President Donald Trump has reacted to the news of Chuck Norris’s passing at the age of 86, calling him a “great man” and “tough.”
On Friday, a reporter announced that Norris had died. Trump acknowledged Norris as a “tough cookie” and “great supporter.”
He said, “He was a great guy. Really tough. You wouldn’t want to fight him. He was just… a great supporter.”
Trump went on to extend his deepest sympathy to Norris’s family, emphasizing, “He is a great man.”
Norris’s family shared a statement through his Instagram account, describing him as a “devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather.”
The family expressed, “It is with a heavy heart we announce the sudden passing of Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like some privacy, please know he was peaceful and surrounded by family.”
“To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a symbol of strength,” they continued. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a wonderful brother, and the heart of our family.”
Reports from various outlets indicate Norris had been hospitalized in Kauai prior to his death.
He was widely recognized for his role in the TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, as well as for films like The Octagon, An Eye for an Eye, and Silent Rage.
His last film appearance was in The Expendables 2.
Norris’s ascent in Hollywood began in the 1970s after being cast by Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon, shortly after they became friends following a chance encounter.
Having made a name for himself as one of karate’s most celebrated champions, he starred in Good Guys Wear Black and continued his film career well into the mid-1990s.
The family concluded their statement, saying, “He lived his life with faith, purpose, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
