By Bulelwa Hoala
- Legendary martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, with his family confirming he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
- His death follows reports by TMZ that he had been hospitalised in Kauai, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
- Norris rose to global fame through martial arts and film, including his role alongside Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon and the hit TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
Legendary American martial artist and Hollywood action star “Chuck” Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris, has passed away at the age of 86.
His family announced his death in a statement on Instagram on Friday, 20 March 2026, revealing that he passed away on Thursday morning.
“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,” the statement read.
This comes after TMZ reported that Norris had been hospitalised on the island of Kauai in Hawaii for an undisclosed medical emergency.
The actor celebrated his 86th birthday on 10 March by posting a video on social media, where he appeared fit and in high spirits while boxing with his trainer.
“I don’t age. I level up,” he said.
In the caption, he added, “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. I’m grateful for another year, good health, and the chance to keep doing what I love.”
Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in South Korea, where he developed his martial arts skills and won numerous championships.
He later worked as a martial arts instructor for actors in Hollywood.
According to the BBC, he got his big break when he starred as a villain opposite Bruce Lee in the 1972 film Way of the Dragon.
He was also widely known for his role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger.
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