Action star, 'tough cookie' and icon: The world pays tribute to Chuck Norris
The world honors the martial arts icon and action star Chuck Norris, who recently passed away at the age of 86.
Chuck Norris, the iconic action film star and martial arts expert, has died at the age of 86, prompting a surge of tributes from fans, celebrities, and public figures across the globe. Notably, former US President Donald Trump remembered Norris fondly, referring to him as a "great guy" and praising him as a "tough cookie". Norris's legacy includes not only a successful film career but also a reputation built through his martial arts prowess and an influential internet meme culture that revived his image significantly in the 2000s.
Born in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris's journey began in the US Air Force, where he delved into martial arts during his service in South Korea. Over the years, he became a skilled practitioner, eventually earning a black belt and capturing titles as a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion. His film career took off with roles in martial arts and action-packed films, solidifying his place in Hollywood and cementing his status as a cultural icon.
Following his death, tributes poured in not only from individuals like Trump but also from a variety of fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, all celebrating Norris's multifaceted life as a warrior both on and off the screen. His contributions to martial arts, film, and pop culture resonate widely, and his passing marks the end of an era for many who grew up idolizing him during his prime in cinema and beyond.