Chuck Norris, the larger-than-life icon, martial artist, and actor, died on Thursday (March 19) following a hospitalization. He was 86.
News broke on Thursday, March 19, that Chuck Norris suffered a medical emergency in Hawaii. TMZ was the first to report that Norris, who turned 86 a week prior, was hospitalized on Kauai after an unknown medical event.
His family announced his death in a statement released on Friday that read:
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
He was remembered as a “devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”
The family added that they are heartbroken, grateful for his life, and the love and support from fans.
About Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris was an Air Force Veteran. During his enlistment, he began training in the martial arts. He went on to earn black belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo. Norris began entering martial arts competitions and was named the All-American Karate Champion in 1967.
The following year, he earned the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, a title he held for six years. After winning his second All-American Karate Champion trophy in 1969, Norris retired undefeated. While competing, Chuck met actor Bruce Lee who encouraged him to begin acting. He made his big screen debut in The Wrecking Crew in 1968.
His success in martial arts led him to open a series of karate schools where he mentored an impressive list of celebrity clients that included Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Pressley, and Donny and Marie Osmond. Steve McQueen is credited with encouraging Chuck to begin taking acting classes and further his acting career.
Chuck went on to appear in more than 30 films and numerous television shows, including his successful series “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The action crime drama aired for 9 seasons from 1993 to 2001.
Considered one of the toughest guys in the business, Chuck inspired a cult-like following of meme and joke makers who used his seeming invincibility to create viral content.
Chuck Norris leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Gena O’Kelley, and five children: Mike, Eric, Dakota, Danilee, and Dina.
