The world mourns Chuck Norris: action hero and cultural icon passes

International

GLOBAL tributes have poured in after the death of martial artist and Hollywood icon Chuck Norris, who passed away at the age of 86.

“He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love,” said his daughter, Danilee Norris, in a BBC report.

Norris became famous for his role in the 1990s action series Walker, Texas Ranger and for facing Bruce Lee in the 1972 martial arts classic The Way of the Dragon.

Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren, who worked alongside Norris, said he “always looked up to him as a role model,” noting the influence Norris had both on and off screen. Sylvester Stallone described him as “All American in every way,” recalling the enjoyment and respect he felt while working with Norris.

The Norris family announced his death in an Instagram statement.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday (Thursday) morning,” the statement read.

The family described Norris as someone who lived with faith, purpose, and devotion to his loved ones, inspiring millions worldwide through his work, discipline, and kindness. They added that, beyond his public persona as a martial artist and actor, he was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and the heart of the family.

US President Donald Trump expressed admiration, saying he had “the highest respect” for Norris and calling him “a really tough cookie.” Actor Lorenzo Lamas, a former student at Norris’ martial arts studio, posted on X that Norris was now “an angel of consequence,” highlighting the legendary toughness for which he was known.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he joined the US Air Force as a teenager and began training in martial arts while stationed in South Korea.

He went on to earn black belts in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, and founded his own martial art, Chun Kuk Do. Norris dominated karate competitions in the 1960s and incorporated his combat skills seamlessly into film.

His cinematic breakthrough came after meeting Bruce Lee, who cast him as the final villain Colt in The Way of the Dragon. Norris later recalled joking with Lee about who would win their fight, only to learn Lee wanted to challenge the world champion rather than merely defeat him.

Encouraged by his friend Steve McQueen, Norris took acting seriously, appearing in Breaker! Breaker! (1977) and Good Guys Wear Black (1978), before gaining fame with films such as A Force of One, The Octagon, and An Eye for An Eye opposite Sir Christopher Lee. He went on to star in 1980s action hits like Missing in Action, Delta Force, and Code of Silence.

From 1993 to 2001, Norris led CBS’ Walker, Texas Ranger, portraying Cordell “Cord” Walker, a principled lawman committed to justice. He later appeared in Dodgeball (2004), The Expendables 2 (2012), and the Australian action comedy Zombie Plane.

Outside of acting, Norris promoted fitness, ran martial arts schools, and voiced support for conservative politics. In recent years, he became the subject of widespread internet memes that exaggerated his toughness, including claims like a cobra dying after biting him or him turning the Hulk into himself when angered.

His granddaughter Greta Norris paid tribute on Instagram, writing that the world lost an icon and she lost her grandpa, recalling the humor and legend of his public persona. Texas Governor Greg Abbott added that Norris “embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme,” recognizing his impact as both an entertainer and cultural figure.

Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii for a medical emergency, according to TMZ. He is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and their five children.(MyTVCebu)