Chuck Norris dies aged 86

Chuck Norris, the martial arts star, has died at the age of 86, his family has announced.

The actor, who became an internet phenomenon, died on Thursday morning in Hawaii after being taken to hospital.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” his family said in a social media statement, adding that he died “at peace”.

“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,” it continued.

“He 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.”

Norris was best known for portraying the Texas ranger Cordell Walker in the CBS show Walker, Texas Ranger in the 1990s.

He had largely disappeared from public life in recent years, with one of his last major roles being The Expendables 2 in 2012.

Norris, who held a black belt in multiple martial arts, had recently celebrated his birthday and wrote on social media: “I don’t age ... I level up.”

The US air force veteran learned karate while stationed in Korea, going on to win titles in the sport and open karate schools across Los Angeles in the late 1960s.

After meeting Bruce Lee, the Hong Kong-American martial arts star, at a competition, he was cast alongside him in the 1972 blockbuster Way of the Dragon.

Encouraged by Steve McQueen to become an actor, Norris had his breakthrough as the main character in the 1983 film Lone Wolf McQuade. From there, he was cast in dozens of action films, but struggled to shake off the “karate image”.

He wrote several books, including 1987’s The Secret of Inner Strength, 1996’s The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems and 2008’s Black Belt Patriotism.

The actor also became a cult hero on the internet for his toughness and masculinity, inspiring a wave of satirical memes known as Chuck Norris “facts”.

“Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young,” Norris went on to say in his birthday message.

He had been celebrating on the Hawaiian island of Kauai with friends and family. Days later, he was taken to hospital for a medical emergency, TMZ reported.

In a statement, his family said that they wanted to keep the circumstances private, but described his death as “sudden”.

“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way,” they wrote.

Norris married Gena O’Kelley in 1998, and the couple had two children, Dakota and Danilee.

He also had three children from his first marriage to Dianne Holechek, who died in December.