Martial arts legend and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family has confirmed.
In a brief statement released Thursday, his family described his death as a “sudden passing,” adding that he was surrounded by loved ones.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the statement read.
Norris, best known for his starring role in Walker, Texas Ranger, rose to global fame as both a martial arts champion and a film star.
Before Hollywood, he built a formidable reputation in combat sports, becoming a six-time undefeated world karate champion and later founding his own martial arts system.
He also shared the screen with Bruce Lee in the iconic 1972 film Return of the Dragon, a fight scene that remains one of cinema’s most memorable.
Beyond film and television, Norris became a viral cultural icon through the “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon, turning him into a larger-than-life internet legend.
He remained active in later years, with appearances in films and public life, and had posted a sparring video just days before his death.
Norris is survived by his children and leaves behind a legacy spanning martial arts, entertainment and pop culture.
