Washington DC (US) [India], March 21 (HBTV): Action movie legend and icon Chuck Norris passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday.
The actor’s family announced his demise through his Instagram handle.
The family said, ‘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.’
They added, ‘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.’
‘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,’ the family said.
The family also expressed gratitude to his fans for their support and love, stating, ‘While 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.’
They further 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. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.’
According to reports, Norris held black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, including karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo. His background paved the way for roles in films such as Return of the Dragon, in which he starred opposite Bruce Lee.
After appearing in several action films, he gained widespread recognition as the lead in Walker, Texas Ranger, where he played a member of the Texas Ranger Division for nine seasons.
His film credits include Missing in Action, Code of Silence, and Firewalker, with a breakthrough role in Lone Wolf McQuade in 1983. Many of his characters were portrayed as tough individuals who resorted to violence only when provoked.
Later in his career, his portrayal of Cordell Walker, a former U.S. Marine, in Walker, Texas Ranger saw him appear in nearly 200 episodes.
A reboot of the series starring Jared Padalecki premiered in 2020 and ran until 2024.
(ANI)