Legendary martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.
In a statement shared on social media, the family described his death as a “sudden passing,” adding that he was surrounded by loved ones and at peace.
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he rose from humble beginnings to become a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He later founded the Chun Kuk Do system and the United Fighting Arts Federation, earning recognition as a 10th-degree black belt.
Norris served in the United States Air Force, where he began his martial arts journey during a deployment to Korea. He went on to open martial arts schools and trained several notable figures, including Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley, and Bob Barker.
He made his film debut in 1968 and gained international recognition after starring alongside Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon (1972). He later headlined popular films such as Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Sidekicks, before starring in the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger.
Beyond acting, Norris became a global pop culture figure through the viral “Chuck Norris Facts,” authored several books, and remained active in public and political life.
He is survived by his five children
