While he seemed indestructible, actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86.
On March 19, TMZ reported that Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii. Today, his family posted an announcement of his passing on social media, saying that, "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."
It continues, in part:
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.
Chuck Norris, Fighter, Actor, Christian
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris was a genuine martial artist and karate champion, which began during an Air Force stint in South Korea. It was his work as a karate coach that brought him into the Hollywood orbit.
He was also a Christian, who became stronger in his faith as he advanced in life.
From GodReports.com:
People come up to me and say, ‘Chuck, you’re the luckiest guy in the world to be a world karate champion and a movie and TV star,’” Norris said. “When they say this to me, I kind of smile because luck had nothing to do with it. God had everything to do with it.”
Chuck Norris and Clarence Gilyard, Partners in TV Crime
Norris made many movies, but he's probably best known as the star of the CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran from 1993-2001. There was also a 2005 TV movie called Trial by Fire.
The series not only made use of Norris' martial-arts skills, but also emphasized traditional values, a strong sense of justice, and community service.
Norris played Sergeant Cordell Walker, a former Marine who became a Texas Ranger based in Dallas-Fort Worth.
At Walker's side was his best friend and partner, Texas Ranger Sergeant James "Jimmy" Trivette (Clarence Gilyard), a former Dallas Cowboys player.
The two characters traded quips and blows with the bad guys. Off the set, the actors were united by their faith in Christ.
While there have been reports that Norris became Catholic, that can't be verified. Likely, Norris' faith journey is getting confused with that of Gilyard, who converted to Catholicism in the '90s.
While Walker, Texas Ranger was stil in production, Gilyard (who also had a role in the classic 1988 action film Die Hard) said this to the National Catholic Register:
Every time I walk out of my trailer door, I'm faced with secularism. I have to evaluate the situations I'm in as they relate to the script and to male-female relationships. I also have to evaluate how I'm taking care of myself mentally and spiritually so that I live as a healthy and spiritual person, just like anyone else.
I go to confession, Mass and holy days. We all have to make sure we get the “food” we need to do the work we need to do.
Gilyard passed away in 2022 at the age of 66, after a long illness.
We here at FTP hold a special place in our hearts for Gilyard, who was a longtime board member at our parent organization, Holy Cross Family Ministries.
While at HCFM, Gilyard was close with former FTP head and HCFM president Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., a friend to many in Hollywood, who passed away on Feb. 16, at the age of 81.
Here's a sample of moments from Norris and Gilyard on Walker, Texas Ranger:
Chuck Norris Levels Up
Norris also gained fame as the subject of endless memes and jokes extolling his legendary strength and toughness, such as
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Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.
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The flu gets a Chuck Norris shot every year.
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The dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.
- If you want a list of Chuck Norris’ enemies, just check the extinct species list.
Norris was definitely physically tough. On March 10, his 86th birthday, he posted this, noting "I don't age, I level up.":
We pray that he, Gilyard and Father Willy all reach the ultimate level, looking into the face of Christ.
Image: (L-R) Clarence Gilyard (Shutterstock); Chuck Norris (Shutterstock)
Kate O’Hare, a longtime entertainment journalist, is Social Media Content Manager and Blog Editor at Family Theater Productions.
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