Chuck Norris was throwing punches as recently as his 86th birthday, 10 days before his family announced his death on Friday, March 20.

Norris, the martial artist and iconic actor known best for his television series Walker, Texas Ranger and dozens of movie roles, died on Thursday, March 19, as his family shared to his Instagram page on March 20. The actor turned 86 on March 10 and posted a video on that date of himself sparring outdoors, including a clip of him throwing an impressive-looking body shot at his sparring partner, to emphasize his active lifestyle.

“I don’t age. I level up,” Norris said in the video.

He also wrote the phrase at the top of the caption to his post, which ultimately was the final post he shared to social media. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young,” he added in that caption. “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”

Norris first found fame in 1980s karate movies like A Force of One and An Eye for an Eye. By the end of the decade, he was established as one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. He starred in the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger, which premiered in 1993, and found a new level of fame in the 21st century when the internet meme “Chuck Norris facts,” where people would spread hyperbolic facts about the actor, spread and grew popular.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” his family’s statement read on March 20. “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,” the statement added. “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.”

Norris’ family’s announcement came just one day after TMZ reported that he was hospitalized in Hawaii. He shared sons Mike and Eric with his first wife Dianne Kay Holechek, a high school classmate whom he was married to from 1958 to 1989. (Holechek died at 84 in December 2025.) He also welcomed a daughter, Dina, in 1963 during an extramarital affair; he did not meet her until decades later.

In 1998, Norris married Gena O’Kelley, who was 23 years his junior. They met on the set of Walker, Texas Ranger. Norris and O’Kelley shared twins Dakota and Danilee, whom they welcomed in 2001.

“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him,” his family shared on Instagram. “The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends. We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.”