Chuck Norris has died: what is known about the legend of action and karate champion

American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86.

This was reported by the actor’s family.

Chuck Norris, whose real name is Carlos Ray Norris, was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma. He grew up in a simple family, his childhood was spent in conditions of financial difficulties.

After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother to California. In 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, where he became interested in martial arts, particularly tan su-do, while serving in South Korea.

Upon returning to the United States, Norris continued his training, opened his own schools, and began competing. He eventually became a multiple world karate champion, holding the title for several years.

His athletic achievements paved the way for him to enter Hollywood. His first breakthrough in film came in 1972 after his role in the film “Way of the Dragon”, where he played a rival to Bruce Lee.

Norris became a major action star in the 1980s, most notably in the films Missing in Action, Delta Force, Invasion of the United States, and Lone Wolf McQuade.

The actor later cemented his success in the series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which became a cult classic and ran for several years.

In addition to film, Norris worked as a writer and public figure, supporting educational initiatives and charitable projects.

In the 2000s, he received a new wave of popularity thanks to the internet meme “Chuck Norris facts”, which turned him into a symbol of superhuman strength.

For millions of viewers around the world, Chuck Norris remained an action legend and one of the most famous martial artists.