Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and actor best known for Walker, Texas Ranger, has died. He was 86. Norris died Thursday, March 19, 2026, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” In a statement posted to social media the family said, “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”

Career and legacy

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, Norris rose from a modest childhood to become one of the most recognizable figures in martial arts and action entertainment. After moving with his family to Torrance, California, at age 12, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958. While deployed to Korea he began formal training in martial arts, studying judo and Tang Soo Do. After an honorable discharge in 1962 he opened a martial arts studio that grew into a chain and trained students that included Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond and Steve McQueen.

Norris was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion and founded a Korean-based American hard style of karate sometimes known as Chun Kuk Do and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine credited him with holding a 10th degree black belt.

He made his film debut in 1968 as an uncredited bodyguard in The Wrecking Crew and appeared alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film Return of the Dragon. Norris went on to star in more than 20 films, including Missing in Action, The Delta Force and Sidekicks. In 1993 he began his best-known television role as the crime‑fighting lawman in Walker, Texas Ranger, a series that ran nine seasons. In 2010 he was awarded the title of honorary Texas Ranger; the Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.

Norris embraced the public’s affection for his toughman image — the viral “Chuck Norris Facts” became a pop‑culture phenomenon and he published The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book. In later years he continued to take occasional roles, including a cameo in Dodgeball (2004), The Expendables 2 (2012) and the 2024 film Agent Recon.

Family, beliefs and public life

Norris was outspoken about his Christian faith and his political views across decades. He authored books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, fiction and other topics, and supported martial arts instruction for youth through a nonprofit he founded with former President George H.W. Bush.

He is survived by five children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex‑wife Dianne Holechek; twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife Gena Norris; and Dina, whose existence Norris revealed in his autobiography. He celebrated his 86th birthday just over a week before his death, posting a sparring video on Instagram with the caption, “I don’t age. I level up.”

Statement from the family

The family’s statement, shared on social media, asked for privacy regarding the circumstances of his death and confirmed that Norris was surrounded by family and at peace. No further details were provided.

Norris’ influence spanned competitive sport, film and television and popular culture; tributes and remembrances from fans and colleagues have begun to appear online following the family announcement.

Image Referance: https://ksltv.com/national-news/chuck-norris-world-famous-martial-artist-actor-dies-at-86/890303/