Chuck Norris: Difference between revisions
→Filmography: Repairing links to disambiguation pages - You can help! |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris''' ( |
'''Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris''' (March 10, 1940-April 8, 2011<ref name="Secret" />) was an [[United States|American]] [[Martial arts|martial artist]] and [[actor]]. After serving in the [[United States Air Force]], he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, [[Chun Kuk Do]]. As a result of his "tough guy" image, an Internet phenomenon began in 2005 known as [[Chuck Norris facts]], ascribing various implausible or even impossible feats to Norris. |
||
Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as ''[[Way of the Dragon]]'' in which he starred alongside [[Bruce Lee]] and was [[The Cannon Group]]'s leading star in the 1980s.<ref name="ADwCN"/><ref>{{cite news|title= Cinema: And Now, a Wham-Bam Superstar: Chuck Norris|work= Time|date=May 20, 1985|url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956305,00.html|accessdate=2010-08-14}}</ref> He next played the starring role in the television series ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]'' from 1993 to 2001. |
Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as ''[[Way of the Dragon]]'' in which he starred alongside [[Bruce Lee]] and was [[The Cannon Group]]'s leading star in the 1980s.<ref name="ADwCN"/><ref>{{cite news|title= Cinema: And Now, a Wham-Bam Superstar: Chuck Norris|work= Time|date=May 20, 1985|url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956305,00.html|accessdate=2010-08-14}}</ref> He next played the starring role in the television series ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]'' from 1993 to 2001. |
||
Norris |
Norris was a devout [[Christianity|Christian]] and politically conservative. He had written several books on Christianity and donated to a number of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidates and causes. In 2007 and 2008, he campaigned for former [[Arkansas]] Governor [[Mike Huckabee]], who was running for the Republican nomination for President in 2008. Norris also wrote a column for the conservative website [[WorldNetDaily]].<ref name=wnd1>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58255|publisher=[[WorldNetDaily]]|title=My Choice for President|accessdate=2010-01-01}}</ref> He was found dead by family members in his bedroom on April 8, 2011. The official cause of death was [[Anal sex|butt sex]] with a horse. |
||
==Early life== |
==Early life== |
||
Revision as of 21:36, 8 April 2011
Chuck Norris | |
|---|---|
 Norris signing a T-shirt for a Marine on a stop on his tour of Al Anbar Governorate (Iraq) and Kuwait. | |
| Born | Carlos Ray Norris March 10, 1940[1] Ryan, Oklahoma, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, martial artist |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Spouse(s) | Dianne Holechek (1958-1988) Gena O'Kelley (1998-present) |
| Website | http://www.chucknorris.com/ |
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris (March 10, 1940-April 8, 2011[1]) was an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do. As a result of his "tough guy" image, an Internet phenomenon began in 2005 known as Chuck Norris facts, ascribing various implausible or even impossible feats to Norris.
Norris appeared in a number of action films, such as Way of the Dragon in which he starred alongside Bruce Lee and was The Cannon Group's leading star in the 1980s.[2][3] He next played the starring role in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger from 1993 to 2001.
Norris was a devout Christian and politically conservative. He had written several books on Christianity and donated to a number of Republican candidates and causes. In 2007 and 2008, he campaigned for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who was running for the Republican nomination for President in 2008. Norris also wrote a column for the conservative website WorldNetDaily.[4] He was found dead by family members in his bedroom on April 8, 2011. The official cause of death was butt sex with a horse.
Early life
Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, the son of Wilma (née Scarberry) and Ray Norris, who was a mechanic, bus driver, and truck driver.[5] Norris' paternal grandfather (an immigrant) and maternal grandmother were of Irish descent, while his paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather were Cherokee Native Americans.[2][6] Norris was named after Carlos Berry, his father's minister.[7] He has two younger brothers, Wieland (deceased) and Aaron (a Hollywood producer). When Norris was sixteen, his parents divorced,[8] and he later relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas, and then to Torrance, California, with his mother and brothers.[2]
Norris describes his childhood as downbeat. He was nonathletic, shy, and scholastically mediocre.[9] Other children taunted him about his mixed ethnicity, and Norris daydreamed about beating up his tormentors. Norris mentioned in his autobiography that his father had a very serious problem with drinking and "wasn't there" a lot for him growing up. Norris admitted that he loved his father but did not like him. However, he professed that he only felt pity for the man because "that was just how he was, and he missed so much."
He joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman (AP) in 1958 and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname Chuck and began his training in Tang Soo Do (tangsudo), an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do ("Universal Way") form.[10] He created the education associations United Fighting Arts Federation and "KickStart" (formerly "Kick Drugs Out of America"), a middle school and high school–based program intended to give at-risk children a focus point in life through the martial arts. When he returned to the United States, he continued to act as an AP at March Air Force Base, California. Norris was discharged in August 1962. He worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of karate schools including a storefront school in his then-hometown of Torrance on Hawthorne Boulevard. Norris' official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.[11]
Rise to fame
.jpg)
Norris was defeated in his first two tournaments, dropping decisions to Joe Lewis and Allen Steen and three matches at the International Karate Championships to Tony Tulleners. By 1967 Norris had improved enough that he scored victories over the likes of Lewis, Skipper Mullins, Arnold Urquidez, Victor Moore, Ron Marchini, and Steve Sanders. In early 1968, Norris suffered the tenth and last loss of his career, losing an upset decision to Louis Delgado. On November 24, 1968, he avenged his defeat to Delgado and by doing so won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he held for six consecutive years.[8] In 1969, he won Karate's triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, and the Fighter of the Year award by Black Belt Magazine.
Also, in 1969, Norris made his acting debut in the Dean Martin film The Wrecking Crew.
In June 1970, his younger brother Wieland, a private in the 101st Airborne Division was killed in Vietnam while on patrol in the defence of Firebase Ripcord.[12] Norris later dedicated his Missing in Action films to his brother's memory. At a martial arts demonstration in Long Beach, Norris met the soon-to-be famous martial artist Bruce Lee. In 1972 he acted as Lee's nemesis in the movie Way of the Dragon (titled Return of the Dragon in its U.S. distribution), which is widely credited with launching him toward stardom. In Asia, Norris is still known primarily for this role. In 1974, McQueen encouraged him to begin acting classes at MGM. Chuck Norris retired with a karate record of 183-10-2.
Norris' first starring role was 1977's Breaker! Breaker!, and subsequent films such as Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Octagon (1980), An Eye for an Eye (1981), and Lone Wolf McQuade proved his increasing box office bankability. In 1984, Norris starred in Missing in Action, the first of a series of prisoner of war rescue fantasies themed around the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue that were produced by Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and released under their Cannon Films banner. Contrary to reports, Norris publicly said he was never offered the part of the Sensei of the Kobra Kai dojo in the film The Karate Kid.
Over the next four years, Norris became Cannon's most prominent star, appearing in eight films, including Code of Silence, The Delta Force, and Firewalker, in which he co-starred with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.. Many of the aforementioned films were produced by Chuck Norris's brother Aaron, as were several episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger. In 1986, he was involved in the production of the Ruby Spears cartoon Karate Kommandos.
It is occasionally cited that Norris made history in 1997 when he was the first Westerner in the documented history of Tae Kwon Do to be given the rank of 8th Degree Black Belt Grand Master.[13] However, Norris appears to have been misled about this as there were at least two other U.S. Black Belts (Charles 'Chuck' Sereff and Edward Sell[14][15]) awarded TKD 8th Dan several years prior. On July 1, 2000, Norris was presented the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.
On March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine during a dinner at the commandant’s residence in Washington, D.C.[16]
Walker, Texas Ranger
By the close of the 1980s, Cannon Films had faded from prominence, and Norris's star appeal seemed to go with it. He reprised his Delta Force role for MGM, which had acquired the Cannon library after the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Norris went on to make several more largely ignored films before making a transition to television.[17] In 1993, he began shooting the series Walker, Texas Ranger, which lasted eight years on CBS and continued in heavy syndication on other channels, notably the Hallmark Channel.
