Legendary martial artist and Hollywood icon Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed.
He reportedly died on Friday morning after being hospitalised in Hawaii, with his family stating that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments.
Family confirms passing
In a statement shared on social media, his family expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris… he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the statement read.
The family also thanked fans for their prayers and requested privacy during this time.
From martial arts to global stardom
Born in 1940 in Oklahoma, Norris served in the United States Air Force before rising to prominence as a martial artist. He held multiple black belts across disciplines including Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He made his film debut in The Wrecking Crew (1968) and gained international recognition after his iconic on-screen fight with Bruce Lee in a 1972 film.
Rise as an action hero
Norris went on to star in several popular action films such as Delta Force and Missing in Action, becoming a symbol of strength and resilience in Hollywood.
His portrayal of Cordell “Cord” Walker in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger made him a household name worldwide.
A legacy that endures
Even in his later years, Norris remained active and connected with fans. Just days before his passing, he shared a video of himself boxing, captioning it, “I don’t age. I level up.”
He is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and five children.
Chuck Norris leaves behind a lasting legacy as a martial artist, actor, and cultural icon whose influence transcended generations.