Chuck Norris death latest: Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme lead tributes after action star dies at 86 – UK Times

Sylvester Stallone recruited Norris to star in his action sequel The Expendables 2 in 2012.

He posted on Instagram: “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”

Scott Adkins, the English martial arts star who appeared in John Wick 4 and The Rip, wrote on Instagram: “A titan of martial arts action cinema has left us. A master of martial arts, a lovely man, and a devoted humanitarian.

“Our paths crossed briefly, but his kindness left a lasting impact. He embodied the true spirit of martial arts. My heart goes out to his loved ones. You inspired a generation. Rest In Peace Chuck.”

Chuck Norris was to many a martial arts and action movie legend, yet his greatest contribution to popular culture might be the many facts and memes that he inspired.

Find out how it all started here:

Norris was also a prominent supporter of Mike Huckabee.

He first backed the Republican during his 2008 presidential campaign, publicly endorsing him and even appearing in campaign ads and on the trail.

He endorsed him again in the 2016 Republican primaries before he dropped out.

Huckabee shared on X Friday: “Saddest piece of news I’ve heard in a while. I’ll reflect why I loved this amazing American icon in another post. Still processing the gut punch of his death.”

Norris was a vocal supporter of Netanyahu, having publicly endorsed him in Israeli elections — including producing video messages urging voters to back him in 2013 and 2015.

The two met in person during Norris’s visit to Israel in 2017, where they were photographed together. Netanyahu joked that Israel was “indestructible” with Norris there.

“Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend,” the prime minister shared on X.

“Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world. May his memory be a blessing.”

Norris’s 24-year-old son, Dakota, whom the late action star shared with his wife Gena O’Kelley, has paid tribute to his father on Instagram.

Dakota shared a series of black-and-white photos of him and Norris, alongside a lengthy caption.

“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best. You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you,” he wrote.

“You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people. You were the greatest father God could have ever given me and the finest man I’ve ever known. No matter what I was going through, you were always there. You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I don’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it.

“I’m so proud to be your son. The memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the constant laughs we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything you gave to our family and for the example you set every day. I hope I can live a life that honors you and makes you proud. I love you, Dad. I’ll miss you forever.”

Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris in the small town of Ryan, Oklahoma on March 10, 1940. He joined the United States Air Force in 1958 and was subsequently sent to Osan Air Base in South Korea. It was while in South Korea that Norris was given the nickname “Chuck”, and where began learning the martial art Tang Soo Do.

After being discharged from the Air Force in 1962, Norris opened a martial arts studio in Torrance, California and began competing in martial arts competitions. In 1967, he won S. Henry Cho’s All-American Karate Championship at the Madison Square Garden.

At the same tournament the following year, Norris met Bruce Lee, who was giving a demonstration. Lee was working as an action choreographer on the Dean Martin spy comedy The Wrecking Crew, and helped Norris land his first screen role with a small part in the film.

After Lee became an action star in his own right, he gave Norris his breakout role playing his nemesis in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon.

Around the same time, Norris was giving karate lessons to Hollywood star Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to keep acting. Norris played his first lead role in the 1977 trucker action movie Breaker! Breaker!, and by the mid-1980s he had become a bankable action star with a string of box office hits including 1984’s Missing In Action and 1986’s The Delta Force.

From 1993 to 2001, Norris played the lead role of Vietnam veteran Sergeant Cordell Walker in the CBS action series Walker, Texas Ranger. The hit series made full use of Norris’s martial arts expertise, and the character’s habit of solving problems with a high kick helped fuel the later “Chuck Norris facts” internet phenomenon.

He continued to make films into later life, appearing opposite Sylvester Stallone and various other action stars in 2012’s The Expendables 2.

The family shared on Instagram Friday: “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 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.

“Thank you for loving him with us. With love, The Norris Family.”

The news was announced Friday by Norris’s family on Instagram.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the post’s caption read.

“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.”