The world has lost yet another legend.
Chuck Norris, the famous martial artist and actor, has passed away at the age of 86. Earlier this week, it was reported that he was rushed to a hospital in Hawaii, and it seemed to be for something sudden. Now, it has been confirmed that Norris 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.
The family of Chuck Norris shared the news of his passing through social media, saying:
“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. To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.
He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives. While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.
We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Such a sad loss.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the roles that fans played in making Chuck Norris larger than life. Yes, I’m referring to all of the Chuck Norris jokes and memes that made it into pop culture throughout the years. Most of them were just about how tough and strong Norris was, and one I remember from my childhood is “Chuck Norris once won an arm wrestling contest with both arms tied behind his back.”
Those never got old, and Chuck Norris got in on one of those jokes just a week ago. He shared a video of himself training – and appearing to still be in very good shape well into his 80s. He celebrated his 86th birthday just a week or so ago, and said “I don’t age. I level up.” It’s good to see that Norris seemed to be in good health and good spirits up until his passing:
“I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
RIP Chuck Norris.
