BBC
Whether you know him for memes, movies or martial arts, Chuck Norris’ fame spanned several genres and generations.
If you were a movie-goer in the 1970s, 80s or 90s, there’s a good chance you would’ve seen Chuck Norris on the silver screen in one of his many action film roles.
Back then, actors tended to appear either solely in movies or TV shows, but Norris conquered both, becoming a favourite with television audiences thanks to the 196 episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger he appeared in over nine seasons.
As he got older, Norris cut down on the number of film and TV roles he took on, although he became known to new audiences thanks to a cameo appearance in 2004’s Dodgeball starring Vince Vaughan and Ben Stiller, and 2012’s The Expendables 2.
Over decades, Norris built a legacy that reached far beyond snappy one-liners and gripping fight scenes. His screen presence could carry a film or TV series, and his martial arts background meant his characters always felt authentic rather than manufactured.
When traditional cinema declined and internet culture took over, Norris remained relevant as a meme star which played up to his former tough-guy persona – something he enjoyed and encouraged.
Chuck Norris’ family announced his death in a statement, they called him a “devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family”.
Since then, we’ve heard from several members of his family individually, with one of his daughters, Danilee, describing Norris as someone who “loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness”.
“He is the most down to earth person ever, in a room full of people he would make it known that he was listening to you and only you,” said his granddaughter Greta.
One of his sons, and a grandson, have also recently added their tributes.
“You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life”, says Dakota, who was Norris’ other child with second wife Gena O’Kelly. “You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I didn’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it.”
Grandson Max writes “Rest Heavenly, Papa”.
Norris’ connections to high-profile political figures
Chuck Norris worked and formed friendships with high-profile political figures in the United States, and internationally.
Among those he grew to know well were former US President George HW Bush Sr, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Norris “will be remembered not only for his many talents, but for the warmth and friendship he extended to those who knew him,” the George and Barbara Bush Foundation says in an Instagram post.
Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren, who starred alongside Norris in the 2012 action film The Expendables 2, is paying tribute to his former co-star.
“Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model,” Lundgren writes of Norris. “Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man.”
And actor Lorenzo Lamas, who trained at Norris’ martial arts studio, is offering his “prayers” to Norris’ family.
“Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates,” Lamas writes on social media.
Paying tribute on Instagram, actor Sylvester Stallone says he “had a great time working with Chuck”.
“He was All American in every way”, and a “great man and my condolences to his wonderful family”, he adds.
“Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris,” says Belgian martial arts star and actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The pair starred alongside each other in the 2012 action film The Expendables 2 with Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham and Bruce Willis.
“We knew each other from the early days, and I always respected the man he was,” he says on Instagram.
“My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten.”
Danilee Norris, Chuck Norris’ daughter with his second wife Gena O’Kelly, has paid tribute to her “safe person these past 24 years”.
“My dad was my protector the moment I was born and as soon as he took me in his arms, I’ve always been his little girl,” she says on Instagram.
She says that her dad “loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness”.
“He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love”, she says. “To say I am thankful for him being my dad is an understatement.”
I will rewatch his movie Presidents Man tonight. He will be remembered for his good works