Veteran Hollywood actor and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.
The announcement was made in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, where his family expressed deep grief over the loss.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the statement read.
Reflecting on his influence both privately and publicly, the family noted that Norris inspired millions through his discipline, dedication, and kindness.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather,” they added.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in 1940 in Oklahoma, he joined the United States Air Force as a teenager. During his posting in South Korea, he began training in martial arts—eventually earning a black belt and winning multiple karate championships in the 1960s.
Norris gained international fame after starring alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, with their iconic fight scene still regarded as one of the greatest in martial arts cinema.
He went on to feature in several successful action films, including Missing in Action, Delta Force, and Code of Silence.
Norris later became a household name for his role as Cordell Walker in the popular TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
His final major film appearance came in The Expendables 2.
Beyond acting, Norris was a passionate advocate for fitness and founded several martial arts schools. In later years, he also became a pop culture phenomenon through viral “Chuck Norris facts”—humorous internet memes celebrating his larger-than-life persona.
From martial arts champion to global screen icon, Norris leaves behind a legacy defined by discipline, resilience, and enduring influence.
His passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter in action cinema, leaving a lasting imprint on fans around the world.