Chuck Norris, action hero and the iconic tough guy who starred in shows like “Walker, Texas Ranger,” died on Thursday, his family confirmed. He was 86.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Norris’ family said he died surrounded by his family and was at peace. They did not reveal his cause of death, but described it as a “sudden passing.”
“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,” his family wrote.
They continued, “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, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.
After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officer, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which later expanded into a chain, with students including Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to pursue acting.
Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, sometimes known as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris with a 10th-degree black belt in its hall of fame, the highest possible honor.
Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew.” He went on to act in more than 20 movies, including “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”
In 1993, he took on arguably his best-known role as a crime-fighting lawman on TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.
Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He had only occasionally taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012’s “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.”
Norris has five surviving children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex-wife, Dianne Holechek; twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife, Gena Norris; and Dina, the result of an early 1960s “one-night stand,” revealed in his autobiography.
Norris celebrated his birthday just over a week before his death, posting a sparring video on Instagram.
“I don’t age. I level up,” he wrote.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.