At 84 years old, Chuck Norris is still at the top of his game, from film to television and even in promotions like the latest release “Morning Kick” featuring the karate icon.
He was born at the World Martial Arts Exhibition in his early days Black belt magazine in 1967, wearing his traditional black-piped Tang Soo Do uniform, and since that moment he has been kicking and winning a large audience wherever he goes.
Today Black belt magazine gives you 10 reasons (9 movies and a TV show) why we love Chuck Norris.
Why do we love Chuck Norris?
1. Even though he’s a big star… he’s still one of us
He emerged from the world of karate, owning studios, competing in tournaments and mingling with us long before his rise to fame. Yet despite becoming a household name, Chuck Norris remains grounded in his roots, embodying the spirit of a true karate practitioner.
Good guys wear black
2. Movie Star Appearance and Assassin Skills
We love Chuck Norris not only for his unmatched skills and charisma, but also for his rugged good looks that have captivated audiences for decades.
Strength of one
3. He fought Bruce Lee
Who can forget the Colosseum? We admire Chuck Norris not only for his iconic roles and martial arts prowess, but also for his legendary fight against Bruce Lee, still today one of the greatest fight scenes of all time.
The Return of the Dragon
4. His acting has improved with each film
Inside the crime action drama Code of silence, Chuck Norris teamed up with then-promising director Andrew Davis, who went on to direct “The Fugitive” with Harrison Ford. In this breakthrough role for Norris, he went from being a good-looking guy who could kick butt to a formidable force on screen, playing a heroic figure opposite the infamous Henry Silva.
Code of silence
5. He never forgot his roots
Chuck Norris’ enduring popularity can be attributed in part to his unwavering connection to his karate roots. Despite his superstar status, Norris has never forgotten his origins in the world of martial arts. He remained deeply involved in the karate community, showing up at events and even promoting his own tournament and league, even though he was already a household name. That dedication resonated with fans, who admired his humility and commitment to the discipline that helped shape his career. Norris’s continued presence on the karate scene has served as a reminder of his authenticity and grounded nature, endearing him to audiences around the world.
Companions
6. He made films that lifted our spirits
In his portrayal of the iconic Ranger JJ McQuade in “Lone Wolf McQuade,” he embodies the lone wolf archetype, courageously taking on adversaries against all odds. Fueled by sheer determination, courage, and the occasional nonchalant beer in hand, Norris imbues the character with rugged charm and relentless determination. His portrayal not only captivated audiences, but also transformed McQuade into a character synonymous with Norris himself. This role served as a springboard for Norris to venture into the realm of television, cementing his status as an enduring action hero.
Lone Wolf McQuade
7. He put his friends and family in his films and made them famous too
Chuck Norris demonstrated extraordinary generosity in incorporating his friends and family into his films, catapulting them to fame alongside him. From Bill Wallace and Richard Norton to Howard Jackson, Pat Johnson, Tadashi Yamashita and the Machado brothers, Norris surrounded himself with martial arts luminaries, providing them with opportunities in his films and television shows that not only showcased their talents , but also considerably strengthened their careers.
The Octagon
8. He became a household name and always remained humble
With the #1 TV show in America, Chuck Norris became a household name, but he remained remarkably humble throughout his meteoric rise to fame. Norris never lost touch with the values that shaped him. He continued to interact graciously with fans, embodying humility both on and off screen. This down-to-earth demeanor endeared him even more to audiences, cementing his reputation not only as a formidable action star, but also as a truly authentic and approachable individual.
Walker Texas Ranger
9. He’s a veteran
Chuck Norris began his remarkable journey of service to his country by enlisting in the Air Force in 1958. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, he was stationed at D Air Force Base. ‘Osan in South Korea, where he served with the 6314th Air Police Squadron. . While in Korea, he learned Tang Soo Do and continued his duties as an air marshal at March Air Base. In 1962, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Airman First Class, marking the end of his military career.
Norris’ dedication and contributions were later recognized when he received the 2001 U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Year Award, highlighting his enduring commitment to serving his country, both in and out of uniform.
Delta Force
10. He made fun of himself despite the fact that he was now legendary
“A cobra once bit Chuck Norris’ leg. After five days of excruciating suffering, the cobra died. Yes, and dozens of other jokes and fun facts put Chuck in the pop culture middle with a new generation. He took it in stride and even used the joke in his cameo in the Sly Stallone action picture.
Expendables 2
