Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Instagram.
According to initial reports by TMZ, Norris had been hospitalised in Hawaii following a medical emergency prior to his death. His family described his passing as “sudden,” but said they would keep the circumstances private.
In a statement, they said:
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning… he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
They also expressed gratitude for the support he received during his illness:
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.”
Norris rose to global fame as both a martial artist and actor, becoming a defining figure in action cinema.
Born in Oklahoma in 1940, he served in the United States Air Force before building a career in martial arts, earning multiple black belts across disciplines including karate, taekwondo, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
His breakthrough in film came in 1972 when he starred alongside Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon. He later featured in a string of action films such as Delta Force and Missing in Action.
Norris became a household name through his role as Cordell “Cord” Walker in the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which cemented his status as a cultural icon.
Paying tribute, his family described him as more than a public figure:
“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… and the heart of our family.”
They added that his life was marked by “faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” and that he “inspired millions around the world.”
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his five children.
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