Chuck NorrisThe US martial artist and Hollywood tough guy best known for his role in the TV series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ has died, his family said on Friday. He was 86 years old.Norris died Thursday morning, his family said on Instagram, after media reports said he had been hospitalized for an undisclosed condition while on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.“To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor and a symbol of strength,” the statement read. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an awesome brother and the heart of our family.”The family said they wanted to keep the details of Norris’ death private, and “please know that he was surrounded by his family and at peace.”News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from die-hard Hollywood friends and fans. Sylvester StalloneJean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren were some of Norris’ contemporaries who took to social media to pay their respects.
Hollywood stars pay tribute to Chuck Norris
Sylvester Stallone paid tribute to his ‘Expendables 2’ co-star in an Instagram post: “Had a great time working with Chuck. He was all American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.” Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote in a tweet: “Chuck was an icon. I am grateful to have been able to work with him in many ways over the years, from promoting fitness to sharing the screen. He was a patient, in real life and in Hollywood. His legend will be with us forever. My thoughts are with his family.”Jean-Claude Van Damme wrote in an Instagram post: “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days and always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers go out to his family. He will never be forgotten.”Dolph Lundgren also paid tribute: “Chuck Norris is a champion. Ever since I was a young martial artist and then into movies, I’ve always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength to be a man. We’ll miss you, my friend.”Lorenzo Lamas tweeted: “Watch out evil world, there’s an angelic consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris doesn’t just get wings, he flattens them.” Lee Majors wrote a touching tribute in a post: “I know millions of fans around the world feel this loss too, but for me, it’s very personal. I had the honor of working with him, sharing moments I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just a screen legend, he was kind, strong and real. He was a kind, strong and real soul. Maybe you can teach the good Lord some karate moves, I know he’s got a kick out of it.” ago”. Joe Piscopoon the other hand, he wrote: “I just heard that the Legend – The Man – Mr. Chuck Norris has passed away. It was an honor to work with Chuck. It was a life changing and treasured experience that I will keep in my heart forever.” Priscilla Presley also wrote a tribute in a message: “I am so sad that my Karate teacher and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be missed forever.” Morgan Fairchild also tweeted: “I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Chuck, a friend of mine for many years. We were in Taiwan in (I think) ’87 to accept the Golden Horse Awards and met there. It didn’t hurt that I loved martial arts! He was always a true gentleman every time I met him. My condolences to his family and friends.” The early life and career of Chuck NorrisBorn in Ryan, Oklahoma on March 10, 1940, Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris practiced martial arts while serving in the US Air Force in South Korea.His acting debut came with a cameo in the 1968 Dean Martin film, “The Wrecking Crew.” Four years later, his epic battle with kung-fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” helped make Norris an icon on both the big and small screens.A number of karate film roles followed, from a US commando in “Good Guys Wear Black,” an all-American response, to a number of Hong Kong action films capitalizing on Lee’s popularity, to action horror films.Silent Fury.”As his acting career grew, he became a legendary martial arts figure, winning six world middleweight karate championships from 1968 to 1974 and earning black belts in several disciplines. In 1983, Norris stepped into the role of a silent Texas ranger waging a war against an arms dealer in the film Lone. Wolf McQuade,” which provided the template for the cult TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”The show ran for eight seasons and spawned numerous action-man jokes and memes, including Norris and Superman had a fight, with the loser (Superman) forced to wear his underpants outside.About the personal life of Chuck NorrisNorris had two sons from his first marriage to high school sweetheart Dianne Holechek, which lasted 30 years, and a son and a daughter from his second wife, Gena O’Kelley. He also had a daughter during his first marriage.