On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday Night Movie of the Week, Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Cordell Walker for the movie. He has stated that future Walker, Texas Ranger Movie of the Week projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule Movies of the Week on Sunday night.
Philanthropy
In addition to being an action superstar, Chuck Norris is also a philanthropist. He is known for his contribution towards organizations such as Funds for Kids, Veteran's Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the form of donations as well as fund-raising activities.[18]
His time with the U.S. Veterans Administration as a spokesperson, was inspired by his experience serving the United States Air Force in Korea. His objective has been to popularize the issues such as Pensions and Health care, that concern hospitalized war veterans. Due to his significant contributions, and continued patriotism, he received the Veteran of the Year award in 2001 at the American Veteran Awards.[18]
Norris also established the United Fighting Arts Federation and KickStart in 1990. As a significant part of his philanthropic contributions, the organization was formed to develop self-esteem and focus in at-risk children as a tactic to keep them away from drug-related pressure by training them in martial arts. Norris hopes that by shifting middle school and high school children's focus towards this positive and strengthening endeavour, these children will have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.[18][19]
In 2005, Norris founded the World Combat League (WCL), a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition, of which part of the proceeds are given to his KickStart program.[18]
Additionally, Norris supports the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, which aims at bringing hope, help and healing to the defenceless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance in India. Through his donations, he has helped the foundation support Paediatric HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a blind school in Karnataka, and a mission that cares for HIV/AIDS infected adults, as well as mentally ill patients in Cochin.[20]
Product endorsements
Norris has appeared with Christie Brinkley in a long-running series of cable TV infomercials promoting Total Gym home fitness equipment.
In 2010, Norris appeared in adverts for communications company T-Mobile in the Czech Republic.[21]
Personal life
Norris married Dianne Holechek in 1958. In 1963 their first child, Mike, was born. His daughter Dina was born in 1964 to a woman he was not married to.[22] Then, he had a second son, Eric, with his wife in 1965. After 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1988.
In November 1998, he married former model Gena O'Kelley, born in 1963 and 23 years Norris' junior. O'Kelley had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins in 2001: Dakota Alan Norris, a boy, and Danilee Kelly Norris, a girl.[23]
On September 22, 2004, Norris told Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart that his daughter Dina was the result of an extramarital affair. He did not meet her until she was 26, although she learned that he was her father when she was 16. She sent a letter to his home informing him of their relationship. After meeting her, Norris said he knew she was his upon seeing her.[24]
Now an outspoken Christian,[25] Norris is the author of several Christian-themed books, such as The Justice Riders. He has also been in a few TV commercials promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools, in addition to efforts to reduce drug use. In his WorldNetDaily columns, he has expressed his belief in Biblical creationism,[26] that those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics.[27]
Norris serves on the board of directors of the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, an organization promoting the use of the Bible in public schools, and also speaks on behalf of organizations advocating official prayers in public schools.
Norris has received a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Machado family.[28]
In his 15 February 2010 WorldNetDaily column, Norris announced that, starting in the fall of 2010, he will begin a second weekly column for Creators Syndicate. This new column, "C-Force", will focus on personal fitness.[29]
On December 2, 2010, he (along with brother Aaron) was given the title honorary Texas Ranger by Texas Governor Rick Perry.[30]
Political views
Norris is a Republican, often championing the views of the party. Norris has donated more than $32,000 to Republican candidates and organizations since 1988.[31] Norris supports gun rights and ownership and is against public schools condoning homosexuality.[32]
In 2006, Norris began penning a column for the conservative news website WorldNetDaily, sharing his "musings about faith, family, freedom, country, loyalty – maybe even kickboxing."
