Chuck Norris, American martial artist and Hollywood action icon, well-known for playing the role of Cordell “Cord” Walker in the popular television series Walker Texas Ranger, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 86 “at peace” in the company of his family.
Prior to his passing, Norris was reportedly admitted to the hospital in Hawaii for a medical issue, according to his family.
In a statement released by the family, they said, “We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way,” describing Norris’s passing as “sudden” but stating that they would prefer to keep the details private.
He was born in Oklahoma in 1940 and served in the US Air Force before becoming well-known as a martial arts celebrity. He held several black belts in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, and Judo. After meeting martial arts movie legend Bruce Lee, whom he faced in the 1972 film Way of the Dragon, he got his big-screen break.
On Instagram, Greta Norris, Chuck Norris’ granddaughter, honoured him with a tribute, saying that he was “known for many amazing things but what I am most proud of is I got to know him as my Papa… A grandfather that would sit on his rocking chair and and listen to me tell him stories”.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
He is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and five children.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah