Veteran martial artist and action star Chuck Norris proved that age is just a number as he celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday. The actor marked the occasion by sharing an Instagram video in which he was seen flexing his fighting skills and punching a heavy bag on a beautiful lawn overlooking the ocean. In the video, Norris declared that despite his age, he feels like he’s 48 and thanked his fans for their birthday wishes.
Known for his tough guy persona, Norris has been an icon in the action genre for decades, thanks to his impressive martial arts skills and charismatic on-screen presence. The actor’s birthday post was quickly flooded with birthday wishes and messages of admiration from his friends, fans, and fellow martial artists. Norris’ “The Expendables 2” co-star Dolph Lundgren wrote, “Happy Birthday, Chuck. You look terrific!” while UFC champion Jon Jones simply commented, “That guy.”
With a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and Tang Soo Do, Norris has been a force to be reckoned with since his days in the United States Air Force. After being discharged, he made a name for himself as a professional martial artist, winning various titles and competing in tournaments. Ironically, Norris became friends with the late martial arts icon Bruce Lee after competing against him in a karate competition in 1964.
Norris’ career in Hollywood took off after Lee cast him in a pivotal role in the 1972 martial arts film “The Way of the Dragon.” He went on to become one of the biggest stars of the action genre in the 1980s and ’90s, starring in hits like “Missing in Action,” “Code of Silence,” and “Invasion U.S.A.” His most famous role, however, was that of Texas Ranger Cordell Walker in the hit TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which ran for nine seasons from 1993 to 2001.
The actor’s last film role was in 2012’s “The Expendables 2,” in which he reunited with his “Way of the Dragon” co-star Lundgren. However, in January of this year, Norris announced his return to the big screen in the upcoming science fiction action film “Agent Recon.” Sharing a photo of himself holding a gun on the set of the movie, Norris wrote, “Here’s a pretty neat parallel I thought you’d all enjoy! Almost 40 years apart. I can’t wait for you all to see what’s in store in the upcoming film, ‘Agent Recon.’ Coming soon!”
Norris’ fans eagerly await his return to the big screen, as the actor has always been known for his intense and entertaining fight scenes. Throughout his career, Norris has become a cultural icon, with his name becoming synonymous with toughness and strength. The trend of “Chuck Norris Facts,” exaggerated statements that play up the actor’s toughness, only adds to his larger-than-life image and has become a part of popular culture.
Norris continues to stay active and maintain his impressive physique. In his birthday post, the actor playfully joked, “He threw 4566 punch’s [sic] on this video, but our eyes only let us see a few,” showcasing his sharp wit and sense of humor.
