Expendables 2 Co-Stars Remember Chuck Norris After His Death: “I Always Looked Up to Him”
Composite image using public domain photos from The White House, Staff Sgt. Tony Foster, and U.S. Air Force photo by Robbin Cresswell (derivative by Emdee), via Wikimedia Commons.
Tributes From Action Stars
Some of Hollywood’s biggest action stars are mourning Chuck Norris after his family announced his death at 86 on March 20. Norris, the martial artist and actor best known for Walker, Texas Ranger and a long list of films, passed away on March 19, his family shared on Instagram. In the hours following the news, stars including Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Jean-Claude Van Damme paid tribute to the legendary performer. Norris’ last major movie role was in the 2012 film The Expendables 2, alongside Stallone, Lundgren, and Van Damme.
Stallone shared a photo of himself with Norris on the set of The Expendables 2 on Instagram, writing: “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.” Van Damme posted three photos with Norris, including one with John Travolta, and added: “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.” Lundgren described Norris as “the champ,” adding: “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. ✨”
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Family Reflections and Career Highlights
Norris’ family shared a statement on Instagram announcing his “sudden passing.” They said: “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family. He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
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Chuck Norris first rose to fame in 1980s karate films such as A Force of One and An Eye for an Eye, becoming a major action star in Hollywood during the 1990s. He gained further recognition with Walker, Texas Ranger, which premiered in 1993 and became a staple of syndicated television. In the 21st century, Norris reached a new audience through the internet meme “Chuck Norris facts,” where exaggerated claims about his abilities spread across social media, cementing his status in popular culture.
After The Expendables 2, Norris appeared in television and film sporadically, including a 2015 episode of The Goldbergs, a 2020 episode of Hawaii Five-0, and the 2024 movie Agent Recon. His combination of martial arts skill, film presence, and off-screen humility ensured his influence would endure among fans and fellow actors alike.
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