Tributes immediately poured in for Chuck Norris, the indomitable martial artist and action film star, whose death at 86 was announced by his family on Friday.
Norris died Thursday morning, the family said in a social media post, though they declined to share the circumstances.
“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,” they wrote, in part.
The news comes a day after it was reported Norris had been hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency in Hawaii, where he has owned a $7 million home on Kauai's North Shore since 2015.
Over a career spanning decades, Norris became a cultural icon, known for his roles in films like Way of the Dragon and The Delta Force, and for starring in the long‑running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
In later life, he became a popular meme with “Chuck Norris facts” going viral in the mid-2000s.
Online, figures from across the world of entertainment and martial arts have taken to social media to mourn the late screen icon.
Key points
- Chuck Norris dies aged 86
- Family's statement in full
- Sylvester Stallone says Norris was 'All American in every way'
Chuck Norris: 1940 - 2026
22:30 , Kevin PerryThe action star fought Bruce Lee on screen before inspiring ‘Chuck Norris facts’, a series of internet memes regarding his machismo:
Chuck Norris, Walker, Texas Ranger star who inspired outlandish ‘facts’, dies aged 86
Arnold Schwarzenegger heralds Norris as 'a badass' and 'an icon'
21:10 , Kevin Perry
Norris’s fellow action star Arnold Schwarzenegger has paid tribute on social media, writing: “Chuck was an icon. I am grateful that I was able to work with him in multiple ways over the years, from promoting fitness to sharing the screen together.
“He was a badass, in real life and in Hollywood. His legend will be with us forever. My thoughts are with his family.”
Donald Trumo calls Norris 'a tough cookie... you didn't want to fight him!'
21:07 , Kevin Perry
President Donald Trump has reacted to the death of Chuck Norris, telling reporters: “He was a great guy. He was a really good, tough cookie... You didn't want to fight him! A great guy and a great supporter. Wow, that’s too bad. Tell his family, highest respect. Great man.”
Guy Fieri says Norris was his 'all time favorite'
19:36 , Kevin Perry
Restauranteur and television host Guy Fieri remembered Norris with a social media post reading: “RIP to the legend Chuck Norris. My all time favorite. Goods guys wear black.”
Donny Osmond says Elvis introduced him to Chuck Norris
18:58 , Kevin Perry
Singer Donny Osmond was a student of Norris, and wrote on social media: “Heartbroken to hear of Chuck Norris’s passing. In the early '70s, Elvis introduced my brothers and me to Chuck to add karate — including teaching me how to break boards — to our act in order to put forth a tougher onstage image.
“He taught us Tang Soo Do and pushed us to be stronger in every way. Tough in training, but one of the kindest souls you could ever know. I’ll always be grateful. Rest well, my friend.”
Lee Majors says loss of Norris is 'deeply personal'
18:30 , Kevin Perry.jpg)
The Six Million Dollar Man himself, Lee Majors, once guest-starred opposite Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger playing the corrupt lawman Sheriff Bell.
The pair became close friends. Majors wrote on Instagram: “We lost a dear friend Chuck Norris today… and my heart goes out to his family.
“I know the millions of fans across the world are feeling this loss too, but for me, it’s deeply personal. I had the honor of working alongside him, sharing moments I’ll never forget. He wasn’t just a legend on screen he was a kind, strong, and genuine soul off of it.
“I’m really going to miss you, my friend.
“Hey Chuck… maybe you can teach the good Lord a few karate moves — I know He’ll get a kick out of them. Rest easy.”
Priscilla Presley recalls taking karate lessons from Norris
17:56 , Kevin Perry
Priscilla Presley, star of The Naked Gun and ex-wife of Elvis, wrote on Instagram: “I’m so sad to hear that my Karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be forever missed.”
'Cobra Kai' co-creator puts Norris 'on the Mount Rushmore of American martial arts'
17:27 , Kevin Perry
Jon Hurwitz, one of the creators of the Netflix martial arts series Cobra Kai, wrote on X: “RIP to a legend amongst legends. Chuck Norris holds a prominent place on the Mount Rushmore of American martial arts.
“In addition to being a military vet and film and tv star, his style of Tang Soo Do directly inspired the teachings of the Cobra Kai dojo through his student Pat E. Johnson, the fight coordinator on the original Karate Kid.
“We always dreamed of Mr. Norris playing Johnny Lawrence’s biological father in the Cobra Kai series. In my head canon, that was his role. Sending love, respect, and my deepest condolences to the Norris family.”
Stephen King tells his favorite Chuck Norris jokes
16:56 , Kevin Perry
Horror author Stephen King has revealed himself as a fan of “Chuck Norris facts.”
On X, he posted a couple of favorites:
“My fave Chuck Norris joke: Chuck doesn't flush the toilet, he scares the s*** out of it.”
“Second fave: When he was born, Chuck Norris drove his mother home from the hospital.”
King added: “Seriously, I thought he was great. SILENT RAGE scared hell out of my boys...and me.”
Norris starred in 1982’s sci-fi horror Silent Rage as a sheriff who must confront a murderer given super-human powers in a medical experiment.
