Action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family announced in a statement on Friday.

The American actor was best known for his role in the hit TV show Walker, Texas Ranger and 1980s action films, including Missing in Action.

Prior to joining Hollywood, Norris made a name for himself as a world-champion martial artist with many black belts.

Writing on Instagram, the Norris family remembers him as "devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of the family."

"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."

The late actor's family is asking for privacy after what they describe as a "sudden passing" on Thursday morning.

Norris celebrated his 86th birthday a little over a week ago, posting a boxing video on his Instagram profile, alongside the caption: "I don't age. I level up."

The world reacts

"Texas has lost a legend," wrote Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of ‌Texas, on X. "All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris," he added.

Although the late actor was born in the state of Oklahoma, he held strong ties to Texas, especially as the former star of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Abbott said that Norris "electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice ‌to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth."

International figures also paid tribute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Norris "a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend."

Meanwhile, actor Sylvester Stallone remembered his time working alongside Norris, writing on Instagram: "He was All American in every way. Great man."

From big screen icon to internet sensation

On the back of his action-packed career, the bearded actor became an online cult hero in 2005 when an American student created viral online statements that became known as 'Chuck Norris Facts'.

Some popular examples included "Chuck Norris has a mug of nails instead of coffee in the morning" and "Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups; he pushes the Earth down."

The exaggerated jokes about the actor's physical prowess and tough-man image became an internet sensation and inspired several books. Embracing the meme craze, it earned him a new generation of supporters.

"To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon," Norris wrote in the forward to The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book. "I am flattered and humbled."

Patriotism and political influence

A supporter of conservative values, he was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and worked with the National Rifle Association. Also known as NRA, it is a gun rights advocacy group in the United States.

Norris' action blockbusters made him a popular figure among the US military. In 2006 and 2007, he visited Iraq to express his support for American troops.

Over the decades, he backed several political candidates and even went skydiving with George H.W. Bush for the former president's 80th birthday.

More recently, Norris endorsed US President Donald Trump in the 2016 election and wrote guest columns in support of him in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections, without explicitly endorsing the now 47th US president.

The legacy of the 'Chuck Norris Facts' also made its way into the MAGA base of Republican politics, with Trump supporters promoting so-called 'Trump Facts.'

Edited by: Alex Berry