Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the action blockbuster world are paying their respects to Chuck Norris, the actor and onetime martial arts champion who died Thursday.
Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside Norris in The Expendables 2 (2012), posted a photo of him with Norris on Instagram. “I had a great time working with Chuck,” he wrote. “He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme, another one of Norris’ Expendables 2 co-stars, also paid tribute on Instagram with a photo of the pair of them. “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris,” he wrote. “We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten. 🥋🙏🏼💔” Van Damme, notably, was uncredited as playing a soldier in one of Norris’ biggest movies, Missing in Action (1984).
Dolph Lundgren, also in The Expendables 2, noted how Norris inspired him. “Chuck Norris is the champ,” he wrote. “Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend. ✨”
Judson Mills, who played Francis Gage on Walker, Texas Ranger, posted a lengthy tribute. “Chuck was one of those rare individuals who was truly the icon he was made out to be — quiet, humble, kind, wise, and gentle,” he wrote. “A giant among men who somehow always made you feel completely at ease, like he was just one of the gang. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. An American hero.”
Joe Piscopo, who appeared alongside Norris in Sidekicks, posted a jubilant photo and wrote: “I was honored to work with Chuck. It was a life changing and treasured experience that I will hold dearly in my heart forever. Sending love, respect and heartfelt condolences to the Norris Family.”
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Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine also posted words of admiration. “When I was 13, I watched Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon, and instantly became a fan of Chuck Norris,” he wrote. “Today, I send my condolences to the Norris family. I know he will be missed by millions of fans and friends. I know I certainly will.”
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Norris’ family confirmed the actor’s death on Friday following reports that he’d been hospitalized in Hawaii for an unspecified medical emergency. “To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength,” they wrote. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”
Norris discovered martial arts when he was stationed in South Korea while serving in the Air Force. He was the world middleweight karate champion from 1968 to 1974. Around that time, he got involved with moviemaking, appearing opposite Bruce Lee in Return of the Dragon. Moviegoers and critics started giving him more respect by the mid Eighties, when he starred in Missing in Action and The Delta Force, and he cemented his brand as a strong, silent peacekeeper in Walker, Texas Ranger.
