After Chuck Norris’ death, many are revisiting his Houston ties, including a film shot in the city and financed by Mattress Mack.
HOUSTON — The late actor Chuck Norris once starred in a movie financed by Houston legend Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.
“Sidekicks,” which was shot in Houston in 1992, follows the story of a bullied, asthmatic teen, played by the late Jonathan Brandis, who managed to rope Norris into a Karate tournament with two of his friends.
According to a 1993 report from the Los Angeles Times, McIngvale poured $16 million into the movie. Box Office Mojo reports the movie pulled in $250,003 in its open, and brought in a total of $17,180,393 in the box office.
The LA Times reported that “Sidekicks” was the second biggest-grossing movie in the nation when it released.
“Coming in second place is gratifying,” McIngvale is quoted in the report.
The movie was filmed at various locations around Houston, including Lamar High School, Tranquility Park, the Wortham Theater Center, Texas Southern University, and more.
The reviews for “Sidekicks” are mediocre. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 26%, while it has an overall audience score of 49%.
Norris’ family announced the legendary actor’s death on his social media pages. They said he died on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by family.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength,” the post reads. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart to our family.”
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