Tributes pour in for legendary actor after sudden passing | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTom MurrayFriday 20 March 2026 21:33 GMTChuck Norris shared video of him fighting as he celebrated 86th birthday days before deathTributes pour in for the late Chuck Norris. The 86-year-old’s death was announced by his family on Friday after suffering a medical emergency in Hawaii earlier in the week, though they declined to share the circumstances.Action star Dolph Lundgren, perhaps best known for playing Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, starred alongside Norris in The Expendables 2. He wrote on Instagram, “Chuck Norris is the champ. Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend.”Belgian martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme has posted his own tribute to Norris, writing on social media: “Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten.”Sylvester Stallone recruited Norris to star in his action sequel The Expendables 2 in 2012. He posted on Instagram, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute and posted on X, “Chuck was an icon. I am grateful that I was able to work with him in multiple ways over the years, from promoting fitness to sharing the screen together. He was a badass, in real life and in Hollywood. His legend will be with us forever. My thoughts are with his family.”In fullChuck Norris death latest: Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme lead tributes after action star dies at 86Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in