Date of Birth
10 March 1940, Ryan, Oklahoma, USABirth Name
Carlos Ray NorrisNickname
Ground ChuckHeight
5' 10" (1.78 m)Mini Biography
Chuck Norris is an Executive Producer of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) as well as the star. Norris is familiar to fans worldwide as the star of action films such as The Hitman (1991), The Delta Force (1986) and Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990). He also starred in Missing in Action (1984) and its sequels, Firewalker (1986) and Sidekicks (1992). Norris was born Carlos Ray in Ryan, OK. The eldest of three children, he helped his mother raise his two younger brothers in Torrance, CA, where his family moved when he was 12. Norris joined the Air Force after graduating from high school. During a stint in Korea, he began to study the Asian martial art of Tang Soo Do. After returning home, he worked for Northrop Aviation and moonlighted as a karate instructor. Two years later he was teaching full-time and running a number of martial-arts schools. His students included Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and the Osmonds. In 1968, he became the Professional World Middleweight Karate Champion, holding the title undefeated until he retired in 1974. He is a black belt in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, both Korean fighting arts, and knows all forms of the martial arts. In 1969, he earned the Triple Crown for the highest number of tournament wins, and was named Fighter of the Year by "Black Belt" magazine. By the time he was 34, Norris had established 32 karate schools and had been a champion for six years. In 1996, he became the first Westerner to be awarded an eighth-degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. Norris, who was urged to get into acting by his friend Steve McQueen, skillfully incorporates his martial-arts knowledge into his series and feature film projects, stressing action and technique over violence. He is the author of the books "The Secret of Inner Strength" and "The Secret Power Within - Zen Solutions to Real Problems". He works for many charities, including the Funds for Kids, Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, Make-a-Wish Foundation and KickStart, a nonprofit organization he created to help battle drugs and violence in schools. He also starred in the television movie Bound by Honor (1993), broadcast on CBS. He lives on a ranch when not filming. His birthday is March 10.
Mini Biography
Chuck Norris's fight career lasted from 1964-1974. Norris started off by losing his first three tournaments but, by 1966, he was almost unbeatable. Among the numerous titles he won were The National Karate Championships (1966), All-Star Championships (1966), World Middleweight Karate Championship (1967), All-American Karate Championship (1967), Internationals (1968), World Professional Middleweight Karate Championship (defeating Louis Delgado on 24 November 1968), All-American Championship (1968), National Tournament of Champions (1968), American Tang Soo Championship, and the North American Karate Championship. Norris compiled a fight record of 65-5 with wins over champions Joe Lewis, Skipper Mullins, Arnold Urquidez, Ronald L. Marchini, Victor Moore, Louis Delgado, and Steve Sanders. Of the five men to beat Norris, three were Allen Steen, Joe Lewis, and Norris's last career defeat to Louis Delgado in 1968. Norris retired as undefeated Professional Full-Contact Middleweight Champion in 1974.
Mini Biography
Chuck Norris attended North Torrance High School from its inception in September, 1955 until his graduation in June, 1958.
He is one of several storied alumni from the school. Other NHS alumni include Bob Hite (1943-1981), who was the lead singer of "Canned Heat," Chris Demaria, who was a professional baseball player in the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers organizations, Chris Mortensen, an analyst with ESPN, Hip-Hop DJ "Key-Kool" (Kikuo Nishi), and Wee-Man (Jason Acuna) of "JackAss fame."
He is one of several storied alumni from the school. Other NHS alumni include Bob Hite (1943-1981), who was the lead singer of "Canned Heat," Chris Demaria, who was a professional baseball player in the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers organizations, Chris Mortensen, an analyst with ESPN, Hip-Hop DJ "Key-Kool" (Kikuo Nishi), and Wee-Man (Jason Acuna) of "JackAss fame."
Spouse
| Gena O'Kelly | (28 November 1998 - present) 2 children |
| Diane Holechek | (29 December 1958 - 1989) (divorced) 2 children |
Trade Mark
Usually plays heroes who are good guys to the bone, and despite having punishing martial arts skills, would always rather find a better solution than fighting.
