CHUCK NORRIS: THE LEGEND TURNS 85, BUT HIS LEGACY ONLY GROWS STRONGER
Chuck Norris, the unstoppable force of Hollywood action and martial arts, turns 85 years old, but if you ask his fans, he’s still roundhouse kicking time itself. Best known as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger, Norris’ path to stardom was anything but ordinary. Born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, his journey from a shy, introverted child to a global icon is filled with discipline, resilience, and a little bit of Hollywood magic.
FROM AIRMAN TO MARTIAL ARTS ICON
After graduating high school in 1958, Norris enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an Air Policeman in Korea. It was there that he discovered martial arts—a love that would define his life and career. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1962, Norris opened his own karate school, teaching students like Priscilla Presley, Bob Barker, and the Osmonds. He became a dominant force in competitive fighting, earning eight black belts and even creating his own martial arts systems, American Tang Soo Do and Chun Kuk Do.
THE HOLLYWOOD FIGHTER WHO FOUGHT BRUCE LEE
Norris’ fighting career exploded in 1964, leading to numerous championships. But it wasn’t until 1972 that he cemented himself in Hollywood history. In the legendary film Way of the Dragon, Norris faced off against Bruce Lee in an iconic fight scene filmed illegally in the Roman Colosseum. Though Norris was a real-life World Karate Champion, the script demanded that Lee’s character defeat him—a cinematic moment that still sparks debate over who would have won in reality.
CHUCK NORRIS VS. A RATTLESNAKE… AND CHUCK WON?
In 1996, while filming Walker, Texas Ranger, Norris had a face-to-face encounter with a rattlesnake on set. The first take went smoothly, but on the second, the snake bit him. Norris was rushed to the hospital, and fans joke that it wasn’t Chuck who was in danger, but the snake!
THE MAN, THE MYTH… THE COIN?
Chuck Norris has ventured into many businesses, but did you know he sells his own silver coins? The Chuck Norris 1 oz Silver Coin is a limited-edition collectible featuring his five principles for life: Faith, Family, Fitness, Freedom, and Fight. It sells for $97 on his website and is just another example of his enduring brand.
CHUCK NORRIS IS A VIDEO GAME STAR?
Norris has been immortalized in not one, but two video games. In 2008, Gameloft released Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain, and in 2012, Flaregames followed with Non-Stop Chuck Norris, an action RPG inspired by the infamous Chuck Norris facts that took over the internet. While neither game is still available, his legacy in gaming remains strong.
HIS FIRST TV APPEARANCE? A SCHOOL EPISODE!
Before becoming a household name, Norris made his television debut in 1970 on Room 222, playing a karate instructor who helps a bullied student find confidence. Who knew that small role would lead to decades of Hollywood dominance?
WHERE IS CHUCK NORRIS NOW?
Even though Walker, Texas Ranger ended over 20 years ago, Norris remains active. He still runs his water company, CForce, continues philanthropic efforts, and occasionally steps back into the Hollywood spotlight. Whether it’s Total Gym commercials, silver coins, or internet-breaking Chuck Norris jokes, one thing’s for sure—the legend never dies.
