Legendary martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, best known for his role in the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed.
According to a statement shared by relatives, Norris passed away peacefully on March 19 in Kauai, surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognizable action heroes of the 1980s and 1990s. Before entering Hollywood, Norris served in the U.S. Air Force and later became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion.
Norris achieved global fame through action films such as Missing in Action and The Delta Force before cementing his television legacy as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran for eight successful seasons and made him a household name worldwide.
Earlier in his career, Norris also gained attention for his memorable fight scene opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon, a moment widely considered one of the most iconic martial arts sequences in cinema history.
Beyond entertainment, Norris founded the nonprofit Kickstart Kids, which aimed to support young people through martial arts training and character development. He also authored several books and remained active in philanthropy and public life throughout his later years.
In the 2000s, Norris experienced a renewed surge in popularity through viral internet “Chuck Norris Facts,” which transformed him into a global pop-culture legend for a new generation of fans.
Tributes from across the entertainment industry and political world continue to pour in, honoring Norris as a symbol of strength, discipline, and enduring screen heroism.