Trivia
1988: Campaigned for George Bush in the US presidential election.
Eldest of three sons born to Ray and Wilma Norris. Chuck's brothers are Wieland Norris (born July 12, 1943; KIA in Vietnam, 1970) and Aaron Norris. Aaron is the youngest of the trio, the proverbial "runt of the litter."
Father of Mike Norris and Eric Norris, the latter of whom is a professional stock car driver. Chuck also has a daughter named Dina, born in 1964. Diane Holechek is the mother of Chuck's aforementioned kids; of those three, Dina is the only one not mentioned in Chuck's 1980's autobiography, "The Secret Of Inner Strength: My Story." More recently, Chuck and Gena O'Kelly (his second wife) welcomed opposite-sex twins Dakota Alan (the boy) and Danilee Kelly (the girl). The twins' birthday is August 30, 2001.
Often trained with Bruce Lee.
6-time World Karate Champion; among those he faced for this title are fellow actors Joe Lewis and Steve Sanders.
He was the karate teacher of father-son actors Steve McQueen and Chad McQueen. The elder McQueen encouraged Norris to pursue a career in movies and television; allegedly, he told Chuck: "If you can't do anything else, there's always acting."
12/12/01: Received "Veteran of the Year 2001" honor at the 6th Annual American Veteran Awards.
In the movies where he's a police officer, Norris usually prefers to work alone (i.e. Lone Wolf McQuade (1983), Code of Silence (1985) and Top Dog (1995)).
Has 3 grandchildren by son Eric Norris; these include fellow actress Gabby Di Ciolli.
He has founded two of his own martial arts: Chun Kuk Do ("the Universal Way") and American Tang Soo Do.
He is the Founder of the National Tang-Soo-Do Congress (NTC) and the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). Chuck is also President of the latter.
He has a 10th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and also an 8th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do...that is, the Korean (or traditional) styles of each.
His father Ray was killed in a car accident, shortly after cancer surgery. Part of Ray's throat and chin were removed; a tube was inserted in his trachea to help him breathe. Ray was thrown out of his car in the wreck, and the tube came out. Ray suffocated on the ground because no one at the accident site was aware of the tube.
His voice and drama coach was Jonathan Harris, of "Lost in Space" (1965) fame. Harris "taught him how to speak," by putting his fingers in Norris's mouth, and stretching the mouth wide open. Chuck names Jonathan as the only man in the world who could get away with doing that to him... which Harris was always proud of.
It is commonly believed that he was offered the role of "Sensei Jon Kreese" in the original The Karate Kid (1984). He reportedly turned it down, claiming he did not want his name connected with such a brutal and vicious character. This is, in fact, an urban legend; Norris himself has disputed it. While appearing on the February 9, 2006 episode of the radio show hosted by Adam Carolla, Norris stated that he was never offered the role at all.
Despite their vast political differences, he is friends with actress and comedienne Whoopi Goldberg. He was so impressed with a performance of hers that he tried, unsuccessfully, to get her a role in his film Invasion U.S.A. (1985).
Reader's Digest once noted a story of how Norris, true to his characters, prefers to find a non-violent way to solve a situation. Norris was in a bar once when a customer walked in and said to him, "You're in my seat. Move." Norris complied, and as the customer sat down, he recognized Norris. He then said, "Chuck, you could've kicked my butt if you wanted to. Instead of moving, why didn't you just attack me?" Norris' response: "What would that have accomplished?" Norris later said the experience resulted in him getting a new admirer and a new friend.
Is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Machado Brothers.
As a child, his idol and favorite actor was John Wayne. Indeed, their on screen personas bear much in common. Both achieved their highest level of fame playing no nonsense good guys who were incorruptible and did whatever it took to make sure that justice was served and that the bad guys got what they deserved.
He is a staunch supporter of the Republican Party.
Is an NRA member.
Is a close friend of legendary writer and director John Milius, who was an uncredited co-screenwriter of Norris's movie Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). Milius credits this film, in part with inspiring him to craft the similar Extreme Prejudice (1987), four years later.
