He had suffered two heart attacks, yet he was still acting at 86 years old: this time there was nothing to be done.

Chuck Norris, martial arts master who became a cinema action icon and star of the famous television series "Walker, Texas Ranger", has passed away at the age of 86.

The actor had been hospitalized in a hospital in the Hawaiian Islands on Thursday, March 19; the family, in a statement released today, Friday, March 20, announced that he passed away that same morning. "While wishing to keep the circumstances private, we want to let you know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace," the statement reads.

One of the most recognizable faces in the action genre, Norris won over the general public with a long series of successful films, including "Lone Wolf McQuade", "Delta Force", "A Magnum for McQuade", and "The Code of Silence".

In July 2017, he suffered two heart attacks during the world championship of unified martial arts. Transported to a hospital in Las Vegas, the city where he resided, he then returned to the set with a leading role in "Agent Recon" directed by Derek Ting (2024) and with a self-deprecating portrayal of himself in the comedy "Zombie Plane" by Lav Bodnaruk and Michael Mier, in the same year.

"To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an extraordinary brother, and the heart of our family - reads the message shared on social media - . He lived his life with faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions of people around the world, leaving a profound mark on the lives of many. Even though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were fortunate to share with him. The love and support received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is sincerely grateful for it."

«To him, you were not just fans, but friends - it is still written in the post - . We know that many of you became aware of his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you have given him. As we face this pain, we kindly ask for respect for our family's privacy at this time. Thank you for loving him along with us."