Chuck Norris, action star and martial artist, dies at 86

(NBC, KYMA) - Martial artist and movie and television star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86.

Norris began his rise to public prominence when he faced off against Bruce Lee in the 1972 film "The Way of the Dragon."

That led to other movie roles including "The Octagon" in 1980, "Lone Wolf McQuade" in 1983, "Missing in Action" in 1984, and "The Delta Force" in 1986.

But it was his star making role in the television show "Walker, Texas Ranger" that ran from 1993 to 2001, nearly 200 episodes, that really made him a star.

Norris quickly became a symbol of rugged American masculinity, not to mention a popular internet meme star.

He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

His family announced Friday that Norris died in Hawaii Thursday surrounded by his loved ones. The family's statement said they would "keep the circumstances" behind his passing private.