Enjoys playing golf and participates in many celebrity golfing events.
A website known as "Chuck Norris Facts" has been created as a parody of his career. Chuck is not offended by the website, in fact, has said he feels honored to have a website named after him and says he laughs when he reads the facts.
Participated on the TV show "The Contender" (2005) with fellow action superstar Sylvester Stallone.
Was a guest star on "The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular" (2003) honoring Bob Barker's 80th birthday. Other celebrity guests included Céline Dion, Ray Romano, Charlie Sheen and Larry King.
Was the initial choice for the character of Red Forman on the Fox sitcom "That '70s Show" (1998), but was still filming "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), so he had to turn it down.
1004: Actively supported George W. Bush's campaign to become Governor of Texas.
8/30/01: Twins Dakota Alan and Danilee Kelly, with Gena O'Kelley, born.
1/20/01: Attended the first inauguration of President George W. Bush along with fellow longtime Republican supporters Sylvester Stallone and Robert Duvall.
Is only one of three Americans to achieve eighth-degree black belt status in tae-kwon-do.
2/14/06: Attended a Valentine's Day celebration at the White House, wearing black boots with his tuxedo. Singer Michael Feinstein capped the romantic evening by serenading the crowd, which included new Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, singer Wayne Newton and Senators Mitch McConnell and Joseph Lieberman.
2006: Campaigned for Republicans in the mid-term elections, in which Republicans wound up losing control of both houses of Congress.
Both his parents were half Irish and half Cherokee.
2006: He began writing a column for the right-wing political publication WorldNetDaily. In his columns he has expressed his beliefs that, among other things, evolution doesn't exist, those who are troubled should turn to Christ and "true patriots" would not support a separation of church and state. In addition, he also speaks on behalf of organizations pushing for mandatory prayer in public schools.
He is a born again Christian.
Served in the U.S. Air Force.
He and his wife both serve on the board of the National Council of Bible Curriculum in Public Schools.
Was to appear in Delta Force 3: The Killing Game (1991), but he withdrew following the helicopter crash during the making of Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990).
Has played Ranger Cordell Walker in three different TV-series: "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), "Sons of Thunder" (1999) and "Martial Law" (1998).
Was offered the role of Steiner in Game of Death (1978), but turned it down.
Publicly endorsed Mike Huckabee as his choice for Republican candidate in the 2008 presidential election.
Publicly condemned The Golden Compass (2007) as anti-Christian.
He is a close friend of President George W. Bush and his father, former President George Bush.
Hosted a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee at his ranch in Navasota, Texas. Norris estimated more than 200 people paid at least $1,000 for a plate of barbecue and a chance to watch Huckabee play bass guitar with his band, Capitol Offense. Norris, who has frequently made public appearances in support of Huckabee, opened his sprawling East Texas ranch to the campaign and its supporters. (20 January 2008).
Portrayed by Ray Park in "The Legend of Bruce Lee" (2008) (TV series).
Close friend and admirer of Sean Hannity.
Best known by the public for his starring role as the title character in "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993).
On an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), his co-star's, Clarence Gilyard Jr., character read the book, "The Secret Power Within," which Norris wrote himself.
He was made an honorary Marine in March 2007.
Had a daughter out of wedlock in 1964. He did not see her until she was 26.
Attended Hamilton Junior High School in Houston, Texas in the early 1960s before moving to Torrance, California.
Won in 2006 "The Jewish Humanitarian Man of the Year Award."
Although a very vocal conservative Republican and born again Christian, Norris has ruled out running for elected office himself.
Publicly endorsed former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore for Republican candidate as Governor of Alabama in the 2010 mid-term elections.
Is a vocal secessionist.
Once went under Phil McGraw's training, and is his greatest student.
Was/is best friends with: George Bush, David Carradine, Steve McQueen, Bruce Lee, Sheree J. Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell and Clint Eastwood.
Had a hip replacement in 2009.
In 2005 he founded the World Combat League, a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition.
Lives in Dallas, Texas.
