has triggered an outpouring of memorials from fellow Hollywood tough guys and fans. The martial arts grandmaster and action star of 鈥淲alker, Texas Ranger鈥� died Thursday, in what his family described as a 鈥渟udden passing.鈥�
Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren were some contemporaries of Norris who took to social media to pay their respects.
Here’s what some are saying, in their own words:
George W. Bush
鈥淟aura and I are saddened by Chuck Norris鈥檚 passing. He was a legend in Texas and beyond. Through his foundation and his example, he made a huge difference in the lives of young people by instilling character and discipline through martial arts. It was said that when Chuck Norris entered a room, he didn鈥檛 turn the lights on; he turned the dark off. Laura and I are fortunate to have called him a friend, and we send our sympathy to his family,鈥� the former president said in a statement.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
鈥淒eepest 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,鈥�
Dolph Lundgren
鈥淐huck 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,鈥�
Sylvester Stallone
鈥淚 had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family,鈥� his 鈥淓xpendables 2鈥� co-star,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
鈥淐huck 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,鈥�
Lorenzo Lamas
鈥淲atch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris doesn鈥檛 just get wings, he gets even,鈥�
Lee Majors
鈥淚 know the millions of fans across the world are feeling this loss too, but for me, it鈥檚 deeply personal. I had the honor of working alongside him, sharing moments I鈥檒l never forget. He wasn鈥檛 just a legend on screen he was a kind, strong, and genuine soul off of it. I鈥檓 really going to miss you, my friend. Hey Chuck鈥� maybe you can teach the good Lord a few karate moves 鈥� I know He鈥檒l get a kick out of them,鈥�
Joe Piscopo
鈥淛ust heard that the Legend 鈥� The Man 鈥� Mr. Chuck Norris has passed away. I was honored to work with Chuck. It was a life changing and treasured experience that I will hold dearly in my heart forever,”
Mike Huckabee
鈥淗e was humble & kind. I鈥檒l never forget a visit we made to a Veterans Home in New Hampshire. Chuck & Gena graciously visited with every veteran, listening & caring. Most of these veterans idolized Chuck Norris. He & Gena were patient, warm, & compassionate. When we got in the vehicle after the visit, I looked over at them & they were both weeping having been touched by these aging US veterans & their stories,鈥� the U.S. ambassador to Israel,
Priscilla Presley
鈥淚鈥檓 so sad to hear that my Karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be forever missed,鈥�
Morgan Fairchild
鈥淚鈥檓 so sorry to hear of our loss of Chuck, who I considered a friend for many years. We were in Taiwan in 鈥�87 (I think) to accept Golden Horse Awards, and we bonded there. It didn鈥檛 hurt that I loved martial arts! He was always a real gentleman every time I ran into him. My condolences to his family & friends,鈥�
Geraldo Rivera
鈥淭hey used to say Chuck Norris is so tough he makes onions cry. Rest in peace, my friend, thank you for all you did in TV, movies and life. You were a gentleman, faithful and patriotic, and I was honored to meet you,”
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