After Chuck Norris died on March 19, 2026, aged 86, Sylvester Stallone remembered a valued co-star, Stephen King praised Norris’s performance in Silent Rage, and fellow martial artists and public figures shared tributes of their own. Norris’s family described his passing as sudden and asked that its circumstances remain private; no cause of death has been announced in the statements cited here.
What did Sylvester Stallone say about Chuck Norris?
Stallone, who worked with Norris on the 2012 action film The Expendables 2, recalled the experience warmly. He wrote: “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.” The Associated Press identifies Stallone as Norris’s co-star in the film: AP’s report on the tributes.
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What did Stephen King say about Chuck Norris?
King remembered Norris both as an actor and as a figure in the long-running tradition of Chuck Norris jokes. In the portion reported by ABC’s Good Morning America, King wrote: “Seriously, I thought he was great. SILENT RAGE scared the hell out of my boys…and me.” GMA’s report quotes that passage; TheWrap’s coverage gives a longer excerpt that also includes two of King’s favorite Norris jokes.
Silent Rage was the film King singled out in his remembrance. His reaction connected Norris’s screen presence with the comic persona that had become familiar far beyond his film and television roles.
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How did Norris’s fellow action stars remember him?
Dolph Lundgren
Lundgren, another The Expendables 2 co-star, described Norris as a role model. In a social post reported by AP, he wrote: “Chuck Norris is the champ. 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.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Van Damme, who also appeared with Norris in The Expendables 2, recalled knowing him from his own early days. He wrote: “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. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger remembered working with Norris in several settings, including fitness promotion and on screen. He wrote: “Chuck was an icon. I am grateful that I was able to work with him in multiple ways over the years, from promoting fitness to sharing the screen together. He was a badass, in real life and in Hollywood. His legend will be with us forever. My thoughts are with his family.”
What did George W. Bush and other public figures say?
Former President George W. Bush said in a statement, “Laura and I are saddened by Chuck Norris’s passing. He was a legend in Texas and beyond.” Bush also praised Norris’s foundation and said his example helped young people develop character and discipline through martial arts. Those are Bush’s characterizations of Norris’s impact, not an independent assessment.
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Tributes also came from Lee Majors, Joe Piscopo and others. Their messages were part of a wider public response that included actors, fellow performers and political figures.
Why was Norris a touchstone for martial artists and television viewers?
The Associated Press described Norris as a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion, a record that helps explain the respect expressed by fellow martial artists such as Lundgren. AP also reported that the United Fighting Arts Federation had awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide; that figure refers to the federation’s awards, not a count of Norris’s personal students.
For television audiences, Norris was widely recognized as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger. ABC’s Good Morning America reports that the series ran for nine seasons, from 1993 to 2001.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did Norris’s family say?
Norris’s family described him publicly as “a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength.” They also emphasized the private person behind that public image, calling him “a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.” The family’s statement was quoted by TheWrap.
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