Chuck Norris, the famed martial artist and action movie star known for his tough-guy image and internet lore, has died at 86 after being rushed to a hospital in Hawaii earlier this week.
The family of the “Walker, Texas Ranger” star shared the news on Friday, March 20, 2026, in a poignant Instagram post, saying Norris passed Thursday morning surrounded by family after a sudden medical emergency on Kauai.
No official cause of death has been announced. TMZ reports that after being hospitalized on Wednesday, Norris was reportedly in good spirits, joking with a friend by phone.
Just over a week before he died, he posted video of himself sparring with a boxing trainer to mark his 86th birthday on March 10, showing he remained active and fit.
He closed the birthday message by gratefully thanking fans for their support through his long career, saying it “meant more” to him than they knew. He had been training on Kauai the same day the medical emergency occurred.
Norris began acting professionally in the late 1960s after making a name as a champion martial artist. He starred in notable films like “Silent Rage,” “The Delta Force,” and “Expendables 2,” and became best known for his lead role on “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Although he slowed down in recent years, Norris stayed involved in film. He appears in the upcoming action comedy “Zombie Plane,” due later this year, alongside Vanilla Ice, Ice-T, Cody Simpson, and Sophie Monk, playing a version of himself.
On the “Zombie Plane” set, he was frequently seen lifting weights between scenes and urging others to exercise. Insiders described him as an encouraging presence for the cast.
“People want to see more of that. They want Chuck to do more movies, and the studios are all for it,” an insider said. “He’s going to continue pushing himself to the max because that’s how he does things.”
The family’s message celebrated the impact Norris had on millions worldwide.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” they wrote. “Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
The family thanked fans for their support after news of his hospitalization and asked for prayers during his final days.
They requested privacy as they mourned, ending with a simple note: “Thank you for loving him with us.”
Outside of film and TV, Norris became a viral figure in the 2000s with “Chuck Norris facts,” humorous memes about his supposed superhuman feats that introduced him to new fans.
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and five children: Mike, 63, Dina, 61, Eric, 60, and twins Danilee and Dakota, 24. Funeral details have not been released.
