Renowned Hollywood actor and martial artist Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris, has died at the age of 86.
According to a statement from his family, he passed away on Friday, March 19, 2026, after being hospitalised a day earlier in Kauai, Hawaii.
They revealed that he died peacefully in the early hours, surrounded by loved ones, adding that details surrounding his death would remain private.
Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in the United States, and first gained international recognition as a martial arts champion before making a successful transition into acting.
He became a household name through his starring role in the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which cemented his status as an action icon.
Before entering the entertainment industry, Norris served in the United States Air Force and built an impressive career in martial arts competitions.
His passion for the sport led him to create his own fighting system known as “Chun Kuk Do.”
Unlike many of his peers who focused on either film or television, Norris achieved notable success across both, distinguishing himself as a versatile performer.
As he grew older, he gradually stepped back from frequent on-screen appearances.
He also connected with a younger audience through memorable cameo roles in films such as Dodgeball (2004), alongside Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, as well as The Expendables 2 (2012).
Over the course of his life, Norris earned black belts in several disciplines, including Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected martial artists in the world.
