New Delhi: “Grateful for the inspiration that shaped a part of me”, said Bollywood star Akshay Kumar as he paid tribute to late American martial artist and actor Chuck Norris.
Known for his role as Cordell Walker in the “Walker, Texas Ranger” series, Norris died on Thursday, aged 86.
Kumar, who started his career as a martial arts teacher before entering films, shared a note on his X handle on Friday, which featured the picture of the late actor and said watching him on the screen wasn’t just entertainment but an education.
In his heartfelt note, Akshay wrote, “Growing up as a martial artist, watching Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon, Missing in Action, and many more wasn’t just entertainment…it was education. The discipline, strength, and effortless command he brought on screen stayed with me. Grateful for the inspiration that shaped a part of me (folded hands emoji).”
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also reacted to the news, resharing a post by The Guardian US on Instagram Stories and expressing his grief with broken heart emojis.
A Legacy That Defined Action Cinema
Chuck Norris, widely regarded as one of the most iconic tough guys in global entertainment, passed away on Thursday in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” In a statement shared on social media, his family said, “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Before becoming a celebrated actor, Norris was a highly accomplished martial artist. He made his film debut with a small role in The Wrecking Crew (1968) and later gained global recognition after his memorable faceoff with Bruce Lee in the 1972 film Return of the Dragon.
Over the years, Norris starred in more than 20 films, including Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Sidekicks. He also became a household name through the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger. His later appearances included films like The Expendables 2 and Agent Recon, with Zombie Plane set to feature him next.
Norris is survived by his five children and his wife, Gena Norris. Just days before his passing, he had shared a sparring video on Instagram, writing, “I don’t age. I level up,” a line that perfectly captured his enduring spirit.
