Chuck Norris, Action Star and Former WWE Enforcer, Dies at 86

Though he was the subject of many popular memes about his indestructible toughness, even Chuck Norris couldn’t live forever. Following a sudden, unspecified health emergency in Hawaii, he passed away yesterday at the age of 86.

Norris’ major contribution to wrestling was as a special enforcer in 1994 at Survivor Series in the Undertaker-Yokozuna casket match. Playing the good guy, as he nearly always did, Norris helped the Undertaker to victory by kicking an interfering Jeff Jarrett in the chest.

An Air Force veteran who studied martial arts while stationed in Korea, Norris made his movie debut as the villain in Bruce Lee’s Return of the Dragon. Throughout the ’80s, he starred in many action movies for Cannon films, including Missing in Action and Delta Force. Like many other celebrities in the ’80s, he also had his own TV cartoon and toy line with Chuck Norris’ Karate Kommandos.

In the ’90s, he transitioned to TV as the title character in the long-running Walker, Texas Ranger. In the aughts, he became an Internet meme. Later, he became a conservative political activist and columnist. His last major movie appearance was in The Expendables 2, though his final film role is in the not-yet-released satire Zombie Plane, in which he and Vanilla Ice play fictionalized versions of themselves.

Norris developed two hybrid martial-arts styles of his own: American Tang Soo Do and Chuck Norris System. Here is WWE’s official statement:

WWE is saddened to learn that legendary Hollywood actor and pop culture icon Chuck Norris has passed away.

A legend in the television and film industry with iconic projects such as Walker Texas Ranger, The Way of the Dragon, and many more, Norris became one of the most recognizable stars in Hollywood with his martial arts background playing a key role in his films and shows.

Norris made an iconic appearance at Survivor Series 1994, where he served as the special enforcer for The Undertaker’s Casket Match against Yokozuna.

During the match, Norris delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to Jeff Jarrett, helping The Undertaker win.

WWE extends its condolences to Norris’ family, friends, and fans.