by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, USA (Worthy News) – Chuck Norris, the martial artist and Hollywood action star known worldwide for his outspoken Christian faith and message of perseverance, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed.
Norris passed away following a brief hospitalization in Hawaii after suffering a medical emergency, according to a statement released by relatives.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris,” the family said, adding that he died peacefully “surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
They described him as “a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather,” and stressed that he “lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris into a struggling family, he grew up in poverty, moving frequently as a child while his father battled alcoholism.
ROOTS IN FAITH AND POVERTY
He often credited his deeply Christian mother as the defining influence in his life. “She loves Jesus with all of her heart and soul and made sure we understood that,” Norris said, recalling how she instilled faith and resilience.
“She always told me, ‘God has plans for you,’” he added.
Norris said he began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at a young age and later rededicated his life to faith as a young adult after attending a crusade led by evangelist Billy Graham.
His rise began as a young airman stationed in South Korea, where he studied martial arts. Through persistence, he became a world champion and later one of the most recognized figures in action films and television, including Walker, Texas Ranger.
Beyond acting, Norris authored several books reflecting his life and beliefs, including his autobiography Against All Odds: My Story, as well as The Secret of Inner Strength and Black Belt Patriotism, combining personal experience with reflections on faith, discipline, and values.
FROM STRUGGLE TO GLOBAL FAME
Despite fame, Norris acknowledged that success did not shield him from personal struggles.
His first marriage ended after decades together, strained in part by long periods away from home.
He later revealed that during his first marriage he fathered a daughter from a brief extramarital relationship—something he did not know at the time. Years later, the daughter contacted him, leading to reconciliation.
“These are human frailties; we all have them, we all sin,” Norris said. “But as far as I’m concerned, the sin that resulted in my daughter turned out to be a blessing.”
He said the experience brought healing and strengthened family ties. “I can’t imagine my life without her and her children.”
FAITH THROUGH PERSONAL STRUGGLES
In later years, Norris found renewed joy in family life with his wife Gena, with whom he had twins—a son and a daughter—following a difficult pregnancy, a period he described as a testing of their faith and trust in God.
He was also known for speaking publicly about his Christian faith, including appearances at churches, Christian events, and universities, where he encouraged audiences to live out their faith and remain grounded despite success.
Norris also focused on helping young people through his KICKSTART program, which has supported tens of thousands of students in building discipline and confidence.
“We’re hoping to help millions of kids and show them that they don’t have to give up,” Norris said.
Throughout his life, he emphasized that faith in Christ gave him purpose beyond fame and success.
FAMILY, FAITH, AND LEGACY
Norris is survived by his wife Gena O’Kelley; his sons Mike Norris and Eric Norris; his daughter Dina Norris; twins Dakota Alan Norris and Danilee Kelly Norris; and multiple grandchildren.
His family said the love and support he received from fans around the world “meant so much to him,” adding: “To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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