American martial arts and action film star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, according to what the actor's family announced yesterday, Friday. It is noteworthy that Norris is best known for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The late actor's family said in a statement on Instagram: "With heavy hearts, our family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning." The statement added: “To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a wonderful brother, and the heart of our family.” American media reported on Thursday that Norris was hospitalized while he was on the island of Kauai, days after he celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday with a video clip on social media of him practicing boxing in which he said, “I am not getting older, I am rising to a higher level.” In its statement, his family expressed their desire not to give details about his death, stressing that “he was surrounded by his family and left in peace.” The martial arts expert turned actor, has participated in a large number of action films since his acting beginnings with a short appearance in Dean Martin's 1968 film "The Wrecking Crew." Four years later, Norris's famous fight with kung fu star Bruce Lee in the movie "The Way of the Dragon" made him a popular star on both the big and small screens.