Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and Hollywood action star best known for his role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.
According to reports, Norris died on March 19, 2026, after being hospitalised in Hawaii following a medical emergency. His family confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media.
Legendary Career in Film and Television
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Oklahoma, Norris first gained international recognition as a martial artist before transitioning into acting.
He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s with roles in action films and later became widely known for starring as Cordell Walker in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001.
Over the years, Norris built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action heroes, appearing in films such as The Delta Force, Missing in Action, and The Expendables 2.
Martial Arts Champion
Before his acting career, Norris served in the United States Air Force and later won several martial arts championships. He went on to found his own martial arts system known as Chun Kuk Do.
He held black belts in multiple disciplines, including karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, contributing to his global reputation as a martial arts icon.
Enduring Cultural Influence
Beyond film and television, Norris became a pop-culture figure through the widely circulated “Chuck Norris facts” internet memes celebrating his larger-than-life persona.
Throughout his life, he was also involved in philanthropy, notably through his organisation Kickstart Kids, which uses martial arts programmes to help young people develop discipline and confidence.
Norris leaves behind a legacy as one of the most influential action stars and martial arts figures in modern entertainment.