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Chuck Norris is an Executive Producer of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) as well as the star. Norris is familiar to fans worldwide as the star of action films such as The Hitman (1991), The Delta Force (1986) and Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990). He also starred in Missing in Action (1984) and its sequels, Firewalker (1986) and Sidekicks (1992). Norris was born Carlos Ray in Ryan, OK. The eldest of three children, he helped his mother raise his two younger brothers in Torrance, CA, where his family moved when he was 12. Norris joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. During a stint in Korea,
Chuck Norris is an Executive Producer of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) as well as the star. Norris is familiar to fans worldwide as the star of action films such as The Hitman (1991), The Delta Force (1986) and Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990). He also starred in Missing in Action (1984) and its sequels, Firewalker (1986) and Sidekicks (1992). Norris was born Carlos Ray in Ryan, OK. The eldest of three children, he helped his mother raise his two younger brothers in Torrance, CA, where his family moved when he was 12. Norris joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. During a stint in Korea, he began to study the Asian martial art of Tang Soo Do. After returning home, he worked for Northrop Aviation and moonlighted as a karate instructor. Two years later he was teaching full-time and running a number of martial-arts schools. His students included Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and the Osmonds. In 1968, he became the Professional World Middleweight Karate Champion, holding the title undefeated until he retired in 1974. He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, both Korean fighting arts, and knows all forms of the martial arts. In 1969, he earned the Triple Crown for the highest number of tournament wins, and was named Fighter of the Year by "Black Belt" magazine. By the time he was 34, Norris had established 32 karate schools and had been a champion for six years. In 1996, he became the first Westerner to be awarded an eighth-degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. Norris, who was urged to get into acting by his friend Steve McQueen, skillfully incorporates his martial-arts knowledge into his series and feature film projects, stressing action and technique over violence. He is the author of the books "The Secret of Inner Strength" and "The Secret Power Within - Zen Solutions to Real Problems". He works for many charities, including the Funds for Kids, Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, Make-a-Wish Foundation and KickStart, a nonprofit organization he created to help battle drugs and violence in schools. He also starred in the television movie Blood In, Blood Out (1993), broadcast on CBS. He lives on a ranch when not filming. His birthday is March 10.
Trade Mark:
Usually plays heroes who are good guys to the bone, and despite having punishing martial arts skills, would always rather find a better solution than fighting.
Beard
Incredible physical strength and athletic prowess
Trivia:
1988: Campaigned for George Bush in the US presidential election.
Eldest of three sons born to Ray and Wilma Norris. Chuck's brothers are Wieland Norris (born July 12, 1943; KIA in Vietnam, 1970) and Aaron Norris. Aaron is the youngest of the trio, the proverbial "runt of the litter."
Father of Mike Norris and Eric Norris, the latter of whom is a professional stock car driver. Chuck also has a daughter named Dina, born in 1964. Diane Holechek is the mother of Chuck's aforementioned kids; of those three, Dina is the only one not mentioned in Chuck's 1980's autobiography, "The Secret Of Inner Strength: My Story". More recently, Chuck and Gena O'Kelly (his second wife) welcomed opposite-sex twins Dakota Alan (the boy) and Danilee Kelly (the girl). The twins' birthday is August 30, 2001.
Often trained with Bruce Lee.
6-time World Karate Champion; among those he faced for this title are fellow actors Joe Lewis and Steve Sanders.
He was the karate teacher of father-son actors Steve McQueen and Chad McQueen. The elder McQueen encouraged Norris to pursue a career in movies and television; allegedly, he told Chuck: "If you can't do anything else, there's always acting."
12/12/01: Received "Veteran of the Year 2001" honor at the 6th Annual American Veteran Awards.
In the movies where he's a police officer, Norris usually prefers to work alone (i.e. Lone Wolf McQuade (1983), Code of Silence (1985) and Top Dog (1995)).
Has 3 grandchildren by son Eric Norris; these include fellow actress Gabby Di Ciolli.
He has founded two of his own martial arts: Chun Kuk Do ("the Universal Way") and American Tang Soo Do.
He is the Founder of the National Tang-Soo-Do Congress (NTC) and the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). Chuck is also President of the latter.
He has a 10th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and also an 8th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do...that is, the Korean (or traditional) styles of each.
His father Ray was killed in a car accident, shortly after cancer surgery. Part of Ray's throat and chin were removed; a tube was inserted in his trachea to help him breathe. Ray was thrown out of his car in the wreck, and the tube came out. Ray suffocated on the ground because no one at the accident site was aware of the tube.
His voice and drama coach was Jonathan Harris, of "Lost in Space" (1965) fame. Harris "taught him how to speak," by putting his fingers in Norris's mouth, and stretching the mouth wide open. Chuck names Jonathan as the only man in the world who could get away with doing that to him... which Harris was always proud of.
It is commonly believed that he was offered the role of "Sensei Jon Kreese" in the original The Karate Kid (1984). He reportedly turned it down, claiming he did not want his name connected with such a brutal and vicious character. This is, in fact, an urban legend; Norris himself has disputed it. While appearing on the February 9, 2006 episode of the radio show hosted by Adam Carolla, Norris stated that he was never offered the role at all.
Despite their vast political differences, he is friends with actress and comedienne Whoopi Goldberg. He was so impressed with a performance of hers that he tried, unsuccessfully, to get her a role in his film Invasion U.S.A. (1985).