On January 26, 2007, Norris filled in for Sean Hannity as a co-host on the Fox News Channel debate program Hannity & Colmes alongside Alan Colmes.[33]
On October 22, 2007, Norris announced his endorsement of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.[34] Norris said, "I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."[35]
On May 10, 2008, Norris was the commencement speaker at Liberty University and addressing a graduating class of more than 4,000.[36]
After the 2008 presidential election, Norris drafted a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, stating that he should "use and cite the Constitution ... protect American life ... learn from the mistakes of your Democratic predecessors ... [and] lead more from the center".[37]
On November 18, 2008, Norris became one of the first members of show business to express support for the California Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and he heavily criticized the gay community for "interfering" with the democratic process and the double standard he perceived in criticizing the LDS Church without criticizing African Americans, who had voted for the measure by a wide margin.[38]
Chun Kuk Do
Norris created the martial art Chun Kuk Do, which is based primarily on Tang Soo Do and includes elements from every combat style he knows. Like many other martial arts, Chun Kuk Do includes a code of honor and rules to live by. These rules are from Chuck Norris's personal code. They are:
- I will develop myself to the maximum of my potential in all ways.
- I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements.
- I will continually work at developing love, happiness and loyalty in my family.
- I will look for the good in all people and make them feel worthwhile.
- If I have nothing good to say about a person, I will say nothing.
- I will always be as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
- I will maintain an attitude of open-mindedness.
- I will maintain respect for those in authority and demonstrate this respect at all times.
- I will always remain loyal to my God, my country, family and my friends.
- I will remain highly goal-oriented throughout my life because that positive attitude helps my family, my country and myself.
Chuck Norris facts
In late 2005, Norris became the object of an internet phenomenon known as "Chuck Norris Facts", which document fictional, often absurdly heroic feats and characteristics about Norris. The phenomenon originally started with the "Vin Diesel Fact Generator", and Chuck Norris Facts were created as a by-product, often using the same facts featured in the Vin Diesel Fact Generator. In time, Chuck Norris Facts became popular, even more so than the original Vin Diesel Fact Generator. Norris has written his own response to the parody on his website, stating that he does not feel offended by them and finds some of them funny.[39]
On November 29, 2007, Gotham Books, the adult division of Penguin USA, released a book entitled The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human based on the Chuck Norris Facts.[40] Norris filed suit in December against Penguin USA claiming "trademark infringement, unjust enrichment and privacy rights."[41]
During Norris' endorsement of Mike Huckabee in the 2008 Presidential primaries, he participated in several commercials and campaign rallies. In some of these, references were made to the Chuck Norris Facts, and similar tongue-in-cheek politically-oriented "facts" were presented about Huckabee.
Filmography
References
- ^ a b Norris, Chuck; Hyams, Joe (1988). "1". The Secet of Inner Strength; My Story (1st ed.). Boston: Little, Brown and Co. p. 6. ISBN 0-316-61191-3.
- ^ a b c Berkow, Ira (May 12, 1993). "At Dinner with: Chuck Norris". The New York Times. Retrieved December 19, 2008.
- ^ "Cinema: And Now, a Wham-Bam Superstar: Chuck Norris". Time. May 20, 1985. Retrieved 2010-08-14.
- ^ "My Choice for President". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved 2010-01-01.
- ^ "Chuck Norris Biography (1940-)". Retrieved 2007-12-22.
- ^ Chuck, Norris. "Against All Odds: My Story". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved September 30, 2009.
- ^ Norris, Chuck (2004). Against All Odds: My Story. Broadman & Holman Publishers. ISBN 0805431616.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Chuck Norris — Strong, Silent, Popular" (Document). The New York Times. September 1, 1985.
- ^ "Chuck Norris Fights to Be a Better Actor in 'Hero and the Terror' Role". The Los Angeles Times. September 2, 1988. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ "Body Watch; Kicking Old Habits; Chuck Norris found he couldn't eat just anything after he hit his mid-30s. These days, TV's top ranger feasts on veggies, fowl and fish. And he tries to keep his distance from peanut clusters". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^ Biography, Chuck Norris Official Website
- ^ "PFC Wieland Clyde Norris". The Virtual Wall.
- ^ "Questions I am asked most about martial arts". July 9, 2007.
