Hollywood and martial arts icon Chuck Norris passes away at age 86

Chuck Norris, a celebrated martial artist and Hollywood action icon, has passed away at the age of 86, according to his family’s statement on Friday, March 20, 2026. Born Carlos Ray Norris in Oklahoma in 1940, he first became known in the 1960s as a dominant force in competitive martial arts before creating his own discipline, Chun Kuk Do, which blended elements from several fighting styles. Norris gained international attention after starring opposite Bruce Lee in the 1972 classic film ‘Way of the Dragon’, a role that opened the door to a successful acting career. Throughout the 1980s, he became a household name with blockbuster films such as ‘The Delta Force’ and ‘Missing in Action’, representing strength, discipline, and heroism on screen. His popularity further expanded through his long-running television series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, which aired from 1993 to 2001 and reached audiences worldwide. In later years, Norris found renewed fame online through humorous “Chuck Norris facts,” which celebrated his exaggerated toughness and made him a cult figure for younger generations. He will be remembered not only for his acting and martial arts achievements but also for shaping the image of the modern action hero in cinema and inspiring countless fans and fighters across the world. Reports confirm that Norris passed away on the morning of Thursday, March 19, 2026.