BREAKING: Chuck Norris dead at 86

Norris’ family shared a statement to social media, writing, "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," the statement concluded.

In the 1970s and 80s, Norris starred in action movies such as The Delta Force, the Missing in Action films, The Way of the Dragon, The Octagon, and Firewalker, among other films. He was a martial arts champion who, Variety reported, was a "black belt in judo, 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 5th degree black belt in Karate, 8th degree black belt in Taekwondo, 9th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and 10th degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do."

From 1993 to 2001, Norris starred in the famed CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, which was inspired by Norris’ 1983 film Lone Wolf McQuade. He reprised his role as Cordell Walker in the TV movies Walker, Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion from 1994, and Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire in 2005. He returned to the big screen in 2012 alongside other action stars in Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 2.

Norris marked his 86th birthday on March 10, sharing a video to social media of himself sparring outdoors. "I don’t age. I level up," he said.

"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. 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," Norris wrote at the time.

In the age of the internet, Norris was portrayed in memes saying that he defeats everything, such as "Chuck Norris kills 100% of germs," and "Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper, but Chuck Norris beats all 3 at the same time." Norris leaned into the memes, releasing The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book in 2009 that rounded out 101 of his favorite "facts" seen around the internet.

Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and supported Republican candidates in election, including endorsing Trump in 2016 and writing columns supporting Trump before the 2020 and 2024 elections.