Farewell to Chuck Norris. The American actor and martial arts champion, who became iconic worldwide for his role as Cordell Walker in the 1990s series "Walker, Texas Ranger," died in Hawaii at the age of 86 from undisclosed causes.
He was hospitalized in Kauai, as his family confirmed in a statement : "It is with deep sorrow that our family announces 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 that he was at peace. To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a symbol of strength."
"To us," the statement continues, "he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an extraordinary brother, and the heart of our family. He lived life with faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left an indelible mark on the lives of countless others. While we are heartbroken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and the unforgettable moments we were fortunate enough to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant the world to him, and our family is deeply grateful. To him, you weren't just fans, you were friends."
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he began practicing martial arts at a young age, winning several sports titles. His first film appearance was as an extra in "Mission Accomplished: Stop. Kisses, Matt Helm" in 1969, but it was "The Way of the Dragon," in which he fought Bruce Lee at the Colosseum, that launched his career in 1972. After several martial arts films, starting in the 1980s he starred in "Thunderclap," "Delta Force," "Magnum Ops McQuade," and "Code of Silence."
In addition to holding a black belt in Tang Soo Do, Taekwondo, Karate, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he also created a martial art based on other forms of combat called Chun Kuk Do.
