Hollywood action star, Chuck Norris, best known for his role as ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, has died according to his family.
He was 86.
It follows reports he had been hospitalized following a medical emergency in Hawaii.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement on Instagram.
“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.”
FILE: Chuck Norris flying high in 1977 – AP Photo
Last week, Norris celebrated his birthday, marking the occasion with a social media post that included a video of himself sparring with a boxing trainer and giving a punching bag hell.
He wrote: “I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
He continued: “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know. God Bless, Chuck Norris.”
Norris was a former martial arts champion who got his break on the big screen in 1972, starring opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon. He went on to have a successful film and television career, most famously leading the Walker, Texas Ranger action series from 1993 to 2001.
Last December, he shared an emotional tribute to his first wife, Dianne Holechek, who died at the age of 84. They were married in 1958 when they were 17 and 18, respectively. They had two children together, Mike and Eric, and separated in 1988 after 30 years of marriage.
Norris subsequently married model Gena O’Kelley in 1998 and had twins, Dakota and Danilee.
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