Hollywood and Fans Mourn the Death of Chuck Norris at 86

Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and actor known for his roles in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and countless action films, has died at the age of 86. His family announced his sudden passing just days after celebrating his birthday, describing him as the ‘heart of our family’ who lived with faith and purpose. U.S. President Donald Trump and fellow action stars Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Dolph Lundgren led tributes, remembering Norris as a ‘great guy’ and a ‘tough cookie.’ Born in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris served in the U.S. Air Force, where he began training in martial arts while stationed in South Korea. He went on to become a six-time World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion before transitioning into acting with a breakout role opposite Bruce Lee in the 1972 film ‘The Way of the Dragon.’ His other major works include ‘Missing in Action’ and ‘The Delta Force,’ with his most enduring fame coming from the TV series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.’ In the mid-2000s, Norris became an internet phenomenon through humorous ‘Chuck Norris facts’ memes that exaggerated his toughness and invincibility. Outside of entertainment, Norris was known for his conservative politics and his support for Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential race. He is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley, five children, and thirteen grandchildren.