American actor and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86.
According to a statement released by his family on Friday (20 March), Norris was admitted to a hospital in Hawaii on Thursday (19 March) after experiencing a medical emergency.
In the family’s statement, it was confirmed that Norris died on Friday morning, and they requested that no further details regarding the circumstances be disclosed to the public.
“He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
Action film legend
Norris was a major figure in the American martial arts scene and was also widely known as an action film actor who popularised the image of the American hero from the 1970s through the 1990s. He held multiple black belts, including in karate, taekwondo, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Born in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris served in the United States Air Force before making a name for himself as a professional martial artist.
His acting career took off in 1972 when he appeared alongside martial arts legend Bruce Lee in the film Way of the Dragon.
Throughout his career, Norris starred in numerous popular action films, including The Delta Force, Missing in Action, Good Guys Wear Black, and Lone Wolf McQuade. These roles eventually inspired the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001.
He is also remembered as an iconic figure in international pop culture, particularly through the “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon, which celebrated him as a symbol of strength and resilience.
In their statement, his family described Norris as “a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and an individual who inspired millions of people around the world.”
Chuck Norris’ passing leaves behind a significant legacy in the worlds of martial arts and cinema, cementing his status as an action legend who will continue to live on in the memories of fans worldwide.
Our condolences go out to his loved ones. May he rest in peace.
