Martial Arts and Film Legend Chuck Norris, Dies at 86

I have some sad news to report.

We sent out our good wishes to Chuck Norris on Thursday after a report from TMZ that he'd had a medical emergency in Kauai and had been hospitalized. TMZ reported he was in "good spirits," so that sounded positive. I thought of all the pleasure and joy that he's brought us over the years and shared some Chuck Norris-isms that people have loved.

But, unfortunately, his family announced that he has died.

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.

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.

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.

We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, 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.

With love,
The Norris Family

Norris, who had just turned 86 earlier this month, is best remembered for his martial arts and action movie roles in the 1980s as well as for his role on the TV show "Walker, Texas Ranger," which was one of my mother's favorite shows. He served in the Air Force, which was where he learned karate and became a karate teacher. That's how he met people like Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to get into the movies. He had a critical role in Bruce Lee's "Way of the Dragon," and his career was off and running.

Maybe it was because he was a martial artist that he seemed to have achieved a great balance in life. That's something many strive for but don't achieve. So that's a great achievement to have in life. What more can you ask than a great legacy to the world and the love of your family? He even loved the Chuck Norris jokes and wrote about how if that could help bring more laughter to the world, he was all for it.

Here are my top 10 from Parade's 101 list:
If you spell Chuck Norris in Scrabble, you win. Forever.
The dinosaurs looked at Chuck Norris the wrong way once. You know what happened to them.
Chuck Norris can dribble a bowling ball.
Chuck Norris can do a wheelie on a unicycle.
Chuck Norris is the only person that can punch a cyclops between the eye.
We live in an expanding universe. All of it is trying to get away from Chuck Norris.
Before he forgot a gift for Chuck Norris, Santa Claus was real.
Chuck Norris can speak Braille.
Chuck Norris can tie his shoes with his feet.
Chuck Norris' belly button is actually a power outlet.
I laughed again when I typed them out.
The reason these "Facts" are so hilarious is that everyone knows I'm as human as anyone else. I know that might be hard for some of you jokesters to imagine! But it's true.

Unfortunately, we found that out on Friday.

But we can think fondly of all that he's shared with us to help make the world a little brighter.

In his last video, Chuck Norris says: “I don’t age. I level up” — and reached level 86

The video was posted 10 days ago: it shows him training outdoors.

Thanks for our childhood, legend. https://t.co/LVok62fopQ pic.twitter.com/tqioktYZdk
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 20, 2026

Here was one moment from "The Expendables 2" in 2012.

RIP Legend 💔🕊️

The Expendables 2 (2012): Chuck Norris telling a Chuck Norris joke in a movie featuring Chuck Norrispic.twitter.com/lS63KbAZgu
— Cloudbet (@Cloudbet) March 20, 2026

Thank you, Chuck, for all you have given us, and our condolences to your family.

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