Trending Now: Action movie star Chuck Norris dies aged 86 – Fans React

Hollywood action star, Chuck Norris, best known for his role as ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, has died according to his family.

He was 86.

It follows reports he had been hospitalized following a medical emergency in Hawaii.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement on Instagram.

“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.”

Last week, Norris celebrated his birthday, marking the occasion with a social media post that included a video of himself sparring with a boxing trainer and giving a punching bag hell.

He wrote: “I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”

He continued: “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know. God Bless, Chuck Norris.”

Grandmaster Norris

Before reaching the heights of Hollywood fame, Norris was 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, 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 honour.

He made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie The Wrecking Crew, which included a fight with Dean Martin.

His big break on the silver screen came in 1972, when he starred opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon.

The pair had already crossed paths in martial arts circles and their friendship added extra spice for fans when they fought in one of the iconic showdowns in the 1972 movie Return of the Dragon, in which Lee fights and kills Norris’ character in Rome’s Colosseum.

Norris went on to have a successful film and television career, most famously leading the Walker, Texas Ranger action series from 1993 to 2001.

The man, the myth and the memes

Norris’ notoriety enhanced his tough-guy image and the internet lapped it up as his digital dopplegänger grew his size and stature.

“Chuck Norris Facts” became a cult phenomenon that spread hyperbolic claims about the actor’s skills, strength, prowess and overall manliness.

These are among many typical examples adapted to suit almost any situation: “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 favourites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He also wrote books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forward to the “Fact Book.” “I am flattered and humbled.”

That book raised money for a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids.

Last December, he shared an emotional tribute to his first wife, Dianne Holechek, who died at the age of 84. They were married in 1958 when they were 17 and 18, respectively. They had two children together, Mike and Eric, and separated in 1988 after 30 years of marriage.

Norris subsequently married model Gena O’Kelley in 1998 and had twins, Dakota and Danilee.