Hollywood's legendary action star and martial artist Chuck Norris has died. He was 86.

On the 20th (local time), according to foreign media including Page Six, the actor Chuck Norris, familiar to domestic fans for the drama "Walker, Texas Ranger," suffered a medical emergency on Kauai in Hawaii and ultimately passed away.

Chuck Norris's family, in an official statement, said "with heavy hearts we announced the passing of Chuck Norris. The family said, "The deceased peacefully closed his eyes on Thursday morning with family at his side." They added, "To the world he was an action star symbolizing toughness, but to us he was a devoted husband, a loving father and the center of our family," expressing deep sorrow.

Earlier this week it was reported that Chuck Norris was rushed to a hospital in Hawaii after a sudden health issue, raising concerns among fans. At the time he was reported to have regained consciousness and shown signs of recovery, but he ultimately did not pull through, adding to the regret.

In particular, just 10 days ago on March 10, when he turned 86, the deceased posted a video on social media showing him taking a boxing lesson in good health. At the time he left the witty line, "I don't get old, I only level up," along with the greeting, "I'm grateful to be healthy and able to do what I love for another year," so the sudden bad news is even more shocking.

Born in 1940, Chuck Norris first became involved with martial arts while serving as a U.S. military police airman stationed in Korea in the late 1950s. He later rose to prominence as a world martial arts champion in the 1960s and 1970s, and in 1972 he appeared as Bruce Lee's rival in the film 'Fist of Fury,' rising to global stardom with the legendary duel scene set in the Roman Colosseum.

He scored hits with a number of action films such as 'The Delta Force' and the 'Missing in Action' series, and through the popular drama "Walker, Texas Ranger," which aired from 1993 to 2001, he cemented his status as an icon of American action.

Also, his overwhelming toughness was sublimated into the online meme "Chuck Norris Facts," and he became beloved by younger generations as the unrivaled character "the world's strongest man."

The deceased's son Dakota posted on his social media, "My father was someone I respected my whole life. His kindness, courage and faith were an example to me. He was the greatest father God ever gave me," a tearful tribute that moved readers.

The departure of an action hero who defined an era has prompted waves of mourning from fans and the film community around the world.<

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