Many are familiar with Chuck Norris as a television and movie star. As with others that eventually wind up on stage, Norris the person had much to show the world.
Chuck Norris and the Early Years
His birth name was Carlos Ray Norris, and he is the oldest brother of three. The nickname "Chuck" came about while he was in the military. In his autobiography, he mentioned being poor as a child and using clothespins as toy soldiers. According to Norris, his father was abusive, which led to his mother taking her children away from him. HIs parents divorced when he was 16. In 1958 Norris enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was sent to Osan, Korea, where he served in the military police.
Norris began studying the art of tang soo do, a Korean martial art. He studied five hours a day, every day after work, for a year. He failed his first black belt exam, returning in three months to test successfully. When Norris returned to the United States, he began teaching his brothers, which in time morphed into teaching others. He was interested in working for the Los Angeles Police Department, but the more he taught karate, the more he realized that is what he wanted to do with his life.
His brother, Wieland, was killed in Vietnam. According to Norris, some of his later movies relating to the Vietnam War were done with the idea of honoring his brother's memory.
The Martial Artist Turns Actor
Mr. Norris entered many tournaments in the late 1960's, and he also continued to teach. He developed a close relationship with Bruce Lee, and appeared with him in Return of the Dragon. Based on his record (six-time World Professional Middleweight Karate Championship), Norris is one of the greatest champions in the history of karate. He earned his title in 1968 and retired, undefeated, in 1974.
He taught extensively in the Los Angeles area and in time, after teaching a number of celebrities, he got a small part in a Matt Helm movie. Over time, Norris starred in a number of films including Good Guys Wear Black, Lone Wolf McQuade, Code of Silence, Delta Force, Missing in Action, and The Hitman. He provided a foundation for future action stars, such as Matt Damon, whose movie roles employ martial arts.
Walker, Texas Ranger
In January, 1993, Norris began filming the TV series, Walker, Texas Ranger. He expressed reluctance at first, but the thought of playing a Texas Ranger appealed to him, particularly after his Ranger role in the film Lone Wolf McQuade. His brother, Aaron, served as his co-executive producer. The show ran successfully for eight years. The Walker role is the one that his youngest fans will most likely associate with the actor.
Chuck Norris' Private Life
According to the Chuck Norris Official Website. he is the President and creator of United Fighting Arts Federation, which has over 2300 black belt holders worldwide. He developed "Kick Drugs Out of America" (KICKSTART), a program designed to utilize martial arts in public schools. The current mission statement is about changing children's lives and building resiliency through the martial arts. He has been married twice and lives in Dallas with his second wife and children.
Chuck Norris has had a long and prosperous career. He rose from a childhood in poverty to multi-millionaire by doing the things he loved. As with most, he has had his share of loss and disappointment. By all accounts, though, he has improvised and overcome to the benefit of himself and others.
Sources:
Chuck Norris Official Website
Norris, Chuck. Against All Odds: my story. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2004.
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