FILE – Chuck Norris appears at a ceremony in Garland, Texas on Dec. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood tough guy most famous for his role in the “Walker, Texas Ranger” television series, has died, his family said Friday. He was 86.Norris died Thursday morning, the family said on Instagram, after media reports that he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed condition while on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength,” the statement read. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”The family said it wanted to keep the details of Norris’s passing private, adding that “please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”The news of his death triggered an outpouring of memorials from fellow Hollywood tough guys and fans. Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren were some contemporaries of Norris who took to social media to pay their respects.
Hollywood stars pay tribute to Chuck Norris
Sylvester Stallone paid tribute to his ‘Expendables 2’ co-star in an Instagram post that read, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.” Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote in a tweet, “Chuck was an icon. I am grateful that I was able to work with him in multiple ways over the years, from promoting fitness to sharing the screen together. He was a badass, in real life and in Hollywood. His legend will be with us forever. My thoughts are with his family.”Jean-Claude Van Damme wrote in an Instagram post, “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten.”Dolph Lundgren also paid tribute in a post that read, “Chuck Norris is the champ. Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend.”Lorenzo Lamas tweeted, “Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris doesn’t just get wings, he gets even.” Lee Majors penned emotional tribute in a post that read, “I know the millions of fans across the world are feeling this loss too, but for me, it’s deeply personal. I had the honor of working alongside him, sharing moments I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just a legend on screen he was a kind, strong, and genuine soul off of it. I’m really going to miss you, my friend. Hey Chuck… maybe you can teach the good Lord a few karate moves – I know He’ll get a kick out of them.” Joe Piscopo, on the other hand, wrote, “Just heard that the Legend – The Man – Mr. Chuck Norris has passed away. I was honored to work with Chuck. It was a life changing and treasured experience that I will hold dearly in my heart forever.” Priscilla Presley also penned tribute in a post that read, “I’m so sad to hear that my Karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be forever missed.” Morgan Fairchild also tweeted, “I’m so sorry to hear of our loss of Chuck, who I considered a friend for many years. We were in Taiwan in ’87 (I think) to accept Golden Horse Awards, and we bonded there. It didn’t hurt that I loved martial arts! He was always a real gentleman every time I ran into him. My condolences to his family & friends.” Chuck Norris’ early life and careerBorn in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris took up martial arts while serving in the US Air Force in South Korea.His acting debut came with a cameo in a 1968 Dean Martin film, “The Wrecking Crew.” Four years later, his epic fight with the kung-fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” helped turn Norris into an icon on big and small screen alike.A slew of leading roles in karate films followed, from a US commando in “Good Guys Wear Black,” an all-American riposte to a slew of Hong Kong action flicks harnessing Lee’s fame, to the action horror feature “Silent Rage.”As his acting career grew, he became a legendary martial arts figure, winning six world professional middleweight karate championships from 1968 to 1974 and earning black belts in multiple disciplines. In 1983, Norris slipped into the role of a taciturn Texas ranger waging war against an arms dealer in “Lone Wolf McQuade,” which provided the template for the cult TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”The show ran for eight seasons and spawned countless action-man jokes and memes, one being that Norris and Superman had a fight, with the loser (Superman) forced to wear their underpants on the outside.About Chuck Norris’ personal lifeNorris had two sons from his first marriage to his high school sweetheart Dianne Holechek, which lasted 30 years, and a son and a daughter with his second wife, Gena O’Kelley. He also had a daughter from an affair during his first marriage.
