Legendary actor Chuck Norris is dead.
The iconic star who starred in Walker, Texas Ranger TV series passed on after hospitalisation, his family has confirmed.
He will always be remembered for his iconic films like Walker Texas Ranger, but many young people know his face best as one that will be forever immortalised as one of the stars of the early-2010s memes.
His face was often accompanied with white block text superimposed on top, often exalting the actor as a legend and someone impossible to compete with.
Examples include:
“Chuck Norris can pass a vision test with his eyes closed”
“When the Hulk gets really angry, he turns into Chuck Norris”
“The flu has to get a Chuck Norris shot once a year”
“Chuck Norris doesn’t turn on the shower, he stares at it until it starts to cry”
Tribute From Granddaughter
Greta Norris, the granddaughter of Chuck Norris has paid tribute to him on Instagram.
“You all knew Chuck Norris as the man that counted to infinity twice, the man who got bit by a cobra and the cobra died,” she penned.
She says her grandfather was “known for many amazing things but what I am most proud of is I got to know him as my Papa… A grandfather that would sit on his rocking chair and listen to me tell him stories”.
“He is the most down to earth person ever, in a room full of people he would make it known that he was listening to you and only you,” she adds.
“The world truly lost an icon and I lost my grandpa.”
But Who was Chuck Norris?
Chuck Norris was a household name in the American martial arts scene, as well as an actor known for his action film roles.
He was Born in Oklahoma in 1940 and served in the United States Air Force before rising to fame as a star of martial arts — for which he held multiple black belts including in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
He rose to fame as an actor in 1972, after he appeared in Way of the Dragon, alongside martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
Some of Norris’s other films include Delta Force and Missing in Action.But he is perhaps best known for playing Cordell “Cord” Walker in the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger.
He is survived by his five children and wife, Gena O’Kelley.
Hospitalization and Death
Chuck Norris was hospitalised in Hawai for a medical emergency before his death, TMZ originally reported.
In their statement, his family said they prefer to keep the circumstances private, but described Norris’ loss as “sudden”.
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way,” they wrote.
Announcing Chuck Norris’s death, his family wrote on Instagram:
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family. 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. While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed 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 thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends. We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
