Chuck Norris, martial arts icon and screen tough-guy, dies at 86
Chuck Norris, a martial arts champion who became a Hollywood action star and television icon in Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at 86.
Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday (19), and his family announced his death on Friday (20), saying he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the family said in a statement, adding that he inspired millions around the world.
A trained martial artist, Norris held black belts in multiple disciplines, including karate, Tang Soo Do and taekwondo. He trained with Bruce Lee and appeared alongside him in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon.
Encouraged by actor Steve McQueen, whom he had trained in martial arts, Norris moved into films and gained recognition with Lone Wolf McQuade (1983).
He went on to star in a string of action films including Missing in Action (1984), Code of Silence (1985) and The Delta Force (1986), becoming a prominent figure in 1980s action cinema.
Norris later achieved widespread popularity on television as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran for nine seasons from 1993.
