NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Rural contractors struggle with rising gas orices. Chuck Norris has passed away in Hawaii, aged 86.
Video / NZ Herald
Chuck Norris boasted that he did not “age. I level up” in his final social media post before his death.
The action legend died on Thursday after being hospitalised for an undisclosed medical emergency, his family announced on Friday.
Days before he died, Chuck hmessaged his 2.9million Instagram followers as he celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10 in Hawaii.
Posting a video of him boxing with his trainer, whom he knocks to the ground with a stiff body shot, under the header “I don’t age. I level up”, he wrote: “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.
He celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10, posting a video on Instagram. Photo / Getty Images
Tragically, Walker, Texas Ranger star Norris was dead just over a week later, with the undisclosed medical emergency occurring suddenly and unexpectedly.
His family announced his death, posting on Instagram: “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.”
Norris’ family paid tribute to the way he “lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved”.
They continued: “Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
Mike Colter, who played Luke Cage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Luke Cage, The Defenders, posted on social media: “Wow. I’m so sorry to hear this. He was always so kind and warm. A true legend on and off camera.”
Fellow mixed martial artist Wonderboy posted: “Oh no! I can’t believe it! You helped shape my childhood as a martial artist! You will forever be missed! Legend!”
Social media influencer Ross Smith wrote on Instagram: “We love you Chuck thanks for being such an amazing person and friend! Rest in peace.”
Norris served in the US Air Force and went on to win multiple martial arts championships. He was a black belt in Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
Norris founded his own discipline, Chun Kuk Do, and trained celebrities in martial arts.
His late friend, actor and martial artist Bruce Lee cast him as villain Colt in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon, and late Hollywood legend Steve McQueen then encouraged Norris to continue acting.
One of his most popular movie roles was as Major Scott McCoy in 1986’s Delta Force and the 1990 sequel Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection.
In 1993 he began playing Ranger Cordell Walker in Walker,Texas Ranger, a role with which he would forever be associated.
After the CBS show ended in 2001, Chuck continued playing lead roles in movies until 2006. His last major film appearance came in 2012 with The Expendables 2.
