Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood action star, has died aged 86, his family has confirmed.
Norris was known for his roles in the action crime series Walker, Texas Ranger and also the martial arts film The Way Of The Dragon – fighting superstar Bruce Lee.
His family announced his death “with heavy hearts” in a statement posted on Instagram.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” they said.
‘Lasting impact’
“Through his work, discipline and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
The statement added: “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.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he joined the US Air Force as a teenager.
While stationed in South Korea, Norris began training in martial arts. He went on to win a black belt, winning karate championships in the 1960s.
His big screen break came after meeting martial arts film star Bruce Lee, who he fought in 1972’s Way Of The Dragon.
‘I want to kill the world champion’
In a Q&A with Combat Culture, Norris once explained: “At that time I held the world title and kiddingly I said to Bruce, ‘Well, who wins Bruce?’
“And he says, ‘I win, I’m the star of this movie’. I say, ‘Oh, I see, you want to beat the world champion?’ And he said, ‘No I don’t, I want to kill the world champion’.”
Norris went on to star in the 1980s films Missing In Action, Delta Force and Code of Silence, before featuring in TV show Walker, Texas Ranger.
He played the title role of Cordell Walker in the popular CBS series, from 1993-2001, bringing him to a wider audience.
His final big-screen credit came in the 2012 movie The Expendables 2.
Away from the screen, Norris promoted fitness and founded martial arts schools.
And in more recent years, he became the subject of a string of internet memes, including “Chuck Norris facts”, which jokingly exaggerated his strength and toughness.
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