Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris reportedly passed away on Friday following hospitalization this week. The circumstances are being kept private per the family’s request. He was 86.
In addition to his veracity as an accomplished fighter in various styles of martial arts styles from the age of 18 while serving in the U.S. Air Force, Norris accumulated nearly fifty acting credits in film and TV. With credits like The Way Of The Dragon opposite Bruce Lee, and American productions such as A Force Of One, Silent Rage, and Eye For An Eye to the Missing In Action franchise, The Delta Force and Invasion U.S.A., and hit series “Walker: Texas Ranger,” Norris affirmed his place among the action star pantheon of yesteryear.
A few of Norris’s recent credits partly include Simon West’s The Expendables 2 and Derek Ting’s sci-fi actioner Agent Recon. His final and posthumous credit will be Lav Bodnaruk and Michael Mier’s Zombie Plane, also starring Vanilla Ice, Sophie Monk and Brian Austin Green from Entertainment Squad, release date pending.
Below is a statement from the Norris family via 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 hospitalization, 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.
With love,
The Norris Family
Read more at Variety.
Lead image: Chuck Norris on the set of The Delta Force (1986) (photo by Yoni S.Hamenahem/Wikimedia Commons)