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Action Icons Lead Tributes to a Legend
Hollywood’s action elite are mourning the loss of Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and screen icon who died Thursday at age 86 . His family confirmed the news Friday, with tributes pouring in from co-stars, politicians, and fans worldwide .
Stallone, Van Damme, Lundgren Honor Their Friend
Sylvester Stallone, who directed and starred alongside Norris in 2012’s The Expendables 2, shared a photo of the pair on Instagram. “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was all-American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family,” Stallone wrote .
Jean-Claude Van Damme, who trained with Norris for nearly two years in the early 1980s before his own acting career took off, posted an emotional tribute alongside a montage of photos. “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. He will never be forgotten,” Van Damme wrote .
Dolph Lundgren, another Expendables 2 co-star, called Norris “the champ” and described him as a lifelong inspiration. “Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend,” Lundgren said .
Hollywood and Beyond Remember an Icon
Actor Terry Crews, who also appeared in The Expendables 2, said working with Norris was “one of the greatest privileges of my life.” He added: “He was a true icon, but more than that, a kind, humble and gentle man” .
Donny Osmond recalled how Elvis Presley introduced him and his brothers to Norris in the early 1970s to add karate to their act. “He taught us Tang Soo Do and pushed us to be stronger in every way. Tough in training, but one of the kindest souls you could ever know,” Osmond wrote on X .
Nia Peeples, who co-starred with Norris on Walker, Texas Ranger, remembered him as a “genuinely good human being” who quietly ensured others were taken care of behind the scenes .
Political Tributes
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the Lone Star State “has lost a legend,” noting Norris “embodied the toughness, grit and patriotism that makes Texas supreme” . Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Norris “a great friend of Israel” and said he “brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world” .
A Lasting Legacy
Norris, a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion, rose to fame in films like The Way of the Dragon (opposite Bruce Lee), Missing in Action, and The Delta Force, before becoming a household name in the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger .
Just 10 days before his death, Norris celebrated his 86th birthday with a video showing him sparring, writing: “I don’t age, I level up” .
