Chuck Norris: Hollywood's Toughest Icon Passes Away

0:00It's March 20th, here's what's happening in Entertainment. Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and action star from the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away at age 86. TMZ confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood's toughest icons. His big break came alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon after they met at a karate tournament in 1937 and trained together. Norris first appeared on screen in 1968's The Wrecking Crew, even showing up with a black eye from a real fight that needed makeup to. Hide. Norris dominated karate as a world champion for six years before retiring at 34 in 1974. Friends like Steve McQueen pushed him toward acting full-time, leading to villain roles and then leading man spots in hits like Breaker Breaker and Good Guys Wear Black. In the 1980s, he starred in a string of profitable action flicks that critics pan, but audiences loved. He kept the momentum going on television with Walker, Texas

1:02Ranger, where he starred and produced for eight intense years. His larger-than-life image even sparked early internet memes celebrating his unbeatable persona, cementing Norris as a true pop culture force across decades.