Personal Quotes
Whatever luck I had, I made. I was never a natural athlete, but I paid my dues in sweat and concentration and took the time necessary to learn karate and become world champion.
It's the bullies who are afraid, are the ones that do all the fighting. It's not the secure kids that get out there and fight. It's the insecure kids. And when you develop that security in these youngsters and all of a sudden they have no reason to fight . . . This is to me the most gratifying thing I've ever been able to do.
Today, more than ever, the inspiration for the parts I play is found in you - our nation's men and women in uniform and the selfless contributions you make on a daily basis to keep our country safe and free. I salute you.
I haven't always been warmly welcomed for holding my conservative positions in Hollywood. Then again, I've never been very good at being politically correct either, on or off screen. So why start now?
For too many years I was in rebellion to God. Now I'm a rebel with a cause for God and for grassroots America. I no longer fit the mold. I'm not a liberal actor from Hollywood. I'm not politically correct, in my opinions or my practice. And though I'm concerned with what people think, I will not compromise the truth in any form to cater to others, even with religion and politics. Those who would merely brand me on the Right are oversimplifying and running from the real issue.
Alleged Chuck Norris Fact: "There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live." It's funny. It's cute. But here's what I really think about the theory of evolution: It's not real. It is not the way we got here. In fact, the life you see on this planet is really just a list of creatures God has allowed to live. We are not creations of random chance. We are not accidents. There is a God, a Creator, who made you and me. We were made in His image, which separates us from all other creatures.
Alleged Chuck Norris Fact: "Faster than a speeding bullet ... more powerful than a locomotive ... able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... yes, these are some of Chuck Norris' warm-up exercises." I've got a bulletin for you, folks. I am no superman. I realize that now, but I didn't always. As six-time world karate champion and then a movie star, I put too much trust in who I was, what I could do and what I acquired. I forgot how much I needed others and especially God. Whether we are famous or not, we all need God. We also need other people.
Alleged Chuck Norris Fact: "Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer. Too bad he never cries. Ever." There was a man whose tears could cure cancer or any other disease, including the real cause of all diseases - sin. His blood did. His name was Jesus, not Chuck Norris. If your soul needs healing, the prescription you need is not Chuck Norris' tears, it's Jesus' blood.
[on Bruce Lee] Bruce Lee had bad eyesight and one leg that was shorter than the other. But he had a mental image of what he wanted, and he became the quintessential martial artist and the first Chinese superstar in American films.
There are a dozen death spots, another dozen paralyzing death spots, and many, many disabling spots on the body. We human beings are quite fragile, you know.
After years of learning to control my emotions in karate, I found it very difficult to reverse that process and fully express them. But I learn from my mistakes and develop more as an actor with each film role.
I don't initiate violence, I retaliate.
There has always been violence on the screen, and certain groups claim that some antisocial behavior can be traced to these violent films. I believe that's hogwash. The violence on television news programs is much more harmful because it's real. We all have the potential to be violent, but we must learn to control these impulses.
Any GOP candidate can be dissected to a point that he is railed for having liberal tendencies. Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani has waffled enough around his pro-abortion, pro-gay, pro-gun control views to recruit many Democratic supporters. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has flip-flopped so many times on issues of abortion, immigration and gay rights to make one wonder for what party he's running. Texas Representative Ron Paul's bent toward being an isolationist who wants to bring home every one of our 572,000 troops abroad makes the anti-terror, pro-military hairs on the back of my neck stand. Though Senator John McCain of Arizona is a friend and a true, decorated hero who I personally think would make an excellent vice president for Mike, he opposed the Bush tax cuts and co-authored legislation for comprehensive immigration reform that some believe jeopardizes national security and American sovereignty. And while former Tennessee Senator Fred Dalton Thompson is also a friend, his record of consistently voting against tort reform, opposing the impeachment of Bill Clinton on perjury, supporting opponents of Ronald Reagan (Gerald Ford and James Baker III) in 1976 and 1980, and failing to support federal constitutional amendments that would ban abortion and gay marriage doesn't exactly make him "the only true conservative." To be fair, even if Reagan himself were running today, he likely couldn't dodge liberal labeling, especially for his signing of the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, which granted amnesty to aliens who resided in the U.S. since before 1982.
