Summary

  • Hollywood action star Chuck Norris has died aged 86, his family says

  • Norris, best known for playing Cordell "Cord" Walker in the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, died "at peace" on Thursday surrounded by his family - read their statement

  • "He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love," his daughter Danilee says

  • Born in Oklahoma in 1940, he served in the US Air Force before rising to fame as a martial arts star and later secured his big screen break alongside Bruce Lee in 1972's Way Of The Dragon - see his career in pictures

  • Norris was the real deal, and he utilised his expertise in martial arts to help him launch a decades-long screen career, writes our entertainment reporter

  • He also featured in a range of memes that made light of Norris' tough-guy image, one shows a picture of his face with the slogan "in an emergency, 911 calls him"

'It was a big challenge for me': Norris' 1985 BBC interview on transition from martial arts to acting

Live Reporting

Edited by Matt Spivey

  1. 'You were not just fans, you were his friends' - family statement in full
    Breaking

    Chuck Norris.Getty Images

    Announcing Chuck Norris's death, his family write on Instagram:

    It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. 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.

    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. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.

    We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, 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.

  2. Chuck Norris dies aged 86

    Chuck NorrisGetty Images

    Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris died yesterday morning aged 86, his family has announced on Instagram.

    This is a breaking news story, more to follow.