NEW YORK-(MaraviPost)-Chuck Norris, the renowned US martial artist and Hollywood action star, has passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his family.
The news has sent shockwaves across the globe, with fans and admirers mourning the loss of a true legend.
Norris was best known for his iconic roles in the action crime series Walker, Texas Ranger and the martial arts film The Way Of The Dragon, where he fought alongside the legendary Bruce Lee.
His family announced his death “with heavy hearts” in a statement posted on Instagram, highlighting his remarkable life and legacy.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the statement read.
Norris’s impact on the world of martial arts and entertainment is immeasurable, inspiring millions with his work, discipline, and kindness.
The statement added: “Through his work, discipline and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
Norris’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and an incredible brother, who was the heart of their family.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he joined the US Air Force as a teenager and began training in martial arts while stationed in South Korea.
He went on to win a black belt and became a karate champion in the 1960s.
Norris’s big screen break came after meeting Bruce Lee, who he fought in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon.
He recalled the encounter in a Q&A with Combat Culture, saying Lee told him, “I want to kill the world champion.”
Norris’s impressive filmography includes Missing In Action, Delta Force, and Code of Silence, before starring in the popular TV series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993-2001. His final big-screen credit came in the 2012 movie The Expendables 2.
Away from the screen, Norris promoted fitness and founded martial arts schools, becoming a beloved figure in the martial arts community.
He also became the subject of a string of internet memes, including “Chuck Norris facts,” which jokingly exaggerated his strength and toughness.
