Chuck Norris is a name that many people recognize, but not everyone knows why. He is an American martial artist and actor who has starred in dozens of action movies and TV shows. He is also known for his involvement in various causes, such as promoting martial arts, supporting veterans, and endorsing conservative politics. But perhaps the most surprising thing about Chuck Norris is that he has become a pop culture phenomenon thanks to the internet.

Chuck Norris was born in 1940 in Oklahoma, but grew up in California. He joined the Air Force after high school and was stationed in Korea, where he learned Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art. He also studied Brazilian jiu jitsu and judo, earning black belts in all three disciplines. After returning to the US, he worked as a mechanic and a karate instructor, eventually opening his own schools. He also competed in various tournaments, winning many championships and becoming one of the best fighters in the world.

His martial arts skills caught the attention of Hollywood star Steve McQueen, who encouraged him to pursue an acting career. Norris made his film debut in 1969 in The Wrecking Crew, a spy comedy starring Dean Martin. He then got his big break in 1972 when he played the main villain in Way of the Dragon, a martial arts classic directed by and starring Bruce Lee. The fight scene between Lee and Norris at the Colosseum in Rome is considered one of the best in cinema history.

Norris went on to star in many action and martial arts films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, such as Breaker! Breaker!, Good Guys Wear Black, A Force of One, The Octagon, An Eye for an Eye, Silent Rage, Forced Vengeance, Lone Wolf McQuade, Missing in Action, Invasion U.S.A., The Delta Force, Firewalker, and Code of Silence. He often played tough, patriotic heroes who fought against terrorists, criminals, and communists. He also did most of his own stunts and fight choreography.

In 1993, Norris launched his most successful project: Walker, Texas Ranger, a TV series that ran for eight seasons on CBS. Norris played Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who used his martial arts skills and cowboy values to fight crime and injustice in the Lone Star State. The show was popular with audiences and critics alike, earning Norris several awards and nominations. It also spawned a TV movie and a spin-off series.

In the 2000s, Norris became the subject of a viral internet phenomenon known as “Chuck Norris facts”, which are humorous statements that exaggerate his strength, skill, and toughness. For example: “Chuck Norris can divide by zero”, “Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door”, or “Chuck Norris doesn’t read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants”. The jokes spread online through websites, blogs, social media, and memes. They also appeared in books, video games, TV shows, and commercials.

Norris himself has reacted positively to the jokes, saying that he finds them funny and flattering. He has also used them to promote his own causes and products, such as his autobiography Against All Odds: My Story (2004), his fitness equipment Total Gym (2007), his video game Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain (2008), his bottled water CForce (2017), and his mobile game Nonstop Chuck Norris (2017).

Norris has also been involved in various humanitarian and political activities over the years. He has supported several charities and foundations that help children, veterans, animals, and the environment. He has also endorsed several conservative candidates and causes, such as Mike Huckabee for president (2008), the National Rifle Association (2016), and Donald Trump for president (2020). He has also expressed his views on topics such as religion, education, health care, immigration, and national security.

Chuck Norris is more than just an actor and a martial artist. He is a cultural icon who has influenced generations of fans with his movies, TV shows, books, products, jokes, and