Chuck Norris passed away on March 19 in Hawaii, as reported by his family: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of our beloved Chuck Norris. He left us in the morning, surrounded by loved ones. We would prefer to keep the details private, but know that he has found peace."
According to TMZ, the actor was hospitalized on March 18 or 19. A source from the publication who spoke with Norris the day before his death noted that everything happened suddenly, as the actor was actively training and in good spirits.
Norris, born in 1940 in Oklahoma, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He was married twice and had five children, including actor Mike Norris and NASCAR driver Eric Norris.
Norris is best known for his roles in action and martial arts films of the 80s, as well as for his character Cordell Walker in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger," which aired in the 90s.
In recent decades, Norris has acted very little, appearing only in a few minor roles, such as in "The Expendables 2" in 2012.
He held black belts in several martial arts styles, received a star on the Walk of Fame in 1989, and became an official Texas Ranger in 2010.
Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee maintained a friendly relationship and trained together in the 60s, and they starred in the film "Way of the Dragon" in 1972.
Scene from the movie "Way of the Dragon," final duel:
