Chuck Norris, Martial Arts Icon & 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Star, Dies at 86

Actor and martial arts icon Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86. His family announced his passing in a heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram, noting he was surrounded by loved ones. Norris was best known for his leading role as Cordell Walker in the long-running CBS series "Walker, Texas Ranger." His prolific career in action films and his real-life martial arts prowess made him a global symbol of strength and resilience.

Key Points: Chuck Norris Dies at 86: 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Star Passes

  • Family announced his peaceful passing
  • Starred in 'Walker, Texas Ranger' for 9 seasons
  • Renowned martial artist with multiple black belts
  • Appeared opposite Bruce Lee in film
  • Inspired millions through his work and discipline
3 min read

'Walker, Texas Ranger' actor Chuck Norris passes away at 86

Actor and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has passed away at 86. His family announced the news, remembering him as a global symbol of strength and a devoted family man.

'Walker, Texas Ranger' actor Chuck Norris passes away at 86
"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. - Norris Family"

Washington DC, March 20

Actor Chuck Norris, who is known for his roles in 'Walker Texas Ranger' and gained fame due to his martial arts, passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday.

The family of the actor announced the news of the actor's demise through Norris's Instagram handle.

"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace," wrote the family on their Instagram handle.

"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," his family added.

"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," said Chuck Norris' family.

The family members also expressed their gratitude to the actor's fans for their support and love for Chuck Norris.

It read, "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 hospitalisation, 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. With love, The Norris Family," added the note.

According to Deadline, the action star had black belts in karate, taekwondo, tang soo bo, Brazilian jiu jitsu and judo over the years. That background set him up for roles in the likes of 'Return of the Dragon' (aka The Way of the Dragon), in which he appeared opposite Bruce Lee.

After appearing in a string of action pics, he was cast to lead the CBS crime drama 'Walker Texas Ranger', in which he played a member of the Texas Ranger Division for nine seasons.

His film credits include Missing in Action, Code of Silence and Firewalker, having broken through in 1983 in Lone Wolf McQuade. Many of his characters were tough guys who would only resort to violence if provoked.

Later in his career, his role as Cordell Walker, a former U.S. Marine, in Walker, Texas Ranger, saw him appear on TV screens for nearly 200 episodes.

A reboot of the series starring Jared Padalecki launched on The CW in 2020 and ran until 2024.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So sad to hear this. My father was a huge fan and we used to watch his movies together. Chuck Norris represented a kind of old-school, principled heroism that is rare today. Condolences to his family.
A
Arjun K
A true martial arts legend. His fight scene with Bruce Lee in 'Return of the Dragon' is iconic. He brought respect to the art form globally. His memes were funny, but the man's real-life achievements were serious and commendable. Om Shanti.
S
Sarah B
While I admired his on-screen persona, I do wish he had used his platform more often to speak on social issues. He had such a massive reach. Nevertheless, a life well-lived. 86 is a good innings. Peace to his soul.
K
Karthik V
His dedication to martial arts was like a modern-day guru's dedication to his practice. So many belts! He showed the world the power of discipline. A great loss to the action genre. My childhood feels a bit emptier today.
M
Meera T
The statement from his family is so touching. "To the world he was a symbol of strength, to us he was the heart of the family." That hits home. It's a reminder that behind every legend is a human being loved by their family. Deepest condolences.

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