Chuck Norris’ Eerie Last Words About Being in ‘Good Health’ Resurface After His ‘Sudden’ Death—’I Don’t Age’
StyleCaster Editors
The passing of Chuck Norris has people re-evaluating the life of the martial arts legend, as well as his legacy. And though Norris was famous for his movies and for holding black belts in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and the martial arts discipline he founded, chun kuk do, he was also famous for the memes.
In fact, for many Millennials, Norris was more famous for memes about his strength than for his acting. And Norris himself played into it, often referencing the internet jokes about his invincibility. Ironically, one of the last times he did it was shortly before his death.
On March 10, a little over a week before TMZ reported he had been hospitalized after a medical emergency, Norris shared a video on Instagram. In the video, he’s training with a sparring partner, and after hitting a combo, he says to the camera, “I don’t age, I level up.”
The caption for the post reads, “I’m 86 today!” adding, “Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. 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.”
On March 20, Norris’s family confirmed on social media that the actor had passed away. “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” his family 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,” the statement also read.
Norris rose to fame when he starred opposite Bruce Lee in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon. He went on to star in Missing in Action in 1984 and its sequels, Firewalker in 1986, and Sidekicks in 1992. He also starred in the 1986 film The Delta Force, the 1990 sequel Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection, and 1991’s The Hitman.
He then moved to television, where he starred as Cordell Walker in the Walker, Texas Ranger action crime series, which aired on CBS from 1993 to 2001. The last few years saw the conservative actor be a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.
Norr is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his five kids. Two of them, Mike and Eric, were born during his marriage to his first wife, Diane Holechek. Norris had another daughter, Dina, born in 1964, whom he didn’t know existed until she was 26. His youngest two kids, twins Dakota and Danilee, were born in 2001.
