Los angeles: US actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed. Norris, widely recognized for his role alongside Bruce Lee in 'The Way Of The Dragon' and as the leading character in the US action TV series 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' was remembered by his family as 'a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather,' and 'an incredible brother.'
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement on Norris' Instagram account expressed the family's sorrow: '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.' The family emphasized his roles not just as a martial artist and actor, but as a symbol of strength who lived his life with faith and purpose, making a lasting impact on countless lives worldwide.
The family further shared their gratitude for the love and support Norris received from fans globally, stating, 'To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.' They acknowledged the public's awareness of his recent hospitalization and expressed heartfelt thanks for the prayers and well-wishes during that time. The family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
Norris' career spanned several decades, with his last film appearance being in the Australian action comedy 'Zombie Plane.' He was also known for his roles in 'The Expendables 2,' 'The Delta Force,' and 'Code Of Silence.' Before his acting career, Norris served in the US Air Force and held black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, including Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and judo. He even founded his own martial arts discipline, Chun Kuk Do.
His path to acting fame was influenced by his friend Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to pursue acting seriously after his role as villain Colt in 'The Way Of The Dragon.' This led to starring roles in 'Breaker! Breaker!' and 'Good Guys Wear Black,' paving the way for Norris to become a household name through a series of martial arts films in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Norris had four children from his marriages and a relationship during his time in the Air Force. His first wife, Dianne Holecheck, passed away last December, and they shared two children, Mike and Eric Norris. After their divorce in 1988, Norris married Gena O'Kelley in 1998, and they had twins, Dakota and Danilee. He also had a daughter, Dina, from a previous relationship.
The family concludes by thanking everyone for their love and kindness during this difficult time.