Chuck Norris, the 86-year-old actor and martial arts icon, has passed away. He had recently celebrated his 86th birthday. He had been training in Hawaii when a medical emergency took place.
History
Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940. His family did not have much wealth. At age 12, his family moved to Torrance, California. He later joined the U.S. Air Force after high school in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.
Movie Career
He began his acting career in 1968. He went on to perform in more than 20 films.
In 1993, he began his most famous role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons. In 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.
Personal Life
Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and he backed political candidates for years. He aided charitable causes. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Gena O’Kelley, sons Mike and Eric, and daughters Dakota, Danilee, and Dina. Many people who knew him looked up to him. His sense of humor will last many more years.
