When you really think about it, Chuck Norris was probably an inspiration for any great thing that exists.
The famous martial artist and actor passed away last week at the age of 86. Prior to his passing, it was reported that Norris was rushed to a hospital in Hawaii, and it seemed to be for something sudden. Just a day or so after that, it was confirmed that the icon had passed away on the morning of Thursday, March 19.
Norris was made famous by his action and martial arts-focused roles in the 1970s and 1980s. He starred opposite Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, and his most recent role was in a 2024 movie titled Agent Recon. Many fans came to love the actor when he starred as Texas Ranger Cordell Walker in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001.
It was actually through that role that Chuck Norris and Taylor Sheridan crossed paths. As you likely already know, the Yellowstone creator first got into Hollywood through acting. Funny enough, his first acting opportunity came through Walker, Texas Ranger. Sheridan starred in Season 3’s double-episode that was titled “War Zone,” and played a character named Vernon who was a drag racer.
Yes, he and Chuck Norris’ Cordell Walker got into a high speed chase at one point in the episode.
It was one heck of an introduction into Hollywood for Taylor Sheridan, and after the 86-year-old’s passing, he told People that Chuck Norris was truly one of a kind:
“I met Chuck on my first acting job. He remains one of the kindest and humblest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with.”
It’s safe to say that Sheridan never forgot about that very first experience in show business. It’s been very well documented that the writer and director took inspiration from Walker, Texas Ranger for his 2016 film Hell or High Water. There’s even a scene in the movie where bank robbers are chased down by a pair of Texas Rangers.
Walker, Texas Ranger also paved the way for the western genre to live on television. There’s no doubt that Sheridan took note of the show’s success, and did what he could to apply what he learned to his hit shows like Yellowstone (and its many spinoffs) and Landman. In fact, it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Chuck Norris helped Taylor Sheridan realize the potential that western settings have for stellar storytelling.
And obviously, Sheridan isn’t ever going to forget Norris and the characters he played on screen. He’ll likely draw inspiration from Chuck for years to come… because as Taylor Sheridan once told The New York Times, Norris was as genuine and authentic as they come:
“Chuck Norris was the first celebrity I ever met, and he was such a gracious guy. But he got into a fight with another actor. Chuck’s itty-bitty, and this guy was huge. You know all the Chuck Norris jokes? He actually does just beat up people with his fists.”
What a legend… RIP Chuck Norris.
