Chuck Norris, the renowned martial arts expert and iconic action star recognized for his roles in movies like “Walker, Texas Ranger,” passed away at the age of 86. His family announced his unexpected death, expressing their sorrow and mentioning that he was surrounded by loved ones and at peace during his last moments.
Norris, originally named Carlos Ray Norris, was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940, and faced a humble upbringing. After joining the U.S. Air Force in 1958, he discovered his passion for martial arts during a deployment to Korea, where he began training in disciplines like judo and tang soo do.
Transitioning from a successful competitive martial arts career to Hollywood, Norris starred in over 20 films, including notable titles like “Missing in Action” and “The Delta Force.” His most famous role came in 1993 when he portrayed a crime-fighting lawman in the long-running TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Apart from his acting career, Norris gained further fame through the “Chuck Norris Facts” meme, which featured exaggerated and humorous statements about his legendary toughness. Embracing his larger-than-life persona, Norris even compiled these facts into a book, alongside works on martial arts, politics, and historical fiction.
Known for his Christian faith and advocacy for gun rights, Norris endorsed political figures like former President Donald Trump and engaged in various charitable endeavors. Survived by five children, Norris left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and popular culture.
His recent passing occurred shortly after celebrating his 86th birthday, where he shared a sparring video on social media with the caption, “I don’t age. I level up.”