Chuck Norris
American martial artist
Add new record
- His real first name is Carlos
- He is a born again Christian.
- His voice and drama coach was Jonathan Harris, of "Lost in Space" (1965) fame. Harris "taught him how to speak," by putting his fingers in Norris's mouth, and stretching the mouth wide open. Chuck names Jonathan as the only man in the world who could get away with doing that to him... which Harris was always proud of.
- 1004: Actively supported George W. Bush's campaign to become Governor of Texas.
- Was a guest star on "The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular" (2003) (mini) honoring Bob Barker's 80th birthday. Other celebrity guests included Céline Dion, Ray Romano, Charlie Sheen and Larry King.
- Eldest of three sons born to Ray and Wilma Norris. Chuck's brothers are Wieland Norris (born July 12, 1943; KIA in Vietnam, 1970) and Aaron Norris. Aaron is the youngest of the trio, the proverbial "runt of the litter."
- It is commonly believed that he was offered the role of "Sensei Jon Kreese" in the original The Karate Kid (1984). He reportedly turned it down, claiming he did not want his name connected with such a brutal and vicious character. This is, in fact, an urban legend; Norris himself has disputed it. While appearing on the February 9, 2006 episode of the radio show hosted by Adam Carolla, Norris stated that he was never offered the role at all.
- Is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the Machado Brothers.
- He is the Founder of the National Tang-Soo-Do Congress (NTC) and the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). Chuck is also President of the latter.
- 2/14/06: Attended a Valentine's Day celebration at the White House, wearing black boots with his tuxedo. Singer Michael Feinstein capped the romantic evening by serenading the crowd, which included new Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, singer Wayne Newton and Senators Mitch McConnell and Joseph Lieberman.
- His father Ray was killed in a car accident, shortly after cancer surgery. Part of Ray's throat and chin were removed; a tube was inserted in his trachea to help him breathe. Ray was thrown out of his car in the wreck, and the tube came out. Ray suffocated on the ground because no one at the accident site was aware of the tube.
- He has a 10th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, and also an 8th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do...that is, the Korean (or traditional) styles of each.
- Has 3 grandchildren by son Eric Norris; these include fellow actress Gabby Di Ciolli.
- Is a close friend of legendary writer and director John Milius, who was an uncredited co-screenwriter of Norris's movie Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). Milius credits this film, in part with inspiring him to craft the similar Extreme Prejudice (1987), four years later.
- Was the initial choice for the character of Red Forman on the Fox sitcom "That '70s Show" (1998), but was still filming "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993), so he had to turn it down.
- As a child, his idol and favorite actor was John Wayne. Indeed, their on screen personas bear much in common. Both achieved their highest level of fame playing no nonsense good guys who were incorruptible and did whatever it took to make sure that justice was served and that the bad guys got what they deserved.
- 12/12/01: Received "Veteran of the Year 2001" honor at the 6th Annual American Veteran Awards.
- Is only one of three Americans to achieve eighth-degree black belt status in tae-kwon-do.
- 1/20/01: Attended the first inauguration of President George W. Bush along with fellow longtime Republican supporters Sylvester Stallone and Robert Duvall.
- Reader's Digest once noted a story of how Norris, true to his characters, prefers to find a non-violent way to solve a situation. Norris was in a bar once when a customer walked in and said to him, "You're in my seat. Move." Norris complied, and as the customer sat down, he recognized Norris. He then said, "Chuck, you could've kicked my butt if you wanted to. Instead of moving, why didn't you just attack me?" Norris' response: "What would that have accomplished?" Norris later said the experience resulted in him getting a new admirer and a new friend.
- He was the karate teacher of father-son actors Steve McQueen and Chad McQueen. The elder McQueen encouraged Norris to pursue a career in movies and television; allegedly, he told Chuck: "If you can't do anything else, there's always acting."
- Hosted a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee at his ranch in Navasota, Texas. Norris estimated more than 200 people paid at least $1,000 for a plate of barbecue and a chance to watch Huckabee play bass guitar with his band, Capitol Offense. Norris, who has frequently made public appearances in support of Huckabee, opened his sprawling East Texas ranch to the campaign and its supporters. (20 January 2008).
- He is a close friend of President George W. Bush and his father, former President George Bush.
- 8/30/01: Twins Dakota Alan and Danilee Kelly, with Gena O'Kelley, born.