. \u201cWhile we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cTo 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHe lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,\u201d the post concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n\nEarlier this week, it was reported by TMZ that Norris had been hospitalized in Hawaii, but few details were available at the time. The actor had just celebrated his 86th birthday this month and shared videos of himself boxing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. I\u2019m 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\u2019ll ever know,\u201d he shared at the time.<\/span><\/p>\nNorris, an Air Force veteran, followed up his service to the country by becoming a karate instructor. He became competitive in the sport and met student Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to break into acting.<\/span><\/p>\nAlso in the martial arts world Norris was introduced to Bruce Lee and became friends with him. Lee cast Norris in \u201cThe Way of the Dragon\u201d (1972) and set him on the path to stardom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSome other notable Norris films over the decades include \u201cGood Guys Wear Black\u201d (1978), \u201cA Force of One\u201d (1979), \u201cLone Wolf McQuade\u201d (1983), \u201cMissing in Action\u201d (1984), \u201cCode of Silence\u201d (1985), \u201cMissing in Action 2: The Beginning\u201d (1985), \u201cThe Delta Force\u201d (1986), \u201cDelta Force 2\u201d (1990), and \u201cSidekicks\u201d (1992).<\/span><\/p>\nHe also broke into television, starring in \u201cWalker, Texas Ranger\u201d on CBS beginning in 1993.<\/span><\/p>\nNorris is known and beloved by his legions of fans, including more recent fans who know him from becoming a meme reflecting toughness. Per People, his favorite of these was, \u201cThey wanted to put Chuck Norris\u2019 face on Mount Rushmore. But the granite wasn\u2019t hard enough for his beard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nThe martial arts legend was also a lifelong Republican and endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2016.<\/span><\/p>\nNorris was married to his high school sweetheart in 1958 and divorced in 1989. They shared two sons together. The actor also had a daughter following an extramarital affair. He married Gena O\u2019Kelley in 1998 and had twins with her in 2001.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHe is survived by his wife and children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n