Chuck Norris, a martial artist and iconic actor, has died. He was 86
Per Variety, Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday (Mar 19). His family posted a statement Friday confirming that he died that morning. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” his family wrote.
“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. He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” Norris’ family added.
The news of his death arrives just one day after TMZ revealed that the actor had been hospitalized for an unspecified “medical emergency” while enjoying a stay on the island of Kauai, where he purchased a stunning home for $7 million in 2015.
Norris’ family is keeping Chuck’s cause of death under wraps for now, though they reassured fans he died “surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Career
Norris started learning Asian martial arts during a Korean tour. This background in martial arts launched his prolific fighting career, where he won many martial arts championships, including the World Professional Middleweight Karate crown seven years in a row. In 1996, Norris was awarded an eighth-degree Black Belt Grand Master in Taekwondo, the first in the Western Hemisphere.
His acting career debuted in 1968 with “The Wrecking Crew.” From there, Norris became a showstopping on-screen martial artist, working alongside Bruce Lee in “Return of the Dragon” in 1972 and “Missing in Action” alongside Leonore Kasdorf in 1984.
Norris was best known for his nine-season run as Texas Ranger Sgt. Cordell Walker, in “Walker, Texas Ranger”. The series remains a staple of syndicated television.
The action star turned 86 on March 10, nine days before his death, posting a sparring martial arts Instagram video to mark the occasion. “I don’t age,” Norris said in the video. “I level up.”
Norris is survived by his second wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998, and five children: sons Mike and Eric (with first wife Diane Holachek), twins Dakota and Danilee (with O’Kelley), and Dina (from a previous relationship).
“I don’t think grief is a good enough word to describe the emotions my family and I are going through right now.. losing a parent is something that you are never prepared for,” his daughter Danilee wrote.
Danilee’s twin brother Dakota shared a few photos with his dad in his own tribute post on Instagram. “I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote.