Honorary Texan Chuck Norris dies at 86. Here’s a look at his Fort Worth ties
Iconic actor and martial artist Chuck Norris died Thursday, March 19, in Hawaii. He was 86.
Norris’ family announced his passing in a post on his social media accounts the morning of Friday, March 20. The family did not divulge his cause of death, only citing that they wish to keep things private and that Norris 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,” the statement read. “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.”
Reports of Norris being hopsitalized in Hawaii came out early Thursday.
The family acknowledged these reports in their statement, saying they are “truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.”
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends,” the statement read.
While born and raised in Oklahoma, Norris had several ties to Fort Worth and North Texas. Here’s what to know.
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Chuck Norris’ local ties
Norris’ biggest ties to the area is “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
The CBS series starred Norris as Cordell Walker, a roundhouse kicking lawmen that fought crime across Texas. Walker was joined in his pursuit of justice by partners James Trivette (Clarence Gilyard Jr.), Alex Cahill (Sheree J. Wilson) and C.D. Parker (Noble Willingham).
“Walker, Texas Ranger” primarily filmed in and around North Texas, including plenty of locations in Fort Worth.
The show’s pilot episode filmed at Tarrant County Courthouse and around downtown. Several of the signs on West Seventh Street buildings were made to appear like banks, including the Star-Telegram’s old office, which caused some confusion.
Someone even phoned the office to let the newspaper staff know that the company had been sold and turned into a bank, Bud Kennedy reported at the time. That, however, turned out to just be movie magic.
In 2024, Norris was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame.
Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the group honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Western way of life. The trail of fame has been active since the late 1990s and includes folks like Roy Rogers, Amon G. Carter, Robert Duvall, Sam Elliott and many more.
Norris did not attend his induction ceremony, but did send in a video message, which can be viewed on the organization’s website. A bronze star bearing Norris’ name is located on the sidewalk outside the White Elephant Saloon.
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Chuck Norris… our hearts go out to his loved ones during this time,” the Texas Trail of Fame wrote on Facebook. “We are proud to have been able to honor his legacy as a Texas Trail of Fame inductee.”
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Chuck Norris and Texas politics
Norris was a lifelong Republican.
In 2017, Norris joined the annual Tarrant County Lincoln Day Dinner, according to previous Star-Telegram reporting. At the dinner, Norris spoke about how his politics put him on a path to achieve his life goal in helping youth focus on martial arts with his program Kickstart Kids.
“I want to use Texas as a beacon state,” Norris said, adding that he wanted to expand the program to middle schools throughout Texas. “This is my mission in life.”
That same year, the Texas Senate named Norris an honorary Texan.
Several Texas politicians have posted messages celebrating Norris’ life.
“All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris. He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger. But he electrified generations of conservatives. Giving them a passion and voice to fight for the principles that make America the greatest nation on earth,” Gov. Greg Abbott wrote online.
“A Texas legend. RIP, Chuck,” Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare wrote on X.
“Texas lost a true legend today. My friend Chuck Norris wasn’t just a movie star or a martial artist, he was the embodiment of grit, discipline, and Texas toughness. He represented the kind of strength and character that built this state and made this country great,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said in a statement.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 1:09 PM.
