There are many quotes and jokes about Chuck Norris, as the martial artist found late fame as a viral internet meme.

But Norris also had a thing or two to say about himself. 

Here are some of his own quotes…

Chuck Norris about his school days (2004):

“In school I was shy and inhibited. If the teacher asked me to recite something aloud in front of the class, I would just shake my head no.”

Chuck Norris about acting legend Steve McQueen encouraging him to become an actor (1985):

“He told me that I should think about projecting a presence, and never do a part that had a lot of dialogue. He told me, ‘movies are visual, and when you try to verbalise something, you’re going to lose the audience.'”

Chuck Norris about his action career:

“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.”

“It’s how it’s done. I don’t advocate violence for violence’s sake. What people hang on to is that the good guy wins in the end.”

Chuck Norris about his 1990s show Walker, Texas Ranger (1996):

“You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about – fighting injustice with justice, good v bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”

Chuck Norris about his late meme fame in ‘The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book’ (2009):

“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon. I am flattered and humbled.”

Chuck Norris on his 86th birthday, his last one (2026):

“I don’t age. I level up.”