ALBAWABA - Chuck Norris, a former martial arts champion and 1980s action movie hero, died at the age of 86, according to his family.
His family described Norris' death as abrupt in an Instagram statement on Friday.
"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning," they stated in a letter.
"While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."
According to Variety, Norris has been hospitalized in Hawaii since Thursday, though details have not been published.
Norris was the six-time undefeated world professional middleweight karate champion from 1968 to 1974. However, he rose to prominence in a series of action pictures, including Code of Silence (1985), Missing in Action (1984), and The Delta Force (1986).
He earned his reputation as a household celebrity by portraying a conscientious lawman in the famous TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, from 1993 to 2001.
Norris' tough-guy appearance made him an online meme in his later years, but he faced criticism for his far-right political ideas and support of conspiracy theories.
His family expressed gratitude to supporters for their prayers when he was hospitalized.
"He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an enduring dedication to the people he loved," according to the article. "Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and had a lasting effect on so many lives."
Norris appeared in over two dozen films, frequently as stoic loners, soldiers, lawmen, and all-American heroes who apprehended criminals and freed captives.
He made his film début in 1973's The Way of the Dragon, in which he memorably faced martial arts legend Bruce Lee in Rome's Colosseum.
In 1985, Time magazine described him as "the ultimate tough guy" and "the undisputed superstar" of the B-movie action genre.
Norris was well-known on screen for his famous roundhouse kicks, which he used to deflect gunfire and easily eliminate opponents. His tough-guy demeanor made him a box-office success and a television fixture.
Decades later, he appeared alongside other action icons Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis in 2012's The Expendables 2, assisting in the defeat of a villain played by Belgian fighter Jean-Claude Van Damme.
He also became an unlikely internet sensation. In 2005, "Chuck Norris Facts," a collection of satirical jokes about his power and masculinity, went viral and influenced other publications.
The show's "Facts" contained jokes such as "Chuck Norris has a mug of nails instead of coffee in the morning" and "Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down."
Carlos Ray Norris was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, as the oldest of three brothers. After his parents divorced, the family went to California.
He characterized himself as exceedingly shy and reclusive as a young man, which he blamed on his father's drinking and the family's poverty.
"In school, I was shy and inhibited," Norris said in his 2004 biography, Against All Odds: My Story. "If the teacher asked me to recite something aloud in front of the class, I would just shake my head no."
According to Norris, he was not a natural athlete growing up and attributes his martial arts career to rigorous training.
In 1958, after graduating from school, he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in South Korea, he studied Tang Soo Do, a type of karate, and other martial arts.
Following his release, the future film star began teaching martial arts in California. Actor Steve McQueen, who was one of Norris' students, eventually persuaded him to try acting.
Tributes came in following Norris' death, including from political figures who shared his far-right views.
"Texas has lost a legend," Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X, referring to Norris' work on Walker, Texas Rangers.
"He inspired generations of conservatives, giving people the motivation and voice to fight for the ideas that make America the finest nation on the planet."
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute, calling Norris "a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend."
High-profile celebrities and artists, as well as Norris's coworkers, expressed their condolences.
Stallone, for example, said in a statement, "I had a fantastic time working with Chuck. He was all-American in every sense. "Great man, and my condolences to his wonderful family."
Stephen King, the author, revealed a memory of being both excited and horrified by Norris's performance in the action-horror film Silent Rage.
"I thought he was great," King added.
