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\n\tFellow action stars Sylvester Stallone<\/a>, Dolph Lundgren and Gina Carano<\/a> as well as figures as varied as Stephen King<\/a>, Mario Lopez and Guy Fieri have all taken to social media to remember Chuck Norris<\/a>, the martial arts champion-turned-actor who died Thursday after being hospitalized in Hawaii. He was 86.<\/p>\n \n\tNorris\u2019 family, which announced his death in a statement, wanted to \u201ckeep the circumstances private,\u201d but, they said, \u201cplease know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cHe 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,\u201d they said.\u2028\u2028\u201cWhile 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tNorris, who was encouraged by Steve McQueen to become an actor after he stopped competing in martial arts, was known for his role in the long-running CBS drama Walker, Texas Ranger<\/em> as well as a series of hit action movies in the \u201980s, including as a POW who returns to Vietnam to rescue captured soldiers in 1984\u2019s Missing in Action<\/em>, which was followed by a 1985 prequel and 1988 sequel.<\/p>\n \n\tShortly after news broke Friday that Norris had died, a number of Hollywood stars and other public figures took to social media to remember him.<\/p>\n \n\tSylvester Stallone wrote on Instagram<\/a> that he \u201chad a great time working with\u201d Norris, alongside a photo of the two of them together in a scene.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cHe was All American in every way,\u201d he added. \u201cGreat man and my condolences to his wonderful family.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tDolph Lungren wrote alongside a photo of the two of them<\/a> that he \u201calways looked up to [Norris] as a role model,\u201d referring to him as \u201cSomeone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tStephen King on shared some of his favorite<\/a> jokes<\/a> about Norris\u2019 action prowess before writing on X<\/a>, \u201cSeriously, I thought he was great. SILENT RAGE scared hell out of my boys\u2026and me.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tElsewhere on X, Gina Carano wrote<\/a>, \u201cRest in peace to a great man, there will never be anyone like him.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tLorenzo Lamas wrote<\/a> in part, \u201cMy prayers to Gina, Aaron and family. Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris<\/a> doesn\u2019t just get wings, he gets even.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tNorris was also remembered by a number of political figures, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who praised him as a \u201clegend.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cAll of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris,\u201d Abbott wrote on X<\/a>. \u201cHe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n