Conservative actor Chuck Norris dies at 86

Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and conservative actor, has died at the age of 86.

The actor's death was announced on Friday on his Instagram profile.

"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning," a statement said. "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace."

"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family," the family's statement continued. "While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends."

Norris appeared alongside Bruce Lee in the 1972 film "The Way of the Dragon." As an actor, he was best known for his action films in the 1970s and 1980s. Later in his career, he starred in the CBS series "Walker, Texas Ranger."

Norris leveraged his celebrity status to become a prominent advocate for conservative and Christian causes throughout his career.

The actor was a vocal supporter of Republican candidates and conservative political movements, frequently endorsing GOP contenders and appearing at conservative events and rallies. He actively promoted Christian values through various platforms, including co-founding the martial arts-based youth program "Kickstart Kids," which emphasizes discipline, Christian principles, and leadership development in schools nationwide.

Norris also wrote extensively about his Christian faith and conservative worldview, authoring books that blended his personal philosophy with religious teachings and conservative political commentary. He was a consistent critic of what he viewed as secular progressivism, and he used his media platform to champion traditional family values, religious freedom, and constitutional conservatism.