Chuck Norris, 'Delta Force' & 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Star, Dies at 86

Chuck Norris, the martial arts star who battled Bruce Lee on film and starred in a series of iconic action movies, has died.

Norris had just turned 86 on March 10.

His family announced his death on social media in a statement that 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."

It went on, "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."

Addressing his many fans, the family said, "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."

Norris reportedly suffered a medical emergency Thursday, but had been reported to be recovering.

Norris was a pop cultural icon, from his inimitable, stunt-driven movies for Cannon to his long-running TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger" to his ubiquitous internet presence as the face of "Chuck Norris Facts" memes, a phenomenon that materialized in 2005, extending his fame at a time when he was easing into retirement.

Born in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris won national martial arts competitions in the '60s, demonstrating his karate, Taekwondo, judo, and jiu-jitsu prowess.

His notoriety as a fighter won him a bit part in 1968's "The Wrecking Crew," but it was when martial arts icon Bruce Lee invited him to star as a villain in "The Way of the Dragon" (1972) that Norris's prospects rose.

He appeared in "Breaker! Breaker!" (1977), "Good Guys Wear Black" (1978), "A Force of One" (1979), "The Octagon" (1980), "An Eye for an Eye" (1981), "Silent Rage" (1982), and "Forced Vengeance" (1982), realizing a major hit with "Lone Wolf McQuade" in 1983.

The latter film directly led to a multi-picture deal with Cannon, for whom he quickly churned out "Missing in Action" (1984) — spawning a trilogy. "Invasion U.S.A. (1985) and especially "The Delta Force" (1986) were also big hits, with the latter boasting a star-studded cast: Lee Marvin, Martin Balsam, Shelley Winters and more joined Norris, who was by then a household name.

Controversially, "The Delta Force" was inspired by the hijacking of TWA flight 847 in 1985, during which passengers endured a 17-day hostage situation and a Navy diver was murdered.

"Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection" (1990) and "Delta Force 3: The Killing Game" (1991) followed in rapid succession.

Norris branched out into writing books, conservative political activism, and acting as a pitchman, most famously for Total Gym, but also for brands like Mountain Dew.

In 1993, he became a TV star via "Walker, Texas Ranger," which was developed from "Lone Wolf McQuade." The conservative-tilting show was anti-drug and pro-kicking butt, featuring Norris as former U.S. Marine, Texas Ranger, and martial arts instructor Cordell Walker.

"Walker, Texas Ranger" produced more than 200 episodes and — after its 2001 cancellation — the 2005 TV movie "Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire." The show was rebooted in 2020 for four seasons as "Walker," starring Jared Padalecki.

Later in life, Norris starred in a variety of films, including the TV movies "The President's Man" (2000) and its 2002 sequel, "Bells of Innocence" (2003), "DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story" (2004), "The Expendables 2" (2012), and his final film as a lead, "Agent Recon" (2024).

His last TV gig was a surprise appearance on the series finale of "Hawaii Five-0" in 2020, and it has been reported Norris makes a cameo as himself in the forthcoming feature "Zombie Plane."

Norris's businesses outside entertainment included CForce Bottling Co., which he founded with his wife Gena.

Norris, who was wed from 1958-1989 to Dianne Holechek, is survived by his wife Gina O'Kelley. Other survivors include his five children, among them actor Mike Norris and former NASCAR driver Eric Norris.