Chuck Norristhe martial arts champion who became an action star in the hit series Walker, Texas Rangeris dead He was 86.
His family issued a statement on Fridaywriting, “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we wish to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and at peace.”
“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,” the statement continued. “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.”
The family said that while their “hearts are broken”, they are “deeply grateful for the life he lived and the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him”.
“The love and support he received from fans around the world meant a lot to him, and our family is truly grateful. To him, you weren’t just fans, you were his friends,” they added.
Norris’ family said they know many fans “had heard of his recent hospitalization.”
“We are truly grateful for the prayers and support you have sent him. While we are saddened by this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us,” the statement concluded.
Before becoming a star in movies and TV, Norris was extremely successful in competitive martial arts. He became a six-time undefeated World Karate Champion in the professional middleweight division. He also founded his own strong Korean-based American karate style, sometimes known as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Martial Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine eventually inducted Norris into its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest honor possible.
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Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California and joined the US Air Force after high school in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he began training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.
“I went out for gymnastics and soccer in North Torrance,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I played a little soccer, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea.”
After being honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officerbut was put on a waiting list. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded into a chain, where students included stars such as. Bob Barker, Priscilla PresleyDonnie and Marie Osmond and Steve McQueen, who he later credited with encouraging him to pursue acting.
Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 film The wrecking crewwhich included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship – at times, as joint partners – led to an iconic showdown in the 1972 film Return of the Dragonin which Lee fights and kills Norris’ character in the Colosseum in Rome.
Norris went on to star in more than 20 films including Missing in action, Delta Force, Good boys wear black, The octagon, Lone Wolf McQuade, Code of Silence AND aid.
In 1993, he landed his most famous role as a crime-fighting lawman on TV. Walker, Texas Ranger. The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the honorary title of Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.
Norris also appeared in several comedy films, including the 2004 film Dodgeball.
He also worked in the direction of Sylvester Stallone Spenders 2 in 2012 after a break from the big screen for seven years.
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This story is developing. Please check back for further updates.
– With files from the Associated Press
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