Chuk Norris, the American action star known for his roles in 1970s and 1980s films, has died at the age of 86.
His family announced his death in a statement posted on his official Instagram account, saying he passed away peacefully in Hawaii after a recent medical emergency.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris,” the statement read, adding that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.
Norris rose to global fame through a string of action films including The Delta Force and Missing in Action, before becoming a household name with the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in 1940, he began his career as a martial artist, becoming a multiple-time karate champion before transitioning into acting. His early breakthrough included a memorable fight scene alongside Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon, which helped launch his film career.
Over the decades, Norris built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s toughest on-screen figures, later becoming a global pop culture icon through viral “Chuck Norris facts” that exaggerated his strength and invincibility.
In his final days, Norris had appeared active and in good health, even posting a video of himself training shortly after celebrating his 86th birthday.
