RIP Chuck Norris

 

Chuck Norris dies after being hospitalized in Hawaii

The family of Chuck Norris shared Friday that the legendary martial artist and actor has died.

King5 News

By Hunter Bassler

March 20, 2026

 

KAUAI COUNTY, Hawaii — Legendary actor Chuck Norris has died after he was hospitalized in Hawaii following a reported medical emergency.

His family confirmed on Friday that the 86-year-old icon died Thursday morning.

He had reportedly been hospitalized on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

"While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace," his family's statement said. "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."

The emergency happened a week after Norris' birthday, when the star posted a video on social media showing him sparring with a physical trainer.

"Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young," Norris said in the video's caption. "I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know."

Norris quickly went from an Air Force veteran and martial arts trainer to an American icon. The now world-renowned actor got his start in Hollywood when Bruce Lee invited him to play one of the main villains in the 1972 movie "The Way of the Dragon." Soon after, he became an international action star, acting in the lead role in numerous movies throughout the 1980s before starring in the long-running hit show "Walker, Texas Ranger."

His popularity exploded again in the 2000s, when "Chuck Norris facts" that depicted outrageous and funny fictional information about the star became an early Internet meme. Although Norris had no role in creating the meme, he was signed to numerous advertising and book deals because of its popularity.

NORRIS, Chuck (Carlos Ray Norris)

Born: 3/10/1940, Ryan, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Died: 3/19/2026, Lihue, Kawai, Hawaii, U.S.A.

 

Chuck Norris’s westerns – producer, director, singer, actor:

Lone Wolf McQuade – 1983 (J.J. McQuade)

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1993-2001 (Cordell Walker, Hayes Cooper) [producer, director, singer]

Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion (TV) – 1994 (Ranger Cordell Walker)

Forest Warrior – 1996 (McKenna)