Recommendations of the Editorial team
Some of the biggest stars of Hollywood action cinema say goodbye to Chuck Norris, the actor and former martial arts master, who died on Thursday.
Sylvester Stallone, who appeared in front of the camera with Norris in “The Expendables 2” (2012), posted a photo of himself and Norris on Instagram. “I had a great time with Chuck,” he wrote. “He was quintessentially American in every way. A great man – my deepest condolences to his wonderful family.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme, also a co-star from “The Expendables 2,” paid tribute to his companion on Instagram with a photo together. “My deepest condolences on the passing of my friend Chuck Norris,” he wrote. “We knew each other from my early days and I always respected the person he was. My heart and thoughts are with his family. He will never be forgotten. 🥋🙏🏼💔” Noteworthy: Van Damme appeared as a soldier in one of Norris’ most famous films, “Missing in Action” (1984), without being credited.
Lundgren and the role model
Dolph Lundgren, also part of the “The Expendables 2” cast, described how Norris inspired him. “Chuck Norris is the champion,” he wrote. “Even as a young martial artist and later entering the film business, I always looked up to him – as a role model. As someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend. ✨”
Judson Mills, who played Francis Gage in Walker, Texas Ranger, posted a lengthy obituary. “Chuck was one of those rare people who truly embodied what you saw in them – quiet, humble, kind, wise and gentle,” he wrote. “A giant among men who somehow always managed to make you feel completely at ease in his presence, as if he were simply one of us. A true gentleman in every sense. An American hero.”
Joe Piscopo, who starred opposite Norris in “Sidekicks,” posted a hilarious photo and wrote, “It was an honor to work with Chuck. It was a life-changing experience that I will carry in my heart forever. I send love, respect and my sincere condolences to the Norris family.”
Mustaine and the memory of youth
Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine also spoke up with words of admiration. “When I was 13, I saw Bruce Lee’s ‘The Way of the Dragon’ and instantly became a Chuck Norris fan,” he wrote. “Today I extend my condolences to the Norris family. I know that millions of fans and friends will miss him. I certainly will, too.”
Norris’ family confirmed the actor’s death on Friday, following earlier reports that he had been hospitalized in Hawaii following an unspecified medical emergency. “To the world, he was a martial artist, actor and symbol of strength,” they wrote. “To us, he was a faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, an exceptional brother and the heart of our family.”
Norris discovered martial arts while stationed in South Korea while serving in the Air Force. From 1968 to 1974 he was world karate champion in the middleweight class. During this time he also found his way into film and appeared in front of the camera together with Bruce Lee in “Return of the Dragon”. In the mid-eighties he finally won over audiences and critics – with roles in “Missing in Action” and “The Delta Force” – before he played his way into the hearts of viewers in “Walker, Texas Ranger” as a silent, unbending peacekeeper.
