Actor Chuck Norris, who defended the 'voiceless in wombs,' dies at 86

Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, according to a statement from his family.

Key Takeaways:

• Chuck Norris was a martial artist, Air Force veteran, actor, and author.

• Norris died at the age of 86 after experiencing a medical emergency.

• He was well-known in Hollywood for being an outspoken conservative, and was openly pro-life.

The Details:

After serving in the United States Air Force, Chuck Norris began training in martial arts, and earned black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo. He started his Hollywood career as a martial arts instructor before moving to acting in the 1960s.

He had on-screen success for decades, most notably as the titular role of "Walker, Texas Ranger" on CBS.

Norris also wrote numerous books and screenplays, and as an open conservative, wrote a regular column for WorldNetDaily.

On Instagram, Norris' family announced his death, but said they preferred to keep the details private. "To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family," the statement read.

"He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives."

Zoom In:

Throughout his life, Norris was open about his Christian and conservative beliefs, which included supporting the pro-life movement. In 2021, he wrote a column reflecting on 48 years of Roe v. Wade, and urged Americans to protect preborn life. He wrote:

“As long as Americans are relearning how to respect and get along with one another and even agree to disagree agreeably, maybe it’s high time we reevaluated the worth we give to the voiceless in wombs, too.

Whether in the U.S. Capital or in cities across every state of our union, we shouldn’t justify violence to humans outside the womb or inside the womb. Instead, we should esteem all human life from conception to the grave.”

In a May 2022 column, after the Supreme Court draft leak of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, which ultimately would overturn Roe, he argued that the Founding Fathers advocated for protecting life in the womb:

"It is the primary purpose of government to protect every human's rights for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is still true from the womb to the tomb. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1809, 'The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.'

With all the preceding in mind, it's no surprise that the present U.S. Supreme Court majority are following the founders' precedent in maintaining constitutional integrity toward human life in the womb or outside the womb."

The Bottom Line:

Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O'Kelley, five children, and 13 grandchildren.