Chuck Norris, the legendary American actor and martial artist known for his role in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and countless action films, has died at the age of 86, according to a family statement. The family shared the news on Friday, describing the passing of Norris as a ‘sudden’ and ‘heartfelt’ event.

Legacy of a Martial Arts Icon

Norris was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, and was known for his incredible physical prowess and dedication to martial arts. His journey into the world of combat began during his time in the US Air Force, where he served in South Korea. It was there that he developed an interest in tang soo do, a Korean martial art based on karate. This passion for martial arts eventually led him to become a champion in the sport, winning a US karate championship at Madison Square Garden in 1967.

Norris became a sought-after instructor for celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley, and Donny Osmond. His reputation as a martial arts expert helped him transition into acting, and he made his film debut in 1968 with a cameo in Dean Martin’s ‘The Wrecking Crew.’

His rise to fame was solidified in 1972 with his role in the kung-fu classic ‘The Way of the Dragon,’ where he faced off against the legendary Bruce Lee. The film, which grossed over $130 million, made Norris an international icon and propelled him into the spotlight as a leading figure in action cinema.

A Star in Hollywood

Despite his growing fame, Norris initially approached acting as a secondary pursuit. He left the Air Force in 1962 and established a martial arts studio in Los Angeles, where he became a respected teacher and practitioner. His success in the ring eventually led him to take acting classes, which opened the door to a career in film.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Norris starred in a string of action films, including ‘Good Guys Wear Black’ and ‘Silent Rage.’ His role in ‘Lone Wolf McQuade’ in 1983 became the template for the popular TV series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ which ran for eight seasons and became a cultural phenomenon.

The show, which featured Norris as a tough, bearded Texas ranger, was the source of countless jokes and memes. One of the most famous was the claim that Norris and Superman once had a fight, with the latter forced to wear his underpants on the outside—a humorous exaggeration of Norris’s perceived invincibility.

Personal Life and Public Stances

Chuck Norris was a devoted family man, having two sons from his first marriage to Dianne Holechek, which lasted 30 years. He also had a son and daughter with his second wife, Gena O’Kelley, and a daughter from an affair during his first marriage.

A self-described evangelical Christian, Norris was raised by his Irish mother after the divorce of his parents. He was a staunch Republican and made headlines in 2012 when he urged his countrymen to vote out then-president Barack Obama. A year later, he offered his support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a controversial video.

In 2017, Norris made a public recovery from two cardiac arrests. However, he later became embroiled in controversy in 2019 when he became the public face of the arms manufacturer Glock, despite the ongoing national debate over gun violence in the United States.

According to the family statement, Norris was hospitalized on the island of Kauai several days before his passing. He had celebrated his 86th birthday with a social media video in which he showed off his boxing skills and quipped, ‘I don’t age. I level up.’

The family requested privacy around the circumstances of his death, stating that Norris was surrounded by his loved ones and at peace. They described him as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of the family.

Chuck Norris’s death marks the end of an era in action cinema and martial arts. His legacy as a tough, no-nonsense action star will continue to inspire fans and fellow actors for generations to come.