Chuck Norris, Iconic Action Star and Walker, Texas Ranger Actor, Dies at 86

 Chuck Norris, Iconic Action Star and Walker, Texas Ranger Actor, Dies at 86

Norris first found fame in karate films of the 1980s, including A Force of One and An Eye for an Eye. By the end of the decade, he was established as one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. He starred in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, which premiered in 1993

The actor's family confirmed his death via a statement released on his Instagram Friday, March 20.

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

"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," it concluded.

The actor, who turned 86 earlier this month, was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday, March 19, TMZ previously reported. This came just days after Norris celebrated his birthday with an Instagram post of himself boxing and training on March 10

chucknorris 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 was at peace.

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.

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.

Thank you for loving him

Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Okla. in 1940. His mother was Irish and his father, he said, was Cherokee. In his 1988 memoir The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story, Norris opened up about his father’s alcoholism and how it affected his childhood and adolescence.“ It wasn’t until my dad came home from WW II that he really started to drink,” Norris told PEOPLE in 1988. But at his worst, he would leave the family for months at a time, then return to wreak havoc. 

“His absences were actually pleasant times,” Norris explained. “My mom was working — just menial jobs, since she had only a ninth-grade education — but there was none of the tension, the tippy-toeing around, like there is when there is someone in the house who’s liable to blow up at any moment.” The family also moved around a lot, which Norris felt kept him from making lasting connections.

“The biggest problem I had was poor self-image, which was probably the main cause of my shyness. I was always afraid of saying the wrong thing, so I wouldn’t speak much,” he explained.

After graduating from high school, Norris joined the Air Force, and while stationed in Korea he learned karate. He wasn’t good at first, telling PEOPLE in 1980, "Nothing comes easily to me.” But he stuck with long, daily workouts because "for the first time, I wanted to make something of my life."

When he returned from the Air Force, he worked a side gig as a karate teacher. “When I came back to the States, some GIs asked me to teach them, so I arranged to give a demonstration and a talk,” he said in 1988. As he began to speak, he panicked but kept going. “It was the first time I forced myself to crack that egg of insecurity I’d carried all through my life. And from then on, I kept forcing myself to go a little further, until I had completely overcome it.” 

He also competed in the sport and won consecutive middleweight titles in 1968. His classes became popular with celebrities, including Bob Barker and Marie Osmond. One of his students, Steve McQueen, encouraged him to get into movies.