The real name of world famous actor and martial artist Chuck Norris is Carlos Ray Norris Jr. He was born on March 10, 1940 in Wilson, Oklahoma. In addition to a successful film career, Chuck has become the creator of a large number of all kinds of television shows, publishes his own magazine and has written seven books. Norris became the first Westerner to be awarded a Grand Master's Black Belt of the eighth degree.
The beginning of the way
Carlos Ray's father was a car mechanic, and he often drank. The family of the future world famous star was then in dire need. Norris had two younger brothers. At one time they even had to live in a caravan. The constant need and drunkenness of her husband, forced the mother of Carlos to file for divorce. She soon remarries, Chuck has a stepfather. It was his stepfather, George Knight, who instilled in him a passionate love for sports.
Upon graduation, Norris enlists in the Air Force. In 1959 he was sent to Korea with the rank of a third class pilot. It was at the military base that they began to call him Chuck. In those years, he was already married to his classmate.
Military service seemed to Norris unusually boring and monotonous. At a military base, he begins to actively engage in sports. Three years later, Chuck becomes the owner of a black belt in taekwondo.
In 1965, Chuck Norris takes part in the All-Star Championship, where he becomes the winner. In 1968 he won the karate world title. Chuck is actively opening schools for teaching martial arts everywhere. In total, he founded 32 schools. Here at different times such celebrities as Bob Parker, Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and Marie Osmond were trained.
Film career
Chuck Norris was brought to the cinema by one of his students, Steve McQueen. It was he who first brought Norris to the set.
Norris' first film is Crash Stop, directed by Dean Martin. Chuck really liked the world of cinema, it was here that he saw his future.
The Path of the Dragon marked the beginning of Chuck Norris' fame as an actor. Even after many years, it was this film that became firmly associated with his name.
Talking to professional actors, Norris realized that working in films requires certain skills. It's not enough to fight effectively in front of the cameras, you also need to be able to play, express your feelings. Chuck Norris became the oldest student (at that time he was already 34 years old) in the acting class of Estella Harmon. Studying taught him a lot. Chuck began to behave differently during filming, learned the correct diction.
1977 was a real breakthrough in his acting career. The film "Challenge!" Was released, where Norris played the main role. This was followed by a whole series of successful films. Norris has become a real star of the film company CannonFilms.
In the late 80s, the company was forced to declare bankruptcy, but Norris continued to work actively in the cinema.
Social activities and work on television
In 1990, Norris founded the Chun Kuk Do School of New Martial Art. Chuck became the founder of a new style that combined several types of martial arts.
In 1992, Chuck Norris came to Moscow to act as an arbiter in a kickboxing match between Richard Hill and Vadim Ukraintsev.
The series "Walker: The Texas Ranger", which began filming in 1993, has become a real "calling card" Norris. This TV movie was shown for eight years.
In the 90s, Norris starred in several more films: "Superbaby" (1995), "Forest Warrior" (1996), "Sons of Thunder" (1999) and many others.
In 1997, he again comes to Russia for a Muay Thai tournament, as a guest of honor.
In 2010-2011, Norris was actively involved in a variety of advertising projects. Currently, despite his advanced age, the career of the actor Chuck Norris continues.
Chuck Norris is a Republican by his political convictions. In 2009, he made several high-profile statements. For example, he said that he sees the state of Texas as an independent state, which he would not mind to lead.
Chuck Norris' personal life
The first time Chuck Norris got married right after leaving school. This marriage broke up in 1988 after thirty years of marriage.
In 1998, he married a second time to former model Jeanne O Kelly. The age difference between them is 23 years. In 2001, they had twins Dakota and Danny Norris.
Chuck tries to maintain good relations with children from his first marriage. He is an exemplary father and a very strong personality who has millions of fans around the world.