Dolph Lundgren says he 'always looked up' to Norris
16:40 , Kevin Perry
Action star Dolph Lundgren, perhaps best known for playing Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, starred alongside Norris in The Expendables 2.
He wrote on Instagram: “Chuck Norris is the champ. Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme says he 'always respected' Norris
16:19 , Kevin Perry
The Belgian martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme has posted his own tribute to Norris, writing on social media: “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten.”
Sylvester Stallone says Norris was 'All American in every way'
16:16 , Kevin Perry
Sylvester Stallone recruited Norris to star in his action sequel The Expendables 2 in 2012.
He posted on Instagram: “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”
The Rip star Scott Adkins calls Norris a 'titan'
16:10 , Kevin Perry
Scott Adkins, the English martial arts star who appeared in John Wick 4 and The Rip, wrote on Instagram: “A titan of martial arts action cinema has left us. A master of martial arts, a lovely man, and a devoted humanitarian.
“Our paths crossed briefly, but his kindness left a lasting impact. He embodied the true spirit of martial arts. My heart goes out to his loved ones. You inspired a generation. Rest In Peace Chuck.”
The origins of Chuck Norris ‘facts’ explained
16:01 , Tom MurrayChuck Norris was to many a martial arts and action movie legend, yet his greatest contribution to popular culture might be the many facts and memes that he inspired.
Find out how it all started here:
Origins of Chuck Norris ‘facts’ explained and what he thought of the viral phenomenon
US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee: 'Saddest piece of news I've heard in a while'
15:45 , Tom MurrayNorris was also a prominent supporter of Mike Huckabee.
He first backed the Republican during his 2008 presidential campaign, publicly endorsing him and even appearing in campaign ads and on the trail.
He endorsed him again in the 2016 Republican primaries before he dropped out.
Huckabee shared on X Friday: “Saddest piece of news I've heard in a while. I'll reflect why I loved this amazing American icon in another post. Still processing the gut punch of his death.”
Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu pays tribute
15:31 , Tom MurrayNorris was a vocal supporter of Netanyahu, having publicly endorsed him in Israeli elections — including producing video messages urging voters to back him in 2013 and 2015.
The two met in person during Norris’s visit to Israel in 2017, where they were photographed together. Netanyahu joked that Israel was “indestructible” with Norris there.
“Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend,” the prime minister shared on X.
“Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world. May his memory be a blessing.”
Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 20, 2026
Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/LVaulthu50
Norris' son Dakota shares heartfelt tribute to 'greatest father God could have ever given me'
15:18 , Tom MurrayNorris’s 24-year-old son, Dakota, whom the late action star shared with his wife Gena O’Kelley, has paid tribute to his father on Instagram.
Dakota shared a series of black-and-white photos of him and Norris, alongside a lengthy caption.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best. You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you,” he wrote.
“You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people. You were the greatest father God could have ever given me and the finest man I’ve ever known. No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it.
“I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you gave to our family and for the example you set every day. I hope I can live a life that honors you and makes you proud. I love you, Dad. I’ll miss you forever.”
Norris's journey from the US Air Force to the big screen
14:56 , Tom MurrayNorris was born Carlos Ray Norris in the small town of Ryan, Oklahoma on March 10, 1940. He joined the United States Air Force in 1958 and was subsequently sent to Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was while in South Korea that Norris was given the nickname “Chuck”, and where began learning the martial art Tang Soo Do.
After being discharged from the Air Force in 1962, Norris opened a martial arts studio in Torrance, California and began competing in martial arts competitions. In 1967, he won S. Henry Cho's All-American Karate Championship at the Madison Square Garden.
At the same tournament the following year, Norris met Bruce Lee, who was giving a demonstration. Lee was working as an action choreographer on the Dean Martin spy comedy The Wrecking Crew, and helped Norris land his first screen role with a small part in the film.
After Lee became an action star in his own right, he gave Norris his breakout role playing his nemesis in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon.
Around the same time, Norris was giving karate lessons to Hollywood star Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to keep acting. Norris played his first lead role in the 1977 trucker action movie Breaker! Breaker!, and by the mid-1980s he had become a bankable action star with a string of box office hits including 1984’s Missing In Action and 1986’s The Delta Force.
From 1993 to 2001, Norris played the lead role of Vietnam veteran Sergeant Cordell Walker in the CBS action series Walker, Texas Ranger. The hit series made full use of Norris’s martial arts expertise, and the character’s habit of solving problems with a high kick helped fuel the later “Chuck Norris facts” internet phenomenon.
He continued to make films into later life, appearing opposite Sylvester Stallone and various other action stars in 2012’s The Expendables 2.
Norris's family's statement in full
14:48 , Tom MurrayThe family shared on Instagram Friday: “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.
“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. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.
“Thank you for loving him with us. With love, The Norris Family.”
Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86
14:35 , Tom MurrayThe news was announced Friday by Norris’s family on Instagram.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the post’s caption read.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. 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.”
The news comes a day after it was reported Norris had been hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency in Hawaii, where he has owned a $7 million home on Kauai's North Shore since 2015.
Read more:
Chuck Norris, Walker, Texas Ranger star who inspired outlandish ‘facts’, dies aged 86
