BREAKING: Iconic Action Star Chuck Norris Dead at 86

Chuck Norris, the legendary martial arts master and action star has died, according to his family. He was 86.

His death was confirmed on Friday in an Instagram post:

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 with us.

With love,
The Norris Family

Born Carlos Ray Norris in 1940, he rose to action movie prominence in the Delta Force and Missing in Action film franchises in the 1980s.

In the 90s, he was a TV mainstay with his role as Capt. Ranger Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger.

With the “Chuck Norris facts” internet sensation in the 2000s, Norris became a meme sensation before memes were even a thing — with such sayings as “The Boogeyman checks HIS closet for Chuck Norris” and “Death once had a near-Chuck-Norris experience.”

His popularity led to notable cameo roles, often as himself, in films like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Sidekicks, and The Expendables 2.

Fellow action movie heavyweights like Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren were among many figures paying tribute to Norris on social media.

Norris was hospitalized on Thursday after suffering a medical emergency, TMZ reported.

His final film will be Zombie Plane, which is due out later this year.

Watch above via Fox News.

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