Chuck Norris, the martial arts master and actor known for his roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other films and TV shows, has died at 86.

Norris died Thursday, his family said in a statement, calling it a “sudden passing.” “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the statement said.

Before becoming a screen star, Norris was a champion in martial arts. He won six World Professional Middleweight Karate titles without losing a match. He also created his own style of karate, Chun Kuk Do, and founded the United Fighting Arts Federation. The federation has awarded more than 3,300 black belts in the Chuck Norris system.

Black Belt magazine gave Norris a 10th degree black belt, the highest honor in martial arts.

Norris became a cultural icon, known for his tough-guy roles and later for internet jokes that praised his legendary strength.

Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958. During a deployment to Korea, he began training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.

After leaving the Air Force in 1962, Norris opened a martial arts studio, which later became a chain. His students included stars such as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to try acting.

Source;AP