Tributes have been paid to American martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died at the age of 86.
“He had the appearance of a fighter, but his heart was filled with love,” said his daughter Danielle Norris.
Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren—who starred opposite Norris in Sylvester Stallone’s 2012 film The Expendables—said he “always looked up to him as a role model.” Stallone, meanwhile, said Norris was “the quintessential American.”
Norris was best known for his roles in the 1990s action crime series Walker, Texas Ranger, and his fight with superstar Bruce Lee in the 1972 martial arts film The Way of the Dragon.
His family announced his death in a statement posted on Instagram.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday (Thursday) morning,” the family said.
“He lived a life of faith, purpose, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left an eternal mark on the lives of many.”
The statement added, “To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a symbol of strength.
“To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, a grandfather, a wonderful brother, and the heart of our family.”
Stallone also paid tribute to Norris, describing him as a “great man” and adding that “I had a great time working with Chuck.”
Later on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had the “highest respect” for Norris.
“He was a remarkable man; he was a very determined man.”
Fellow US actor Lorenzo Lamas, who trained at Norris’ martial arts studio, said he was praying for Norris’ family.
“Wicked world, beware! A retaliatory angel has arrived. Chuck Norris not only gets wings, but he also gets revenge,” Lamas wrote in a post on X.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a teenager.
While stationed in South Korea, Norris began training in martial arts.
He earned black belts in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, and even founded his own style, Chun Kuk Do.
He won karate championships in the 1960s and brought his authentic fighting techniques to the screen.
His breakthrough on the big screen came when he met martial arts film star Lee, who invited the then-karate champion to portray the ultimate villain, Colt, in the film The Way of the Dragon.
Norris once recalled in a Q&A with Combat Culture: “I was the world champion at the time and I jokingly said to Bruce, ‘Well, Bruce, who’s going to win?’
“And he said, ‘I’m going to win; I’m the star of this movie.'” I said, ‘Oh, I see, you want to beat the world champion?’ And he said, ‘No, I don’t want that; I want to kill the world champion.’
Norris’s friend, actor Steve McQueen, advised him to take acting more seriously, and he then starred in the 1977 action film ‘Breaker! Breaker!’ and in 1978, he starred in ‘Good Guys Wear Black.’
He became a household name after starring opposite Sir Christopher Lee in martial arts films such as ‘A Force of One,’ ‘The Octagon,’ and ‘An Eye for an Eye.’
Before landing the title role in the TV show ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ Norris starred in other 1980s films such as ‘Missing in Action,’ ‘Delta Force,’ and ‘Code of Silence.
He played Cordell “Cord” Walker, a wise and just ranger, on the popular CBS series from 1993 to 2001.
Meme star
Norris also made a cameo appearance as a referee in the final match of Ben Stiller’s 2004 comedy Dodgeball.
His last big-screen credits were The Expendables 2 and the upcoming Australian action comedy Zombie Plane.
Off-screen, Norris promoted fitness, founded a martial arts school, and was an outspoken supporter of American conservative politics.
And in recent years, he has been the subject of several internet memes, including “Chuck Norris Facts,” which jokingly exaggerated his strength and toughness.
For example:
Chuck Norris can pass an eye test with his eyes closed.
When the Hulk gets really angry, he turns into Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris needs a flu shot once a year.
Chuck Norris doesn’t turn on the shower; he just stares at it until it starts to cry.
A cobra once bit Chuck Norris on the leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.
His granddaughter Greta Norris paid tribute to him on Instagram.
“You all knew Chuck Norris as the man who counted to infinity twice, the man who got bitten by a cobra, and the cobra died,” she said.
“The world has truly lost a legend, and I have lost my grandfather.”
‘Toughness, grit and patriotism’
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also paid tribute on Friday, saying, “Texas has lost a legend.”
“He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and unrivaled Walker, Texas Ranger, but he also inspired generations of conservatives.
“He embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that make Texas great.”
TMZ reported Thursday that Norris was admitted to a hospital in Hawaii for an emergency.
He is survived by his five children and his wife, Gina O’Kelly.