Martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday, March 20, 2026.
He passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Kauai, Hawaii, following a medical emergency.
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he rose from a challenging childhood to become a global icon in martial arts and entertainment.
Norris served in the United States Air Force before establishing himself as a decorated martial arts champion, earning multiple black belts and founding his own discipline, Chun Kuk Do.
Norris became a household name through film and television. He gained early fame starring alongside Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon and went on to headline 1980s action films including Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Lone Wolf McQuade.
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He achieved lasting fame as Cordell Walker on the CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran from 1993 to 2001.
His career and persona made him a pop culture phenomenon, amplified by the viral “Chuck Norris facts” that humorously celebrated his toughness.
Beyond entertainment, he was committed to charity and youth development, founding Kickstart Kids to teach discipline and confidence through martial arts.
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, their children, and grandchildren.
His death closes a remarkable chapter in martial arts, film, and television history, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire fans worldwide.