Renowned actor and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86 due to a sudden medical incident in Hawaii.
The iconic tough guy’s family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that Norris died on Thursday morning.
“With profound sadness, our family announces the unexpected passing of our cherished Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” they stated.
They added, “While we wish to keep the details private, please be assured that he was surrounded by family and at peace.”
The specific medical issue that claimed the actor’s life remains undisclosed.
Norris’s family honored his memory, describing him as a “dedicated husband, a loving father and grandfather, a remarkable brother, and the cornerstone of our family.”
‘He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,’ their statement said. ‘Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.’
Norris was best known for action roles including Walker, Texas Ranger and The Delta Force in the 1980s before he became a cult figure on social media in his later years.
Legendary actor Chuck Norris has died aged 86 following a sudden medical emergency in Hawaii
Norris was best known for action roles including Walker, Texas Ranger (pictured) and The Delta Force in the 1980s, and became a cult figure on social media in his later years
Norris seen in an Instagram video he shared with fans just weeks before his death on Thursday
The actor was a renowned martial artist and fitness guru. Earlier this month he celebrated his birthday by sharing a video of himself staying fit in a training session.
The star captioned the clip: ‘I don’t age. I level up. 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. God Bless, Chuck Norris.’
Norris had largely stayed out of acting roles in his later years, but made minor cameos in action flicks including The Expendables 2.
In the decades after his action movie success, Norris became a well-known meme on social media where people would parody his tough-guy image in jokes.
The beloved action star seen with Bruce Lee on the set of The Way of the Dragon in 1972
Norris had largely stayed out of acting roles in his later years, but made minor cameos in action flicks including The Expendables 2 (pictured)
The actor was a renowned martial artist and fitness guru and earlier this month he celebrated his birthday by sharing a video of himself staying fit in a training session
Norris was born in Oklahoma in 1940 and served in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1962.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989 and became a cult-like figure in the fitness and action industries.
His first wife Dianne Holecheck passed away in December. The pair married in 1958 and shared two children, Mike, an actor, and NASCAR champion Eric Norris.
Norris and Holecheck separated in 1988, the same year he married his second wife Gena O’Kelly.
The couple had twins Dakota and Danilee in 2001. He also had a daughter in 1962 in an extramarital relationship.
Norris’s family said in their tribute that the actor was ‘deeply grateful for the life he lived.’
‘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,’ the family said.
Norris and his first wife Dianne Holecheck, whom he shared two sons with
Norris and his second wife Gena O’Kelly seen together in 2016
Norris with his second wife Gena O’Kelly earlier this year
Norris’s son Dakota paid tribute in an Instagram post on Friday, writing: ‘Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best. You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life’
Tributes poured in for Norris following the news of his passing.
His son Dakota said in an Instagram post: ‘Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best. You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life.
‘Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.’
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared a picture of himself with Norris, writing that ‘Texas has lost a legend.’
‘All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris. He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger. But he electrified generations of conservatives.
‘Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth. He embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme.’
