Today, March 20, 2026, marks a bereavement that leaves a great void in the film world. With a post on Instagram, the family of Chuck Norris announced the death of the martial arts champion actor who became a legendary action movie star and star of the hit series “Walker, Texas Ranger.” He was 86 years old, and only yesterday he was hospitalized in Hawaii.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we wish to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the post reads. “To the world he was a martial artist, an actor and a symbol of strength. To us he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an amazing brother and the heart of our family.”
The family added, “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 of people around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many. Although our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and the unforgettable moments we were fortunate to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly grateful. To him, you were not simply fans, but friends. We know that many of you were aware of his recent hospitalization, and we are sincerely grateful for your prayers and support. As we deal with this grief, we kindly ask for respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”
His career was particularly prolific in the late 1970s and 1980s: he starred alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film “The Way of the Dragon” (also known as “Return of the Dragon”), as well as in the films “The Delta Force” and “Missing in Action,” as well as “Good Guys Wear Black” (1978), “The Octagon” (1980), “Lone Wolf McQuade” (1983), “Code of Silence” (1985) and “Firewalker” (1986). But he was also a genuine martial arts champion: black belt in judo, 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 5th degree black belt in karate, 8th degree black belt in taekwondo, 9th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and 10th degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do.
[📸 IPA]