If John takes over the presidency at seventy-two and he ages 3-to-1, how old will he be in four years? Eighty-four years old - and can he handle that kind of pressure in that job? That's why I didn't pick John to support, because I'm just afraid the vice president will wind up taking over his job within that four-year presidency. - On Senator John McCain
I've known John McCain for over twenty years. He's a man of integrity, but a lot of his social issues, I didn't lean toward. I'm not a Republican or Democrat. I'm conservative. Now that John has brought someone like Sarah Palin on the ticket, it makes me more confident that they could do a tremendous job in the White House.
My choice would be John McCain and Sarah Palin mainly because, with Sarah, I think she'd make a good president because she's a no-nonsense gal and she has much more experience than Barack Obama. Europe now is not infatuated with Barack Obama anymore. They are infatuated with Sarah Palin.
I admire those in the recent past who were able to represent a respectful conservatism in a liberal-leaning, show-business industry: men like Charlton Heston, John Wayne, James Stewart and Ronald Reagan. And I'm grateful for others today who have also stood for conservative values, incredible actors like James Caviezel, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight. Jon has recently stepped up to the plate for thousands of others who can't because they'd be cast aside by casting directors if their conservatism was even made known. Jon is taking the brunt end for them from critics who have no tolerance for actors on the right. These are the type of men who will go against the grain of the Hollywood status quo. These are the type of men who get the fact that entertainment isn't about playing party politics. These are the type of men who demonstrate what my hero and the stalwart conservative John Wayne once said, 'Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway.'
I think we're heading down the wrong direction. We need to restore patriotism as the founders meant it to be. We need to restore our sense of stability, morality and our responsibility. I think we have drifted from that. We just need to get back like our founding fathers. I do a lot of reading about our founding fathers and on our history, you know. They had a vision for America that was not corrupted by greed and power and I think unfortunately many of our politicians have fallen into that trap.
I may run for president of Texas. That need may be a reality sooner than we think. If not me, someone someday may again be running for president of the Lone Star state, if the state of the union continues to turn into the enemy of the state. Anyone who has been around Texas for any length of time knows exactly what we'd do if the going got rough in America.
Salary
| An Eye for an Eye (1981) | $250,000 |
| A Force of One (1979) | $125,000 |
| Good Guys Wear Black (1978) | $40,000 |
| Breaker! Breaker! (1977) | $10,000 |
Where Are They Now
(June 2006) Spokesperson for the Total Gym Fitness infomercials with his wife Gena and Christie Brinkley, that currently air in the late night or early morning hours. Also appearing is Wesley Snipes.
(November 2006) Visited US forces fighting in Iraq.
(2007) Co-host, with Christie Brinkley, of an infomercial for the "Total Gym" fitness program. Also appearing are Wesley Snipes, Kurt Thomas and Janine Turner.
(2004) Release of his autobiography, "Against All Odds: My Story" by Chuck with Ken Abraham.
(2006) Release of his book, "The Justice Riders: A Novel" by Chuck Norris, Ken Abraham, Aaron Norris and Tim Grayem.
(1999) Release of the book, "Chuck Norris" by Melanie Cole.
(1996) Release of his book, "The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems"
(2008) Release of his book, "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America".
(2009) Co-host, with Christie Brinkley, of an infomercial for the "Total Gym" fitness program. Also appearing are Wesley Snipes, Janine Turner, Steve Guttenberg, Jonathan Roberts, Anna Trebunskaya and Gena O'Kelly.
(2009) Lives in Navasota, Texas with his family.
(November 2009) Release of his book, "The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book".
(2010) Co-host, with Christie Brinkley and Gena O'Kelly, of an infomercial for the "Total Gym" fitness program. Also appearing are Wesley Snipes, Janine Turner, Steve Guttenberg, Jonathan Roberts, Anna Trebunskaya, Rosalee Brown, Evan Lysacek, Olivia Newton-John and 'Barbara Lindquist' and Kellen Winslow Jr..
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