sports
Chuck Norris, prolific action star and martial arts champion, dies aged 86
Actor who rose to fame after starring in Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon also became a TV fixture with Walker, Texas Ranger
TL;DR
- Chuck Norris, a former world karate champion turned action star, died at age 86.
- He gained fame through films like 'The Way of the Dragon' and 'The Delta Force', and the TV series 'Walker, Texas Ranger'.
- Norris was also known for his outspoken support of right-wing political causes.
- Tributes poured in from fellow actors and authors, celebrating his career and influence.
- His martial arts journey began in the US Air Force in South Korea, leading to competitive success and later, a teaching career alongside Bruce Lee.
- Breakthrough films like 'Breaker! Breaker!' and 'Lone Wolf McQuade' established his film career, followed by critical success with 'Code of Silence'.
- 'Walker, Texas Ranger', which ran for eight years, became one of his most recognized roles and inspired the 'Chuck Norris facts' internet meme.
- Norris founded his own martial arts system, Chun Kuk Do, in 1990.
- In his later years, he made sporadic screen appearances and became a prominent political endorser for conservative candidates.
- He was married twice and is survived by his wife and five children.