Chuck Norris death: Action star dies at 86
Chuck Norris, the martial artist and action movie icon, has died at 86. His family said his passing was sudden and that he was at peace.
From one action hero to another, Sylvester Stallone is paying his respects to Chuck Norris.
The Oscar-nominated actor, who costarred with Norris in the 2012 action thriller “The Expendables 2,” paid tribute to Norris on social media following news of his death on Friday, March 20.
Norris, the martial artist turned movie star, died on Thursday at age 86, the actor’s family confirmed in an Instagram post on Friday. A cause of death was not given.
“I had a great time working with Chuck,” Stallone, 79, wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair. “He was all-American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”
The beloved action star, born Carlos Ray Norris, was cast by Bruce Lee as the villain Colt in Lee’s 1972 film “The Way of the Dragon,” a breakout role that would pave the way for a decadeslong Hollywood career, which included hits such as “Missing in Action,” “Invasion U.S.A.,” “Code of Silence” and the TV Western “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
“Through his work, discipline and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,” Norris’ family wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Check out more tributes to the late actor.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Norris’ “Expendables 2” costar and fellow action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme reflected on the pair’s decadeslong friendship in an emotional Instagram post.
“Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris,” Van Damme wrote. “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.”
‘Rocky’ star Dolph Lundgren
“Rocky IV” star Dolph Lundgren paid tribute to Norris’ influence in an Instagram post. The actors worked together on “The Expendables 2.”
“Chuck Norris is the champ,” Lundgren wrote. “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.”
Terry Crews
Terry Crews, who appeared with Norris in “The Expendables 2,” said in a statement to USA TODAY that working with the renowned actor was “one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
“He was a true icon, but more than that, a kind, humble and gentle man,” Crews said. “I’ll never forget the way he carried his strength with grace. I will miss him deeply.”
Nia Peeples
Actress Nia Peeples, who played Sydney Cooke opposite Norris’ Cordell Walker on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” remembered Norris as a “genuinely good human being” in a statement to USA TODAY.
“On ‘Walker,’ I noticed that every call sheet had a recurring name I didn’t recognize − because the person never showed up on set,” Peeples said. “Turns out it was the guy who gave Chuck his first stunt job in Hollywood.”
“Every show Chuck was paid for, he was paid for. Chuck made sure of it,” Peeples continued. “Thanks for adding such light to the world, Chuck. You inspired us.”
Judson Mills
Judson Mills, who played Francis Gage on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” said in a statement to USA TODAY that Norris became “like a second father” during their time working together.
“Chuck was one of those rare individuals who was truly the icon he was made out to be − quiet, humble, kind, wise and gentle,” Mills said. “A giant among men who somehow always made you feel completely at ease, like he was just one of the gang. A true gentleman in every sense of the word.”
“There is something special that happens when you shoot a television show together every day,” Mills concluded. “You form a bond unlike any other, and what we built on the set of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ was something I will treasure forever.”
Donny Osmond, Guy Fieri, more stars praise ‘legend’ Chuck Norris
Singer and actor Donny Osmond reminisced about his training with Norris in an X post, sharing that the martial artist taught him and his siblings karate for their show 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,” Osmond wrote. “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.”
“RIP to the legend Chuck Norris,” Guy Fieri wrote on X. “My all-time favorite. Good guys wear black.”
“Just heard that the Legend − The Man − Mr. Chuck Norris has passed away,” Norris’ “Sidekicks” costar Joe Piscopo wrote on X. “I was honored to work with Chuck. It was a life-changing and treasured experience that I will hold dearly in my heart forever.”
President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump weighed in on Norris’ death while speaking to the press on Friday.
Trump responds to Chuck Norris death
President Donald Trump reacted to Chuck Norris’ death, calling the action movie icon a “tough cookie.”
“He was a great guy,” Trump said. “He was a really good, tough cookie.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
Following Norris’ death, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in an X post that the Lone Star State “has lost a legend.”
“All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris,” Abbott wrote. “He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger, but he electrified generations of conservatives, giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on Earth.
“He embodied the toughness, grit and patriotism that makes Texas supreme. Rest in peace, Chuck.”
In a lengthy X post, U.S. ambassador to Israel and Republican politician Mike Huckabee recalled Norris’ support when he ran for president in 2008.
“Chuck Norris endorsed me, (and) he (and wife) Gena traveled with (Huckabee’s wife) Janet (and) me for over four months,” Huckabee reflected. “His love of America was profound and borne out of a patriotism that was part of his upbringing (and) his military service. He was humble (and) kind.”
Huckabee also praised the actor for his “authentic and deep” commitment to his Christian faith.
“Chuck Norris took God seriously but never took himself too seriously,” Huckabee wrote. “The legend may be gone, but the memories will never die. Thank you Chuck. ‘Well done, good (and) faithful servant!'”
Ted Cruz, more politicians remember Chuck Norris
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz praised Norris for his patriotism in a tribute on X.
“Chuck Norris was a patriot, a man of deep faith and one hell of a fighter,” Cruz wrote. “Originally an Okie but made an honorary Texan in 2017. Rest in peace, Walker, Texas Ranger.”
“To the world he was a martial artist, an action hero and a symbol of American strength,” South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace wrote on X. “To his family, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and the heart of their home. He lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X that he and his wife Sara were “deeply saddened” to learn of Norris’ death.
“Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world,” Netanyahu wrote. “May his memory be a blessing.”
This story was updated to add new information.
Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.usatoday.com ’
