Chuck Norris’ fans have left flowers and mementos at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star following the action star’s death at age 86.
Us Weekly exclusively obtained a photo of the makeshift memorial created by fans on Hollywood Boulevard, which includes multiple bouquets of flowers and even a miniature replica Academy Award. Norris received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star in December 1989 in recognition of his contributions to the movie industry.
Countless eulogies and remembrances have been shared since Norris’ family confirmed his death on Friday, March 2020. Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii for an undisclosed medical emergency the previous day but no cause of death has yet been disclosed.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” his family said in an Instagram tribute. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. 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.”
Their statement continued, “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. While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him.”
“The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends,” the Norris’ statement concluded.
Norris had a near six-decade Hollywood career as a martial artist and star of classic action movies such as Missing in Action, The Delta Force and The Expendables 2. In the 1990s, he starred in more than 200 episodes of the Western TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.
The Hollywood icon was a father of five children — sons Mike and Eric Norris from his first marriage to Dianne Holechek, a daughter named Dina Norris from another relationship in the 1960s, and twins Dakota and Danilee Norris with his second wife, Gena O’Kelley.
His twins Dakota and Danilee posted heartfelt messages in honor of their late father a few hours after his death was announced on Friday.
“Dad, it’s hard to find the right words for this, but I’ll do my best,” Dakota, 24, wrote via Instagram. “You’ve been the man I looked up to my whole life. Your generosity, your kindness, your courage, your integrity, your strength, your discipline, and your faith in the Lord were just a handful of things I always admired about you. You lived your life with purpose and with love for all people.”
Danilee, 24, added via her own Instagram account, “My dad was my protector the moment I was born and as soon as he took me in his arms, I’ve been his little girl. That was something I would always acknowledge even when I was too big to be cradled properly.”
“My dad loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness,” she went on. “He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love and I’m so grateful that is something he and my mom passed down to me.”
Chuck’s granddaughter Greta Norris — whose father is the actor’s son Mike — remembered his humanity even after spending decades as an action hero.
“If you got the opportunity to meet him you knew he is the most down-to-earth person ever,” Greta wrote via Instagram on Friday. “In a room full of people he would make it known that he was listening to you and only you. He made everyone he met feel like a friend.”
She added, “I am forever grateful and proud that I am his granddaughter. Papa, I love you so much. Thank you for everything. The world truly lost an icon and I lost my grandpa.”
