Chuck Norris, who passed away last week at the age of 86, was more than a martial artist and action star.
While his films in the 1980s, including ‘Missing in Action’ and ‘Delta Force’, cemented his place in Hollywood and ‘Walker’, ‘Texas Ranger’ brought him into households around the world, his cultural impact extended far beyond box office success.
Norris first rose to fame as a martial artist, holding black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo. His skills caught the attention of legends such as Bruce Lee and Steve McQueen.
In the 1990s, Walker, Texas Ranger made him a global television phenomenon, demonstrating that audience engagement did not require critical acclaim. The show’s popularity spanned nine seasons, international syndication and countless DVD sales, inspiring generations of fans.
Yet perhaps his most unique influence came from the rise of ‘Chuck Norris Facts’ in the mid-2000s.