Reader's Digest once noted a story of how Norris, true to his characters, prefers to find a non-violent way to solve a situation. Norris was in a bar once when a customer walked in and said to him, "You're in my seat. Move." Norris complied, and as the customer sat down, he recognized Norris. He then said, "Chuck, you could've kicked my butt if you wanted to. Instead of moving, why didn't you just attack me?" Norris' response: "What would that have accomplished?" Norris later said the experience resulted in him getting a new admirer and a new friend.
Is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Machado Brothers.
As a child, his idol and favorite actor was John Wayne. Indeed, their on screen personas bear much in common. Both achieved their highest level of fame playing no nonsense good guys who were incorruptible and did whatever it took to make sure that justice was served and that the bad guys got what they deserved.
He is a staunch supporter of the Republican Party.
Is an NRA member.
Is a close friend of legendary writer and director John Milius, who was an uncredited co-screenwriter of Norris's movie Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). Milius credits this film, in part with inspiring him to craft the similar Extreme Prejudice (1987), four years later.
Enjoys playing golf and participates in many celebrity golfing events.
A website known as "Chuck Norris Facts" has been created as a parody of his career. Chuck is not offended by the website, in fact, has said he feels honored to have a website named after him and says he laughs when he reads the facts.
Participated on the TV show "The Contender" (2005) with fellow action superstar Sylvester Stallone.
Was a guest star on "The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular" (2003) honoring Bob Barker's 80th birthday. Other celebrity guests included Céline Dion, Ray Romano, Charlie Sheen and Larry King.
Was the initial choice for the character of Red Forman on the Fox sitcom "That '70s Show" (1998), but was still filming "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), so he had to turn it down.
1004: Actively supported George W. Bush's campaign to become Governor of Texas.
8/30/01: Twins Dakota Alan and Danilee Kelly, with Gena O'Kelly, were born.
1/20/01: Attended the first inauguration of President George W. Bush along with fellow longtime Republican supporters Sylvester Stallone and Robert Duvall.
Is only one of three Americans to achieve eighth-degree black belt status in tae-kwon-do.
2/14/06: Attended a Valentine's Day celebration at the White House, wearing black boots with his tuxedo. Singer Michael Feinstein capped the romantic evening by serenading the crowd, which included new Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, singer Wayne Newton and Senators Mitch McConnell and Joe Lieberman.
2006: Campaigned for Republicans in the mid-term elections, in which Republicans wound up losing control of both houses of Congress.
Both his parents were half Irish and half Cherokee.
2006: He began writing a column for the right-wing political publication WorldNetDaily. In his columns he has expressed his beliefs that, among other things, evolution doesn't exist, those who are troubled should turn to Christ and "true patriots" would not support a separation of church and state. In addition, he also speaks on behalf of organizations pushing for mandatory prayer in public schools.
He is a born again Christian.
Served in the U.S. Air Force.
He and his wife both serve on the board of the National Council of Bible Curriculum in Public Schools.
Was to appear in Delta Force 3: The Killing Game (1991), but he withdrew following the helicopter crash during the making of Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990).
Has played Ranger Cordell Walker in three different TV-series: "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), "Sons of Thunder" (1999) and "Martial Law" (1998).
Was offered the role of Steiner in The Game of Death (1978), but turned it down.
Publicly endorsed Mike Huckabee as his choice for Republican candidate in the 2008 presidential election.
Publicly condemned The Golden Compass (2007) as anti-Christian.
He is a close friend of President George W. Bush and his father, former President George Bush.
Hosted a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee at his ranch in Navasota, Texas. Norris estimated more than 200 people paid at least $1,000 for a plate of barbecue and a chance to watch Huckabee play bass guitar with his band, Capitol Offense. Norris, who has frequently made public appearances in support of Huckabee, opened his sprawling East Texas ranch to the campaign and its supporters. (20 January 2008).
Portrayed by Ray Park in "The Legend of Bruce Lee" (2008) (aka "The Legend of Bruce Lee") (TV series).
Close friend and admirer of Sean Hannity.
Best known by the public for his starring role as the title character in "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993).
On an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), his co-star's, Clarence Gilyard Jr., character read the book, "The Secret Power Within," which Norris wrote himself.
He was made an honorary Marine in March 2007.
Had a daughter out of wedlock in 1964. He did not see her until she was 26.
Attended Hamilton Junior High School in Houston, Texas in the early 1950s before moving to Torrance, California.
Won in 2006 "The Jewish Humanitarian Man of the Year Award."
Although a very vocal conservative Republican and born again Christian, Norris has ruled out running for elected office himself.
Publicly endorsed former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore for Republican candidate as Governor of Alabama in the 2010 mid-term elections.
Is a vocal secessionist.
Once went under Phil McGraw's training, and is his greatest student.
Was/is best friends with: George Bush, David Carradine, Steve McQueen, Bruce Lee, Sheree J. Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell and Clint Eastwood.
Had a hip replacement in 2009.
In 2005 he founded the World Combat League, a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition.
Lives in Dallas, Texas.
Chuck and his brother, Aaron Norris, were made honorary Texas Rangers by Gov. Rick Perry on December 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas.
Out of all the Chuck Norris facts, his personal favorite is 'Before the Boogie Man goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.'.
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Tags: Actor (14), Overrated (11), Conservative (9), Republican (8), Homophobe (5), Lame (5), American (5), Crazy (4), Born 1940 (4), Action Star (4), Sucks (4), Washed Up (3), Martial Artist (3), Walker Texas Ranger (3), God (3), Male (3), One Bad Film After The Other (3), Religious Nut (3)
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