Chuck Norris, the legendary American martial artist and Hollywood action icon best known for his starring role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has passed away at the age of 86.
His family confirmed the news on Friday, following his sudden death on Thursday morning.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, his family expressed their grief: “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. 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.”
Reports indicate that Norris fell ill on Thursday while on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
His passing comes just one week after he celebrated his 86th birthday.
To mark that occasion, he had posted a video of himself boxing on social media, jokingly telling his followers: “I don’t age. I level up.”
In that same birthday message, he reflected on his vitality, noting: “Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
The martial arts expert’s storied career began with a cameo in the 1968 Dean Martin film, “The Wrecking Crew.”
However, it was his legendary 1972 onscreen battle with kung-fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” that cemented his status as a global icon.
Since then, he starred in numerous action films, becoming a household name across both the big and small screens.
