Chuck Norris Dies at 86: ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Star Remembered for Deep Faith in God
Chuck Norris, the martial arts legend and actor who became a symbol of toughness and an internet sensation, died Thursday. He was 86. Norris’ career included two major acts, first as a champion in the martial arts world, where he won major titles in the 1960s and 1970s after learning karate during his Air Force service in Korea. From there he moved into entertainment, carving out a niche as an action hero in multiple films before becoming a household name thanks to his role in Walker, Texas Ranger. Years later, he became a larger-than-life figure thanks to countless memes and jokes that built up his superhuman image.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” a statement on his social media accounts read Friday. “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.”
Norris became a political activist who supported conservative causes, writing columns and books on public issues. He was also outspoken about his faith and wrote candidly about his life and Christian beliefs in his 2004 book, Against All Odds: My Story.
“I was very fortunate that I had a mother who kept me very close to the Lord in my younger days,” he told TBN in 2004. “... Unfortunately, in periods of my life, I did drift from the Lord—but the Lord never drifted from me. He stayed with me the whole time. And I just praise God for that.”
He credited his wife, Gena, with helping renew his faith.
“When I met my beautiful wife … I was kind of living the Hollywood lifestyle, and one morning, I visited with her … and she was reading the Bible. And I go, ‘What are you doing?’ She says, ‘I read the Bible every morning … Why don't you sit down here and read it with me?’ And that was the beginning of me coming back to the Lord.”
The family, in its statement about his death, added that “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,” the statement said. “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.”
He is survived by his wife and their two children, 24-year-old twins Dakota and Danilee.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” Dakota Norris wrote Friday on Instagram. “You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.
“You were the greatest father God could have ever given me and the finest man I’ve ever known,” Dakota added. “No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it. I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Danilee, in her own Instagram post, said she will remember her father for his love and deep faith.
“My dad was my protector the moment I was born and as soon as he took me in his arms, I’ve been his little girl. That was something I would always acknowledge even when I was too big to be cradled properly. We made it work though just like one of the pictures above. My dad loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness. He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love and I’m so grateful that is something he and my mom passed down to me. To say how thankful I am for him being my dad is an understatement. He has been my safe person these past 24 years and I am constantly filled with gratitude for how much wisdom and love he has bestowed me and my brother.
“I will forever carry on his legacy and shower others in that compassion that he so frequently showed,” she added. “There is so much I want to say with 24 years worth of memories I could write about, but I will go ahead and at least say this -- I could not have asked the Lord for a more amazing father. I thank You, Lord, for blessing me with a father who took every opportunity to show me that he wanted to give us a good life. And thank you, Dad, for supporting me in all my passions and for pushing me to not shy away from the impossible. Thank you for your constant compassion and for loving me so much that it’s made me learn to love myself. I promise I will always and forever try to make you proud even if you already reminded me every day that it was impossible not to. I love you forever.”
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Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Gilbert Carrasquillo / Contributor
Originally published March 20, 2026.
