This question is not entirely unfounded when considering the many Chuck Norris jokes that have been circulating on the internet and in internet culture for quite some time. Many people laugh about them without actually knowing who Chuck Norris really is. That’s exactly what we want to change: In the following guide, you will learn some interesting facts about Chuck Norris that you probably didn’t know.
Chuck Norris is an American and is primarily known as an actor in numerous action films. In addition, he works as a film producer and screenwriter, as well as being a martial artist and the founder of his own martial arts technique called Chun Kuk Do. Today’s internet users primarily know him for the numerous Chuck Norris jokes.
Chuck Norris’ life before fame
Chuck Norris was born in 1940 under the name Carlos Ray Norris. During his childhood and youth, he was very shy and not particularly talented in school or sports. In 1958, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Korea. There, he learned the martial art of Tang Su Doo, which is similar to Chinese Kung Fu. Chuck Norris developed a strong interest in martial arts and, after being discharged from the army in 1962, he founded his own chain of karate dojos. His clients included celebrities like Steve McQueen and Elvis’ daughter Priscilla Presley.
In 1969, he received his first small film role in the comedy “The Wrecking Crew”. Chuck Norris played a bodyguard alongside the film legend Dean Martin and had a line to say. In 1972, Chuck Norris met Bruce Lee during a martial arts event in Long Beach. Lee was so impressed by Chuck Norris that he offered him a role in the martial arts film “Enter the Dragon”. The role as Bruce Lee’s opponent became the first major hit for Chuck Norris. Although he doesn’t say a single line in “Enter the Dragon” and ultimately loses in the fight against Bruce Lee, film studios started to take notice of him. To this day, Chuck Norris is primarily known for this role in Asia.
Chuck Norris as the action star of the 80s
Chuck Norris became widely known in the 80s. He appeared in numerous action films that still shape his image today: a tough, silent guy who does whatever the job requires, even if it gets dirty. He got his first leading role in the film “Breaker! Breaker!” in 1977. Chuck Norris plays a trucker who takes on a corrupt police force. With films like “The Octagon” (1980), “An Eye for an Eye” (1981), and “Lone Wolf McQuade”, Chuck Norris solidified his image and proved that he could also deliver success at the box office with bigger productions. He became particularly well-known for the “Missing in Action” film series.
In typical 80s-Rambo style, Chuck Norris plays a Vietnam veteran who has to go back to the war zone to rescue missing comrades. The movies were commercially successful but were dismissed by critics as tired imitations of “Rambo”. Due to the success of “Missing in Action”, Chuck Norris became the flagship star of the film label Cannon, which specialized in low and medium-budget action films. Towards the end of the 80s, Chuck Norris’ star began to decline. Therefore, his next project was the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger”, which aired from 1993. “Walker, Texas Ranger” became perhaps the biggest success of Chuck Norris’ career. The series ran for eight years and also made Chuck Norris known in the mainstream.
What else is there to know about Chuck Norris?
Chuck Norris is married and has five children from two marriages. He is a staunch Republican and politically conservative. He supports, among other things, the right to bear arms and is against same-sex partnerships. He is also a devout Christian and has written several books with religious content. He has appeared in several TV commercials in the United States that promote studying the Bible.
In 2011, he appeared in a TV commercial for the online role-playing game World of Warcraft in Germany. Chuck Norris has an impressive martial arts career. He won around 30 karate tournaments and was the first American to be awarded the 8th Dan in Tae Kwon Do. Chuck Norris can laugh at himself. His favorite Chuck Norris fact is: “Chuck Norris should have his face on Mount Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t hard enough for his beard.”
