Chuck Norris is dead at 86.
The film and TV star, known for Walker Texas Ranger and numerous other action titles, died on Thursday morning (March 19), per a statement released by his family.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the statement reads. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. 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. 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.”
The statement continued: “While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends. We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Norris, a martial artist and actor who also served in the U.S. Air Force, turned 86 earlier this month. He commemorated the milestone with an Instagram video showing him still in action against an opponent, gloves and all.
“I don’t age. I level up,” he told fans at the time. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
In 1972, Norris made his formal feature debut in The Way of the Dragon, joining the late Bruce Lee, who also directed the film. But it was 1978’s Good Guys Wear Black, arguably, that established Norris as the type of star he would become known as in subsequent decades.
This was followed by additional key titles including the Missing in Action franchise, the long-running TV series Walker Texas Ranger, and The Hitman. The latter was directed by Aaron Norris, the star’s brother, who also helmed other Chuck-led projects, Braddock: Missing in Action III and Sidekicks among them.
In 2004, Norris—the subject of a mid-2000s internet phenomenon imagining “facts” about the star—made a cameo in the Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller-starring Dodgeball: The Underdog Story, playing a fictionalized version of himself. He also appeared in an Expendables sequel in 2012 and is set to be seen in the forthcoming Zombie Plane, expected to be released this year.
In March of last year, Norris paid tribute to Richard Norton, a fellow martial artist and actor (and stuntman) whom he worked with on The Octagon and Walker Texas Ranger.
“I long for more time together, but I take comfort in the fact that we will meet again,” Norris said at the time.
RIP.
