Chuck Norris, the famed American action star, has passed away. His family announced the news in an Instagram post last Friday evening. The Walker, Texas Ranger star was 86 years old.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” read the statement. “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.”

Paying tribute to his fans, the family said the “love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it”. Norris was hospitalised in Hawaii a day before he passed away.

The actor was known for a series of action films in the 70s and 80s, however his fame as an action star went beyond silver screen theatrics – Variety noted that he was a black belt in judo, third degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, fifth degree black belt in Karate, eighth degree black belt in Taekwondo, ninth degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and tenth degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do.