Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood action star most famous for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family said on Friday.
The legend passed away at the age of 86.
ALSO READ | Charles ‘Makhalanjalo’ Fantisi has sadly passed away
“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.”
Norris turned 86 last week, marking the event with a video of him boxing on social media and saying “I don’t age. I level up.”
The martial arts expert turned actor has starred in a slew of action films since his acting debut with a cameo in a 1968 Dean Martin film “The Wrecking Crew.”
ALSO READ | South African actor Webster “Poni Poni” Kutoane has passed away
Four years later, his epic fight with the kung-fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” helped turn Norris into an icon on big and small screen alike.
“Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young,” Norris said in his birthday message last week.
