American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family said on Facebook.
Chuck Norris. Photo: Ricardo Maldonado Rozo / EPA
According to Norris's relatives, the actor died the previous evening surrounded by family. The family chose not to disclose any further details.
"To the whole world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a model 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 said.
A day earlier, on March 19, TMZ sources reported that Chuck Norris had been hospitalized on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The report did not specify what exactly had happened to the actor. At the same time, the publication's sources said he was in good spirits.
"We know that many of you heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are sincerely grateful for the prayers and support you sent him," the actor's family said in its latest post.
Norris turned 86 on March 10. On that day, he wrote on his social media that he was "not aging, but leveling up."
"Nothing makes you feel young like a workout on a sunny day. I'm grateful for another year of life, good health, and the opportunity to keep doing what I love," the actor wrote.
Norris is a six-time world karate champion. He is known for his roles in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger" as well as the films "The Way of the Dragon," "An Eye for an Eye," "Missing in Action," "Invasion U.S.A.," "The Expendables 2," and others.