Chuck Norris’ final Instagram post days before his death is heartbreaking.
Norris, who is best known for his roles in TV series Walker, Texas Ranger as well as the film The Way of the Dragon, died on Thursday morning (19 March), his family confirmed in an emotional statement on Instagram.
The statement read: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Alongside his exploits on the silver screen, Norris held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, while also developing his own fighting style known as Chun Kuk Do.
Several of the films he featured in were based on martial arts, including Code of Silence, The Octagon and An Eye for an Eye.
His death came just nine days after his 86th birthday, with Norris even taking to Instagram to post a video of himself training on that day.
The video was captioned: “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. 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.”
Norris first trained in martial arts when he joined the US Air Force while deployed in South Korea during the 1960s.
After stepping away from acting in recent years, he has promoted fitness via his Instagram page while also founding martial arts schools.
Luke Davies