Fans are remembering Chuck Norris’ most iconic moments following his death, aged 86.
The passing of the legendary actor and martial artist was confirmed today (Friday March 20), with his family sharing a moving statement saying that he died in Hawaii yesterday morning.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the statement read (via TMZ). “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was 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.”
They also shared that he had been hospitalised earlier this week due to a medical emergency, but no details regarding that health issue were revealed.
Already, fans have been quick to share their tributes for the actor on social media – looking back at his most memorable on screen moments, and remembering the memes attached to him.
Over recent years, the actor became the face of a widespread trend of memes called “Chuck Norris Facts”, which exaggerated his strength and martial arts ability to depict him as an unstoppable force of nature.
Some that have resurfaced since news of his passing have included quips like “Superman wears Chuck Norris pyjamas”, “Chuck Norris doesn’t do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down”, “Chuck Norris kicked the world once, it hasn’t stopped spinning” and “Guns carry him for protection”.
“It was some of the best stuff there was on Twitter, every meme about Chuck Norris and how badass he was,” one fan wrote on X/Twitter, explaining that the trend came of a place of love and admiration for the actor. “When the ultimate meme king dies in 2026. You definitely know the world is on the brink of destruction. RIP Chuck Norris,” another person wrote, while many others described him as “a legend and a meme icon”.
Author Stephen King also shared his personal favourite Chuck Norris meme, writing on X: “My fave Chuck Norris joke: Chuck doesn’t flush the toilet, he scares the shit out of it.”
My fave Chuck Norris joke: Chuck doesn't flush the toilet, he scares the shit out of it.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 20, 2026
In his last video, Chuck Norris says: “I don’t age. I level up” — and reached level 86
The video was posted 10 days ago: it shows him training outdoors.
Thanks for our childhood, legend. https://t.co/LVok62fopQ pic.twitter.com/tqioktYZdk
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 20, 2026
Rest in peace King 👑
Thank you for the memories
Thank you for the motivation to become a better man
To pick up martial arts at an early age
Thank you for the motivation to take training and karate and jujitsu seriously
Thank you for being here on planet Earth and making it… pic.twitter.com/JPzeE6ljfs
— Trax (@traxmetax) March 20, 2026
legends like Chuck Norris don’t really fade… their impact just keeps echoing through generations 🕊️
— do it (@doyoumf) March 20, 2026
In tribute, here’s a meme of Chuck Norris. pic.twitter.com/0vDzbOGzMt
— Hadi Abdić 🇧🇦 (@hadi_abdic) March 20, 2026
I remember when there were many funny Chuck Norris memes I didn’t know why – I could barely understand English at the time but i laughed so much.
Now that I am fluent, I must watch Texas rangers. I saw The expandables 2 recently and found him cool.
Share your fav meme/movie🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/tUmDYNaMmR
— Mademoiselle Néla 🥂🇫🇷 (@Mlle_Nela) March 20, 2026
Fans have also been looking back fondly at his acting career, and sharing how they were inspired by his roles in movies like The Way Of The Dragon alongside Bruce Lee (1972), The Delta Force (1986), the Missing In Action trilogy, and The Hitman (1991), as well as series like Walker, Texas Ranger.
“Thanks for our childhood, legend,” one account shared, while someone else added: “Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the motivation to become a better man, to pick up martial arts at an early age. Thank you for the motivation to take training and karate and jujitsu seriously.”
Action icon Chuck Norris dead at the age of 86.
The bearded blackbelt badass was an '80s action mainstay in films like Lone Wolf McQuade, Delta Force, Missing In Action & more. He had a TV hit in the '90s with Walker, Texas Ranger. He always delivered strong but deadly action. pic.twitter.com/kQOIeNslXK
— Movies In Focus (@moviesinfocus) March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris was an undeniable LEGEND & had some huge memorable roles
Some of them include:
• The Way Of The Dragon
• A Force Of One
• The Delta Force
• Sidekicks
• Walker, Texas Ranger
• The Expendables 2 pic.twitter.com/sirXkSe7Bt
— The Legacy of Nerd (@thelegacyofnerd) March 20, 2026
“Legends like Chuck Norris don’t really fade… their impact just keeps echoing through generations,” someone else wrote on X, while many others recalled iconic on-screen moments like his combat with Bruce Lee in The Way Of The Dragon.
“RIP Chuck Norris. His fight scene with Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon is one of the heights of cinema, proving that a martial-arts action duel can tell a story and communicate ideas. Fortunately Norris went out on top” one shared.
Check out more tributes below.
Way of the Dragon (1972)
Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris pic.twitter.com/fy4R99be0h
— Retro Recall (☥𝐃𝐁) (@RetroMoviesDB) March 10, 2026
Love this. Chuck and Bruce trained together for years. I grew up on Bruce Lee movies. They would play them back-to-back at the movies. Thanks for the memories. I pray that Mr. Norris recovers. 🙏🏿
— Auntie Knows Best💜 (@kindawisewoman) March 19, 2026
RIP Chuck Norris, who just passed at age 86, and who fought Bruce Lee in one of the BEST movie fight scenes of all time, in "Way of the Dragon."pic.twitter.com/jPNBRH0MAd
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) March 20, 2026
RIP Chuck Norris. His fight scene with Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon is one of the heights of cinema, proving that a martial-arts action duel can tell a story and communicate ideas. Fortunately Norris went out on top, retiring after it was shot, never heard from again.
— Will Sloan (@WillSloanEsq) March 20, 2026
A true legend both on and off the screen. Chuck Norris’ impact will never be forgotten. 💔🥋
— Carey (@Carey3060831622) March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris vs Bruce Lee (The Way of the Dragon)
RIP Legends pic.twitter.com/ZGwDsldy3X
— Kenjac (@JackKennedy) March 20, 2026
RIP Walker Texas Ranger https://t.co/wivNWFr2im pic.twitter.com/qwUhmWtPYi
— Kristi Yamaguccimane (@TheWapplehouse) March 20, 2026
I was obsessed with Walker Texas Ranger as a kid and watched it every day with my dad. I always respected his decision to take a step back from acting so he could take care of his wife when she was sick. I’m so sad for her and his sons. https://t.co/wbTAlGamHp pic.twitter.com/S2F22ApALW
— 𝓔𝓶 ♡ (@emkenobi) March 20, 2026
Chuck Norris was the REAL DEAL. A lethal fighting machine, a military vet, and bonafide action God. I have fond memories of binging his movies in the 80s. The Missing in Action films, Silent Rage, Delta Force, and so many more. He leaves behind such a legacy, and all the Chuck… pic.twitter.com/3Bj7LUF9OO
— Lee McCoy (@Drumdums) March 20, 2026
The statement from Norris’ family went on to say that he had “lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved”, adding: “Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.”
As well as the aforementioned films and series, Norris also portrayed himself in the upcoming Australian action comedy Zombie Plane – his final role – and made a cameo appearance in 2004’s Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
English (US) · 