He was mortal after all: Chuck Norris dead aged 86

Chuck Norris, martial arts champion and actor renowned for his role in Walker Texas Ranger has died at the age of 86.

Norris was previously hospitalised in Hawaii on Thursday following a medical emergency, with his family later sharing a statement on Friday morning confirming his death.

“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,” Norris’ family said.

Prior to his stardom, in 1958 he had joined the Air Force as an Air Policeman, and whilst serving at Osan Air Base in South Korea, Norris first acquired the nickname “Chuck” and began his training in Tang Soo Do, leading to his achievements in martial arts, after his 1962 discharge.

He was later given the title of a martial arts champion who had acquired a black belt in judo, a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a 5th degree black belt in Karate, an 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo, a 9th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and a 10th degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do.

He later opened a chain of karate schools which was central to celebrity clients such as Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, and Priscilla Presley.

Norris made his acting debut in 1969, in a film titled “The Wrecking Crew,” and later in 1974, after his meeting with McQueen, began taking acting classes at MGM University.

Norris’ career was greatly active between the Late 1970s and ‘80s, starring in films like, “The Delta Force” and “Missing in Action” films, “Good Guys Wear Black” (1978), “The Octagon” (1980), “Lone Wolf McQuade” (1983), “Code of Silence” (1985) and “Firewalker” (1986).

In his later life, Norris was portrayed in various memes pointing towards his tough exterior such as “Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper, but Chuck Norris beats all three at the same time,” or “When the boogeyman goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris,” which he embraced.

Additionally, the star wrote several books highlighting christian and patriotic themes, and was twice married with two sons, three daughters, and several grandchildren.