Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and action movie star, died on Friday morning. He was 86 years-old.
Norris had been rushed to the hospital in Hawaii on Thursday. On the morning of Friday, March 20, his family took to Instagram to announce that he had passed away.
Norris’ Family Announces His Death
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family’s statement read. “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,” the family continued. “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.”
The family went on to express their gratitude to fans for the support that they gave Norris over the years.
‘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 family said. “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,” they concluded. “As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Norris Just Celebrated 86th Birthday
At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been given. When Norris was hospitalized on Thursday, however, sources told TMZ that whatever led to his medical situation occurred within the last 24 hours on the island of Kauai.
Just ten days ago, Norris appeared to be in good spirits as he celebrated his 86th birthday. He marked the occasion by taking to Instagram to share a video of himself taking part in a grueling training session.
“I don’t age. I level up,” Norris wrote in the caption. “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 continued. “Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
The former Walker Texas Ranger star signed off his post by writing, “God Bless, Chuck Norris.”
Check out that video for yourself below.
Norris’ History
Born in Ryan, Oklahoma in 1940, Norris joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. While stationed in Korea, he learned karate.
Once he returned to the United States, Norris became a karate teacher while also competing in the sport. He managed to win consecutive middleweight titles in 1968. Meanwhile, his classes were becoming popular with celebrities like Bob Barker, Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen. It was actually McQueen who encouraged Norris to give movies a shot.
Norris befriended the legendary Bruce Lee after meeting him at a competition. Lee then cast Norris in his 1972 film Way of the Dragon. The film was a massive hit, grossing an estimated $130 million worldwide. This skyrocketed Norris to international stardom.
Throughout the rest of the 1970s, Norris would star in movies like Yellow Faced Tiger, Breaker! Breaker!, and Good Guys Wear Black. In the 1980s, he starred in movies like 1984’s Missing in Action and 1985’s Code of Silence.
Walker Texas Ranger
In 1993, Norris began starring on Walker Texas Ranger on CBS. The show aired on Saturday nights for eight seasons, and by 1996, it was a top ten show.
“I’ve finally gotten the show to where I want it, and that’s to a place where you really don’t know what to expect each Saturday,” Norris told the Los Angeles Times that same year. “One week we might have an episode about the peer pressure on kids to become involved in street gang violence, and the next week is something that is fairly silly and humorous, and the next is a race-against-time type drama with Walker trying to rescue a child that is trapped in a well.”
“There’s heart and it’s emotional and gripping,” he added.
Later roles for Norris included parts in movies like Bells of Innocence, DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story and The Expendables 2.
Norris’ Personal Life
In his personal life, Norris married his high school sweetheart Dianne Kay Holechek in 1958. They went on to have two sons together, Mike and Eric. In 1963, Norris also fathered a daughter named Dina in an extramarital affair, though he didn’t meet her until decades later.
Norris and Holechek divorced in 1989, though they remained close friends for the rest of their lives. He was devastated when she died in December of 2025 after a long battle with dementia.
In 1998, he married Gena O’Kelley, who was 23 years younger than he was. They met on the set of Walker Texas Ranger, and they immediately hit it off.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh! She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,’ Norris told People Magazine in 1999. “I finally got the courage to ask her out, and we definitely connected.”
In 2001, Norris and O’Kelley welcomed twins Dakota and Danilee.
Norris is survived by his wife and children. He is also survived by millions of devoted fans.
Rest in peace, Chuck Norris.