Chuck Norris, Star of ‘Missing in Action’ and ‘Delta Force,’ Dies at 86

Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist, actor, and cultural icon best known for his role in the hit TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.

His passing was confirmed by his family, who said he died peacefully in Hawaii, surrounded by loved ones.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in martial arts and action cinema.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, he began his martial arts journey while stationed in South Korea, where he trained in Tang Soo Do.

Over the years, he earned multiple black belts across disciplines, including karate, taekwondo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and later developed his own martial art system, Chun Kuk Do.

Norris first gained international attention after starring alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, where their iconic fight scene became one of the most celebrated in martial arts film history.

From there, he built a successful film career throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in action hits such as Good Guys Wear Black, The Octagon, Lone Wolf McQuade, Code of Silence, and the popular Missing in Action series.

He later found even greater fame on television with Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001), where he played Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger known for his martial arts skills and strong moral code.

The show became a global hit and cemented Norris as a household name.

Beyond acting, Norris was a successful entrepreneur, founding a chain of martial arts schools and training several celebrities, including Steve McQueen.

He also served in the U.S. military, worked in aerospace, and authored multiple books focused on faith, fitness, and patriotism.

In later years, Norris became an internet phenomenon through the widely “Chuck Norris Facts” memes, which humorously exaggerated his toughness and invincibility.

He also appeared in films like The Expendables 2, alongside other action legends such as Sylvester Stallone.

A devoted family man, Norris is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998, as well as his children and grandchildren.

To millions worldwide, he remains a symbol of strength, discipline, and integrity, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.