Martial Arts Champion and Action Star Chuck Norris Dies at 86, Family Confirms

Kathmandu. World-renowned martial arts champion and famous action film star of the 1980s, Chuck Norris, has passed away at the age of 86. Norris's family announced his sudden death through a statement released on the social media platform Instagram.

According to family sources, Norris, who was admitted to a hospital in Hawaii since Thursday, breathed his last on Friday morning. The Norris family expressed grief, calling his death an irreparable loss.

The statement mentioned that although Norris's death was sudden, he was with his family members in his final moments and passed away peacefully. However, the family wishes to maintain privacy regarding the exact cause of his death.

From Karate Champion to Hollywood's 'Ultimate Tough Guy'
Chuck Norris was the undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion for six consecutive times from 1968 to 1974. After achieving success in sports, he entered the film industry.

He made his big-screen debut in the 1973 film 'The Way of the Dragon,' where he had a historic confrontation with martial arts icon Bruce Lee at the Colosseum in Rome. That scene is still considered highly famous in the cinematic world today.

In the 1980s, Norris gained worldwide fame through blockbuster action films like 'Code of Silence,' 'Missing in Action,' and 'The Delta Force.' In 1985, Time Magazine dubbed him the 'Ultimate Tough Guy' and the undisputed superstar of the B-movie action genre. His signature roundhouse kick and his style of defeating dozens of villains single-handedly mesmerized audiences.

Evergreen in Television and the Internet World

Norris's magic was equally potent on television as it was in films. He became a household name after playing the role of an honest and powerful law enforcer in the popular series 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' which ran from 1993 to 2001. Having acted in over two dozen films, he mostly favored roles as a lone fighter, soldier, and American hero.

In the later part of his life, he went viral among the new generation as an 'Internet Meme.' A series of satirical jokes called 'Chuck Norris Facts,' which began in 2005, made him even more famous.

Jokes such as 'Chuck Norris eats nails instead of drinking coffee in the morning' and 'Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down' are very popular on the internet. In 2012, he gave his fans a taste of big action one last time by sharing the screen with stalwarts like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'The Expendables 2.'

Controversial Political Journey and Personal Life

At the height of his career, Norris also faced criticism due to his staunch political views and support for some controversial ideologies. However, the number of his admirers never decreased.

His family remembers Norris as a disciplined, kind, and purpose-driven individual. The family concludes that he inspired millions of people worldwide through his work and discipline.

Norris's passing has created a huge void in the world of cinema and the martial arts field. The legacy of Chuck Norris, who succeeded in becoming the world's most influential action star from a simple martial arts player, is certain to remain a source of inspiration for future generations.