Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and more pay tribute to Chuck Norris after his death a...

The action star died at 86, his family announced on March 20. Sylvester Stallone, JeanClaude Van Damme, and more pay tribute to Chuck Norris after his death at 86 The action star died at 86, his family announced on March 20. By Mekishana Pierre :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/MekishanaPierreauthorphotoed08906b8105488ca1e991de8ac00dec.jpg) Mekishana Pierre Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at . She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Popsugar. EW's editorial guidelines March 20, 2026 2:50 p.m.

The action star died at 86, his family announced on March 20.

Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and more pay tribute to Chuck Norris after his death at 86

The action star died at 86, his family announced on March 20.

By Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Popsugar.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 20, 2026 2:50 p.m. ET

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Sylvester Stallone; Chuck Norris ; Jean-Claude Van Damme. Credit:

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Mychal Watts/WireImage; Anthony Harvey/Getty

Hollywood is paying tribute to Chuck Norris after his death at age 86.

The martial arts expert, known for his hit series *Walker, Texas Ranger *and countless action movies, died on Thursday after a reported hospitalization in Hawaii.

"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," his family wrote in a statement on Friday. "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."

They continued, "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."

Chuck Norris attends 'The Expendables 2' premiere on Aug. 15, 2012.

Jason Merritt/Getty

Shortly after news broke that Norris had died, fellow action stars, famous actors, and even political figures took to social media to share their memories of working alongside him.

"I had a great time working with Chuck," Sylvester Stallone captioned a photo of him and Norris on Instagram. "He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family."

Jean-Claude Van Damme — who starred alongside Stallone, Norris, and Dolph Lundgren in 2012's *The Expendables 2 —* shared photos of him and Norris over the years on Instagram, including one photo of the them posing with John Travolta. "Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris," he captioned the post. "We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten."

Chuck Norris promoting 'Pumping Iron' in Taormina, Sicily on July 24, 1985.

Frederic Meylan/Sygma via Getty

Lundgren shared a photo of he and Norris throwing up the latter's signature thumbs up at the camera, writing that he "always looked up to [Norris] as a role model."

"Chuck Norris is the champ," Lundgren captioned his photo. "Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend. ✨"

Novelist Stephen King shared some of his favorite jokes about Norris' strength and aura on X, as well as writing a short message about the actor's legacy. "Seriously, I thought he was great. SILENT RAGE scared hell out of my boys...and me," he quipped.

Also on X, actor Lorenzo Lamas wrote in tribute to Norris: "My prayers to Gina, Aaron and family. Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris doesn't just get wings, he gets even."

Norris, a vocal supporter of the Republican Party, was also remembered by a number of political figures, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who praised him as a "legend."

"All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris," Abbott wrote on X alongside a photo of him and Norris smiling at the camera. "He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger, but he electrified generations of conservatives, giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth. He embodied the toughness, grit, and patriotism that makes Texas supreme. Rest in peace, Chuck."

Former governor Mike Huckabee shared a photo of he and Norris together on X, writing, "When I ran for President in 08, @chucknorris endorsed me & he & Gena traveled with @janethuckabee & me for over 4 months. Their Christian faith was authentic & deep as was their love for each other. His love of America was profound and borne out of a patriotism that was part of his upbringing & his military service. He was humble & kind."

"Chuck Norris took God seriously but never took himself too seriously," Huckabee continued, in part. "We often spent travel time sharing Chuck Norris jokes... We kept in touch after the campaign... He was a guest multiple times on my TV show. When I was named Ambassador to Israel, he was thrilled. He was a strong friend of Israel & of @IsraeliPM Netanyahu. My heart is broken by his death. My condolences to Gena & his family. The legend may be gone, but the memories will never die. Thank you Chuck."

Conservative radio talk show host Joe Piscopo shared a group photo with he and Norris, writing, "Just heard that the Legend - The Man - Mr. Chuck Norris has passed away. I was honored to work with Chuck. It was a life changing and treasured experience that I will hold dearly in my heart forever. Sending love, respect and heartfelt condolences to the Norris Family. Rest In Peace, Good Sir."

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shared a photo of he and Norris embracing, calling the actor both a "close personal friend" and "a great friend of Israel."

"Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend. Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world. May his memory be a blessing," Netanyahu wrote.

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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Published: March 20, 2026 at 09:01PM on Source: RON MAG

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