Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris (March 10, 1940 – March 19, 2026) was an American martial artist, actor, screenwriter, and author with black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo. After U.S. Air Force service, he won martial arts titles, founded Chun Kuk Do, and transitioned from celebrity trainer to action star via films like The Way of the Dragon (1972) with Bruce Lee, Breaker! Breaker! (1977), and Good Guys Wear Black (1978).
Before fame
While stationed in Korea as an Air Policeman, Norris developed his unique martial art, Chun Kuk Do, drawing from Tang Soo Do and various other fighting techniques.
Trivia
Norris received a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from the Machado brothers and supported Mike Huckabee’s bid in the 2008 Republican primary.
Family life
Norris wed his first wife, Dianne Holechek, in 1958; they had two sons, Mike and Eric. The couple divorced in 1998, after which he married model Gena O’Kelley. They welcomed twins Dakota Alan Norris and Danilee Kelly Norris.
Death
In March 2026, Norris was admitted to a hospital in Hawaii following a medical incident. He passed away on March 19 at age 86. His family shared the news the next day.