Legendary American film star and martial artist Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, widely known as Chuck Norris, has passed away at age 86.
The actor’s family announced his death in a heartfelt Instagram post on March 20, 2026.
“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.”
READ ALSO:
The actor’s family highlighted his life of faith, purpose, and commitment.
“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.”
They also acknowledged his devotion as a family man and the heart of the family.
“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 statement read.
According to reports, Chuck Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii on March 19, 2026, following a medical emergency after a brief training session on the island of Kauai. He passed away that same day
Born on March 10, 1940, Norris joined the U.S. Air Force as a teenager. While stationed in South Korea, he began training in martial arts, which laid the foundation for his acting career.
He earned black belts in karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and developed his own fighting style, Chun Kuk Do. His breakthrough in film came after meeting martial arts legend Bruce Lee, with whom he fought in the iconic film Way of the Dragon.
He rose to prominence as a full-time action star in the 1980s, starring in films such as Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Code of Silence. He later led the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.