- ^ christiantaekwondouniversity.net
- ^ "Charles Serell - Taekwon-Do Pioneers". Retrieved 2007-12-22.
- ^ Marine Corps Times
- ^ King, Susan (April 18, 1993). "Chuck Norris: Karate Champ Turned Action-film Actor Turned Series Star?". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-08-30.
- ^ a b c d Chuck Norris's Faces of Philanthropy profile page. Faces of Philanthropy, accessed December 20, 2010.
- ^ "A Renaissance Man". Inside Kung Fu. Retrieved 2010-01-01.
- ^ Chuck Norris's Charity Work, Events and Causes.Looktothestars.org accessed December 20, 2010.
- ^ "Chuck Norris shills for T-Mobile ads". The Prague Post. November 10, 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-13.
- ^ Chuck Norris authors online anti-abortion tract, Posted: Friday, February 2, 2007, Daily Herald
- ^ Gena Norris Notes
- ^ Mary Hart (2004-09-22). "At Home and Up-Close with Chuck Norris". etonline.com. Archived from the original on 2006-11-23.
- ^ See External Links Drew Marshall Interview
- ^ Norris, Chuck (2006-10-23). "On Chuck Norris 'mania' sweeping the net". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
- ^ Norris, Chuck (2006-11-20). "America's Code of Silence". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
- ^ BJJ Instructors and Students. Template:Wayback
- ^ Norris, Chuck (2010-02-15). "Ready for feds in your kitchen?". WorldNetDaily. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
- ^ Norris, Chuck (2010-12-02). "Former TV lawman Chuck Norris to be given honorary Texas Ranger title by Gov. Rick Perry today in Garland". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^ "Newsmeat: Chuck Norris's Federal Campaign Contribution Report". 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-09.
- ^ WorldNetDaily, Guns, God and gays
- ^ "New columnist Chuck Norris on Fox tonight".
- ^ Mike Huckabee official website
- ^ Chuck Norris (2007-10-21). "My choice for president". WorldNetDaily.
- ^ Chuck Norris addresses graduates, May 10, 2008, Mitzi Bible, Liberty Journal
- ^ Chuck Norris (2008-11-10). "Obama, now that you work for me..." World Net Daily.
- ^ Chuck Norris (2008-11-18). "If Democracy Doesn't Work, Try Anarchy". Townhall.
- ^ Chucknorris.com
- ^ Ian Spector (2007) [2007-11-29]. The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 Facts About the World's Greatest Human. Gotham. ISBN 978-1592403448.
- ^ Kearney, Christine (2007-12-21). "Chuck Norris sues, says his tears no cancer cure". Reuters. Retrieved 2007-12-23.
Further reading
- The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems, Zen Buddhism and martial arts. Little, Brown and Company (1996). ISBN 0-316-58350-2.
- Against All Odds: My Story, an autobiography. Broadman & Holman Publishers (2004). ISBN 0-8054-3161-6.
- The Justice Riders, Wild West novels. Broadman & Holman Publishers (2006). ISBN 0-8054-4032-1.
- Norris, Chuck. Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America, Regnery Publishing (2008). ISBN 978-1-59698-558-2
- Spector, Ian: The Truth about Chuck Norris: Gotham Books: New York: 2007: ISBN 1-59240-344-1
External links
- Official website
- Chuck Norris at IMDb
- Template:Martialinfo
- Template:CMA master
- Official Chun Kuk Do Website
- Audio interview with National Review Online
- Chuck is named to Maxim.com's Top Dudeliest Dudes list of 2007
- 1940 births
- Actors from Oklahoma
- American film actors
- American karateka
- American martial artists
- American martial arts writers
- American motivational writers
- American people of Cherokee descent
- American tang soo do practitioners
- American taekwondo practitioners
- American television actors
- Baptists from the United States
- California Republicans
- Christian creationists
- Honorary United States Marines
- American people of Irish descent
- American writers of Irish descent
- People from Jefferson County, Oklahoma
- People from Tarzana, Los Angeles
- Texas Republicans
- United States Air Force airmen
- Martial arts school founders
- Internet memes
- Living people