Martial Arts Icon Chuck Norris Dies at 86
Legendary Hollywood actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, according to a statement released by his family.
Born Carlos Ray Norris, the screen icon reportedly passed away in the early hours of March 19, 2026, after being hospitalized a day earlier in Kauai, Hawaii. His family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, while noting that further details about the circumstances of his death would remain private.
Norris rose to international fame first as a martial arts champion before transitioning into a successful acting career. He became a household name for his lead role in the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which cemented his status as a pop culture icon.
Before his success in Hollywood, Norris served in the United States Air Force and built an impressive record in martial arts competitions. He later founded his own fighting system, Chun Kuk Do.
Over the years, he distinguished himself by achieving success in both film and television – an uncommon feat at the time. As he grew older, his on-screen appearances became less frequent, though he continued to make notable cameos, including in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and The Expendables 2.
Norris also earned black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, including karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished figures in both martial arts and entertainment.
Tributes are expected to pour in from fans and colleagues around the world as they remember a career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on global pop culture.
