, and attracting a broad audience including adults 18-49, children 2-11, and adults over 50.
However, the show’s early success was nearly derailed by financial difficulties. Midway through shooting its first season, Cannon Television, the company originally financing the series, ran out of funds and halted production. CBS was able to air only four hours of programming despite ordering a 13-episode season. The network subsequently partnered with Columbia Pictures Television to take over production and financing, allowing the show to continue for nine seasons, ultimately totaling 203 episodes.
Norris once told the Associated Press in 1982, “I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for.”