Action Film Icon Chuck Norris Dies at 86

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Action film star and martial arts legend Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Norris died on Thursday, March 19, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram account and confirmed by multiple international media outlets. His family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

“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 family wrote in the post.

The family did not disclose the cause of death, but described Norris as a towering figure both in public life and within his family. They said he was widely known as a martial artist and actor, while to those closest to him he was “a loyal husband, a loving father and grandfather, and an extraordinary brother.”

“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,” the family added.

The statement also thanked fans for their prayers and support, while asking for privacy as the family mourns the loss.

A day before his death, several media outlets reported that Norris had been receiving medical treatment in Hawaii after his condition worsened, although no official details about his illness were released.

Norris had celebrated his 86th birthday just nine days earlier, on March 10. In what would become his final Instagram post, he shared a short video of himself practicing martial arts.

“I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young,” he wrote.

"I’m 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’ll ever know. God Bless, Chuck Norris.”

Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he rose to fame as a martial arts champion before becoming one of Hollywood’s defining action stars. He starred opposite Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon (1972), then built a successful screen career through films such as Missing in Action (1984), Code of Silence (1985), and The Delta Force (1986). He later became a household name through the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which aired from 1993 to 2001.

Norris also remained highly respected in the martial arts world. A six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion, he founded the martial art Chun Kuk Do and launched Kickstart Kids in 1990, a nonprofit program aimed at helping children build discipline and stay away from drugs through martial arts training.

His final film appearance came in Agent Recon (2024), his first screen role since The Expendables 2 (2012).

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