Actor Akshay Kumar paid an emotional tribute to martial arts legend and Hollywood star Chuck Norris following his demise at the age of 86. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Friday
evening, Akshay reflected on the profound impact Norris had on his life and career.
Sharing an old photograph of the iconic action star, Akshay credited Norris for being one of his earliest inspirations as a martial artist. He highlighted how watching Norris on screen went beyond mere entertainment and became a learning experience that shaped his approach to discipline and performance.
Akshay Recalls Early Inspiration From Norris’ Films
In his heartfelt note, Akshay wrote, “Growing up as a martial artist, watching Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon, Missing in Action, and many more wasn’t just entertainment…it was education. The discipline, strength, and that effortless command he brought on screen stayed with me. Grateful for the inspiration that shaped a part of me (folded hands emoji).”
Growing up as a martial artist, watching Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon, Missing in Action and many more wasn’t just entertainment…it was education. The discipline, strength, and that effortless command he brought on screen stayed with me. Grateful for the inspiration that… pic.twitter.com/thAc1t26Hm
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 20, 2026
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also reacted to the news, resharing a post by The Guardian US on Instagram Stories and expressing his grief with broken heart emojis.
A Legacy That Defined Action Cinema
Chuck Norris, widely regarded as one of the most iconic tough guys in global entertainment, passed away on Thursday in what his family described as a “sudden passing.” In a statement shared on social media, his family said, “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Before becoming a celebrated actor, Norris was a highly accomplished martial artist. He made his film debut with a small role in The Wrecking Crew (1968) and later gained global recognition after his memorable faceoff with Bruce Lee in the 1972 film Return of the Dragon.
Over the years, Norris starred in more than 20 films, including Missing in Action, The Delta Force, and Sidekicks. He also became a household name through the hit television series Walker, Texas Ranger. His later appearances included films like The Expendables 2 and Agent Recon, with Zombie Plane set to feature him next.
Norris is survived by his five children and his wife, Gena Norris. Just days before his passing, he had shared a sparring video on Instagram, writing, “I don’t age. I level up,” a line that perfectly captured his enduring spirit.
