Chuck Norris, actor and martial artist, dies at 86

Chuck Norris dies at 86

The family confirmed that Chuck Norris, the famed martial artist and actor, died. He was 86 years old. 

LOS ANGELES - Chuck Norris, the famed martial artist and actor in films like "The Delta Force" and "Missing in Action," has died. He was 86 years old.

Chuck Norris dies at 86

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He died Thursday morning in Hawaii, according to the family, who said, "It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday [Thursday] 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," the family continued. "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 added: "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."

Chuck Norris hospitalized

The backstory:

The news comes one day after TMZ sources told the entertainment news outlet that a medical emergency occurred in the last 24 hours on the island of Kauai that landed Norris in the hospital. 

EARLIER: Chuck Norris hospitalized in Hawaii after medical emergency: Report

At the time, the nature of the emergency was not disclosed, but TMZ was told that Norris was "in good spirits."

The 86-year-old had a birthday earlier this month, and he marked the occasion by posting a video on social media showing him sparring with a trainer.

Chuck Norris' legacy

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Norris was familiar to fans worldwide as the star of action films such as "The Hitman," "The Delta Force" and "The Colombian Connection." He also starred in "Missing in Action," "Firewalker" and "Sidekicks."

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.

File: Chuck Norris promotes a film in Sicily, July 1985. (Photo by Frederic Meylan/Sygma via Getty Images)

Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie "The Wrecking Crew," which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie "Return of the Dragon," in which Lee fights and kills Norris' character in Rome's Colosseum.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies.

It was around the time of "Dodgeball" that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: "Chuck Norris Facts" went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, "Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun -- and won," and, "They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard."

Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together "The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book," which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

Norris has five surviving children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex-wife Dianne Holechek, twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife Gena Norris, and Dina, the result of an early 1960s "one-night stand" revealed in his autobiography.