Chicago – March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris, the renowned martial artist and Hollywood action star famed for Walker, Texas Ranger, died on March 19, 2026, at age 86 in Hawaii following a medical emergency. His family announced the news on Instagram the next day, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we wish to keep the details private, please know that he was surrounded by loved ones and found peace.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Oklahoma, he served in the U.S. Air Force before dominating karate tournaments, winning six straight Professional Middleweight titles from 1968-1974. Norris transitioned to acting, battling Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon (1972) and starring in hits like Missing in Action (1984), Code of Silence (1985), and The Delta Force (1986).
His CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001) ran eight seasons, portraying principled Texas Ranger Cordell Walker. Norris inspired the “Chuck Norris facts” meme and authored books on fitness and politics. Tributes poured in from fans and figures like President Donald Trump, who called him a “great guy, a truly tough individual.”
