Legendary Hollywood action star of Walker Texas Ranger fame Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86. He was known for featuring in iconic films like The Delta Force (1986), Lone Wolf McQuade (1983), Code of Silence (1985) and Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon (1972).
The actor’s Instagram page confirmed Norris’ death on Friday, March 20. The post read, “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 (sic).”
“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 (sic),” the post concluded.
The actor, who turned 86 earlier this month, was hospitalised in Hawaii on Thursday, March 19, as reported by TMZ. The news follows only days after Norris marked his 86th birthday by sharing a clip on Instagram, showing himself in high spirits while boxing and training on March 10.
The late actor was born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Okla. in 1940. His mother was Irish and his father, he said, was Cherokee. In his 1988 memoir The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story, Norris opened up about his father’s alcoholism and how it affected his childhood and adolescence. In a 1978 interview with People, the actor said, “It wasn’t until my dad came home from WW II that he really started to drink.”
