At 84, Chuck Norris is still at the top of his game, from movies to TV and even endorsements like the latest “Morning Kick” product featuring the Karate icon.
He was born to the worldwide exposure of martial arts on his debut Black Belt Magazine cover in 1967 donning his traditional black piped Tang Soo Do uniform, and since that moment he has not stopped kicking butt and commanding huge audiences wherever he goes.
Today Black Belt Magazine gives you 10 reasons (9 movies and one TV show) why we love Chuck Norris.
Why we Love Chuck Norris?
1. Even though he is a big star….he is still one of us
He emerged from the karate world, owning studios, competing in tournaments, and mingling with us long before his rise to fame. Yet, despite becoming a household name, Chuck Norris remains grounded in his roots, embodying the spirit of a true karate practitioner.
2. Movie Star looks and Assassin Skills
We love Chuck Norris not only for his unparalleled skills and charisma but also for his rugged good looks that have captivated audiences for decades.
3. He fought Bruce Lee
Who can forget the Coliseum? We admire Chuck Norris not only for his iconic roles and martial arts prowess but also for his legendary bout against Bruce Lee, still today one of the greatest fight scenes of all time.
4. His acting got better with every movie
In the gritty crime action drama Code of Silence, Chuck Norris joined forces with the then up-and-coming movie director Andrew Davis, who later helmed "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford. In this breakthrough role for Norris, he transitioned from being the good-looking guy who could kick to a formidable force on screen, portraying a heroic figure pitted against the nefarious Henry Silva.
5. He never forgot his Roots
Chuck Norris's enduring popularity can be attributed in part to his unwavering connection to his karate roots. Despite achieving superstar status, Norris never forgot his origins in the world of martial arts. He remained deeply involved in the karate community, showing up to events and even promoting his own tournament, and league even when he was already a household name. This dedication resonated with fans, who admired his humility and commitment to the discipline that helped shape his career. Norris's continued presence in the karate scene served as a reminder of his authenticity and grounded nature, endearing him to audiences around the world.
6. He made movies that made us cheer
In his portrayal of the iconic Ranger JJ McQuade in "Lone Wolf McQuade," he embodies the epitome of the lone wolf archetype, bravely taking on adversaries against all odds. Fueled by sheer determination, guts, and sometimes a nonchalant beer in hand, Norris imbues the character with a rugged charm and relentless resolve. His portrayal not only captivated audiences but also transformed McQuade into a persona synonymous with Norris himself. This role served as a springboard for Norris to venture into the realm of television, solidifying his status as an enduring action hero.
7. He put his friends and family in his movies and made them famous too
Chuck Norris displayed extraordinary generosity by incorporating his friends and family into his movies, thus catapulting them to fame alongside him. From the likes of Bill Wallace and Richard Norton to Howard Jackson, Pat Johnson, Tadashi Yamashita, and the Machado Brothers, Norris surrounded himself with martial arts luminaries, providing them with opportunities in his films and TV shows that not only showcased their talents but also bolstered their careers significantly.
8. He became a household name and still remained humble
With the No. 1 TV show in America, Chuck Norris ascended to the status of a household name, yet he remained remarkably humble throughout his meteoric rise to fame. Norris never lost touch with the values that shaped him. He continued to interact with fans graciously, embodying humility both on and off the screen. This down-to-earth demeanor endeared him even more to audiences, cementing his reputation not only as a formidable action star but also as a genuinely genuine and approachable individual.
9. He is a Veteran
Chuck Norris began his remarkable journey of service to his country by enlisting in the Air Force in 1958. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, he was stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he served with the 6314th Air Police Squadron. During his time in Korea, he learned Tang Soo Do and continued his duties as an air policeman at March Air Force Base. In 1962, he was honorably discharged with the rank of airman first class, marking the end of his military career.
Norris's dedication and contributions were later recognized when he received the Veteran of the Year 2001 award from the U.S. Air Force, underscoring his enduring commitment to serving his country both in and out of uniform.
10. He made fun of himself despite the fact he was now of legendary status
“Once a cobra bit Chuck Norris' leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.” Yes, and dozens of other jokes and fun facts put Chuck in the middle of pop culture with a new generation. He took it in stride and even used the joke in his cameo in the Sly Stallone action pic.
