Chuck Norris, born on March 10, 1940, is a legendary American Hollywood figure who is revered by action film fans around the world. He is an actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and most notably, a master of martial arts. Before becoming a Hollywood star, Chuck Norris had a fairly successful military career. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1958 as an Air Policeman and began training in martial arts during his time stationed in South Korea. Norris served in the Air Force until his discharge in 1962 and went on to open his own martial arts studio.
Early Life
Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma. He grew up with two younger brothers and had a relatively average childhood. Norris wasn’t particularly athletic or academically exceptional. However, he found his passion for martial arts during his time in the Air Force and went on to become a highly skilled martial artist, earning black belts in various disciplines.
Martial Arts Career
Chuck Norris’s martial arts career took off after he left the Air Force. He competed in numerous tournaments and eventually became a champion in the Professional Middleweight Karate division. Norris also owned a chain of karate schools, where he trained celebrities such as Steve McQueen and Priscilla Presley. It was during this time that he met and became friends with the legendary Bruce Lee.
Film and TV Career
In 1969, Chuck Norris made his acting debut in the film “The Wrecking Crew” alongside Dean Martin. However, his breakthrough role came in 1972 when he starred opposite Bruce Lee in “Way of the Dragon.” This film catapulted Norris to