Chuck Norris, the martial artist and actor known for his roles in action films and the long-running television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died at the age of 86 following a medical emergency, according to his family, as reported [1] by Page Six.
Norris, who was born March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, first gained recognition in the 1960s and 1970s as a champion martial artist.
He played a role in introducing karate and other martial arts disciplines to American audiences during a time when they were not widely known in the United States.
CHUCK NORRIS: “I used to be a Democrat. But unfortunately the Democrats went too far to the left, and lost all reality of what America stood for.” pic.twitter.com/Q9IRToohuL [2]
— The Conservative Alternative (@OldeWorldOrder) March 19, 2026 [3]
His career in entertainment expanded after he met Bruce Lee at the 1967 All-American Karate Open Championships at Madison Square Garden.
The two developed a friendship and trained together, which led to Norris being cast in the 1972 film “Way of the Dragon.” Their fight scene in Rome’s Colosseum became one of the most recognizable moments in martial arts cinema.
Norris later starred in a number of action films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including “Good Guys Wear Black,” “Lone Wolf McQuade,” and the “Missing in Action” series.
His film work established him as a recognizable figure in the action genre.
He reached a broader audience with the CBS series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which aired from 1993 to 2001 and ran for 196 episodes.
Norris portrayed Cordell Walker, a law enforcement officer known for his strict moral code and martial arts skills.
Over the course of his career, Norris received multiple honors. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989 and was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame in 1999 as one of its first members.
In 2000, he received the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. In 2010, then-Texas Governor Rick Perry named him an honorary Texas Ranger.
Beyond acting, Norris was involved in promoting martial arts education and youth development programs.
His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on social media Friday, stating that he died Thursday morning.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the statement began.
“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.”
The family added that “he lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved” and “inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact” … “through his work, discipline, and kindness.”
“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 statement continued.
“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.”
The statement also noted that many people had “heard about his recent hospitalization” and said the family was “truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent this way.”
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time,” the family concluded.
View this post on Instagram
Norris’ son, Dakota, also shared a message on Instagram.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” he wrote.
“You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life.”
Dakota added, “Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.”
He described Norris as the “greatest father God could have ever given me” and “the finest man I’ve ever known.”
View this post on Instagram
News of Norris’ death came shortly after reports that he had been hospitalized on the island of Kauai in Hawaii following a medical emergency. The nature of the incident was not disclosed.
On March 10, Norris marked his 86th birthday with a video posted to Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
“I don’t age. I level up,” he wrote.
“I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
“I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love,” he added.
He concluded the post by thanking his supporters, writing, “Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”