Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris (born March 10, 1940) is an American martial artist and actor, known for his black belts in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he became a martial arts champion and founded Chun Kuk Do.
Norris gained fame through roles in action films like Breaker! Breaker! (1977) and Missing in Action (1984). He starred in Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001) and wrote several bestselling books. In 2005, he gained internet fame through Chuck Norris facts.
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Chuck Norris Net Worth
Chuck Norris has a net worth of $70 million. In 2013, he listed his Dallas home for $1.2 million. This 7,362-square-foot property, co-owned with his brother Aaron, features four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a theatre, weight room, and a lake. A separate building served as a studio during the filming of Walker, Texas Ranger.
Currently, Norris lives at Lone Wolf Ranch in Navasota, Texas, where he and his family operate their water bottling company, CForce, on 1,000 acres of grassland.
Early life
Chuck Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma on March 10, 1940, to Wilma and Ray Dee Norris, a World War II veteran and mechanic. His mother was of Irish descent, and his father was of Cherokee descent.
Norris was the oldest of three brothers. His brother Wieland predicted he wouldn’t reach 27, which came true when he was killed in the Vietnam War in 1970. After his parents’ divorce when Norris was 16, he moved with his mother and brothers to California, describing his childhood as difficult and introverted.
Career
In 1958, Chuck Norris joined the U.S. Air Force and trained in martial arts while stationed in South Korea. After his discharge in 1962, he opened a martial arts studio and began competing. By 1967, he won multiple championships and founded a chain of karate schools with celebrity clients.
Norris also became friends with Bruce Lee. In 1972, they starred together in “Way of the Dragon”. Norris later appeared in commercials, starred in the animated series “Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos”, and played Cordell Walker on “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993-2001).
Personal life
In December 1958, Chuck Norris married Dianne Holechek, with whom he had two sons, Mike (1962) and Eric (1964), before divorcing in 1989. He later married Gena O’Kelkey in 1998, and they had twins in 2001.
Norris has numerous grandchildren. His nickname “Chuck” came at age 18 in the U.S. Air Force. Suggested by Steve McQueen to act, Norris became a prominent figure. A devout Christian and conservative, he founded Kickstart, supporting martial arts programs for youth. In 2010, he was made an honorary Texas Ranger.
Who is a better fighter, Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?
The debate between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris has sparked much discussion, with many believing Lee’s speed would overwhelm Norris, a sentiment the karate champion has praised. On the other hand, some argue Norris’s strength and size would give him an advantage over the kung fu legend.
Conclusion
Chuck Norris’s life is a remarkable story of overcoming personal challenges and achieving greatness in multiple fields. From his humble beginnings to becoming a world champion in martial arts and a celebrated actor, Norris has left an indelible mark on both the martial arts and entertainment industries.
FAQs About Chuck Norris
- What is Chuck Norris’s age? Chuck Norris is 83 years old (born March 10, 1940).
- What is Chuck Norris most famous for? Norris is most famous for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and his martial arts career.
- How many losses did Chuck Norris have in his martial arts career? Chuck Norris had 10 losses in his martial arts career.
- Was Chuck Norris in the military? Yes, Chuck Norris served in the U.S. Air Force.
- What was Chuck Norris’s rank in the military? Norris was discharged from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Airman first class.
