Less than two weeks before his death, the actor and martial artist shared a video of him kickboxing to celebrate his 86th birthday. Chuck Norris, Walker, Texas Ranger star and action hero, dies at 86 Less than two weeks before his death, the actor and martial artist shared a video of him kickboxing to celebrate his 86th birthday. By Marina Watts Marina Watts Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek. EW's editorial guidelines March 20, 2026 10:09 a.m.

Less than two weeks before his death, the actor and martial artist shared a video of him kickboxing to celebrate his 86th birthday.

Chuck Norris, Walker, Texas Ranger star and action hero, dies at 86

Less than two weeks before his death, the actor and martial artist shared a video of him kickboxing to celebrate his 86th birthday.

By Marina Watts

Marina Watts

Marina Watts is a news writer for with seven years experience covering entertainment, pop culture and celebrity news. Her previous work appears in PEOPLE, Bustle and Newsweek.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 20, 2026 10:09 a.m. ET

Chuck Norris. Credit: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

- Chuck Norris has died at 86, his family announced on March 20.

- He was as reportedly hospitalized in Hawaii following a medical emergency the day before.

- Norris is known for his hit series *Walker, Texas Ranger *and countless action movies.

Chuck Norris has died. He was 86.

His family announced the news in a statement on Friday, March 20.

"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning," they wrote. "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."**

The statement continued, "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."

The family concluded their statement by thanking fans for loving the star.

"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," they wrote. "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."

The martial arts expert was hospitalized in Hawaii the day before his family announced his death, according to TMZ, which reported that he'd had a medical emergency while he was in Kauai after training on the island the day before. At the time, the outlet reported that he was in "good spirits" despite the incident.

Representatives for Norris did not immediately respond to **'s request for comment and more information.

Chuck Norris in Fort Worth in November 2016.

Jerry Markland/Getty

The action icon was born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Okla. He joined the Air Force in 1958 and began his lifelong martial arts training at Osan Air Base in South Korea. Norris eventually became a black belt in karate, taekwondo, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. After serving in the Air Force for four years, he worked for an aerospace company and opened up several karate schools, where he taught celebrities like Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, and Donny Osmond, among others.

After making his acting debut in the 1969 spy comedy film *The Wrecking Crew, *Norris scored parts in the 1970s flicks *Way of the Dragon,* in which he starred alongside the legendary Bruce Lee, and *Breaker! Breaker!* He went on to deliver memorable performances in countless action movies before landing his own series, *Walker, Texas Ranger*, which aired on CBS from 1993 until 2001.

The actor also starred in the TV movies *Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion* and *Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire*. His action credits include *The Delta Force,* the *Missing in Action* films, *Good Guys Wear Black*, *The Octagon*, *Lone Wolf McQuade*, *Code of Silence,* and *Firewalker*.

Norris also famously appeared as himself in the 2004 comedy *Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story* and was part of the ensemble cast of *The Expendables 2 *in 2012. In his later years, he lent his voice to the video game *Crime Boss: Rockay City *and the comedy series *The Goldbergs*. Norris also appeared on an episode of the reboot *Hawaii Five-0*, in the short film *World of Tanks: Holiday Ops*, and in the 2024 action movie *Agent Recon*.

His final acting credit is the comedy *Zombie Plane*, which wrapped filming in 2025, reports *Variety*.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Less than two weeks before his reported hospitalization, Norris shared a video of him training on Instagram as he elebrated his 86th birthday. "I don't age," he wrote in the caption. "I level up."

He continued, "I'm 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. 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 also shared throwback pictures on Instagram of him in action in January.

"Some great memories throughout the years," he captioned his carousel of photos at the time. "I'm so grateful for the journey and everyone who's been part of it."**

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In November, Norris shared a picture of him flexing his biceps that he'd taken several months before. "Progress isn't measured by perfection, but by the courage to keep going," he wrote. "I'm still setting goals, pushing forward, and choosing discipline over comfort."

"No matter your age," he added, "keep striving for the best version of yourself."**

Norris is survived by his second wife, Gena O'Kelley; his children Eric, Mike, Dakota, Danilee, and Dina; and several grandchildren. His first wife, Dianne Holechek, to whom he was married from 1958 until 1988, died in 2025.

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