Missing in Action star Chuck Norris is no more. The actor’s death was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by his family through a note on his Instagram account. He was 86 years old and was admitted to a hospital in Hawaii on Thursday, March 19, when he apparently died a short time later. Earlier, the star had celebrated his birthday on March 10 with a post on his social media.
Chuck Norris’s family confirms his death
In a note shared on the star’s account along with a photo of him, the Norris family wrote, “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 is at peace.”
He said that while the world knew him as a martial artist and an actor, to his family he was a ‘devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother and kind hearted person’. He talked about his unwavering dedication to his art and commitment to his loved ones. He shared, “Through his work, discipline and kindness, he inspired millions of people around the world and left a lasting impact on the lives of many.”
Requesting privacy during this time of grief, he thanked his fans for their prayers and supporters who had learned of his hospitalization, “Although our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and the unforgettable moments we shared with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant a lot to him, and our family is truly grateful for that. To him, you weren’t just a fan, you were his friend.”
With a black belt in several martial arts, Chuck Norris eventually ventured into acting at the behest of one of his students. He rose to fame with his work in The Way of the Dragon, during which he formed a strong friendship with Bruce Lee.