Editing Chuck Norris (section)

==Career==

=== 1958 to 1969: United States Air Force and martial arts breakthrough ===
Norris joined the [[United States Air Force]] as an [[United States Air Force Security Forces|Air Policeman]] (AP) in 1958 and was sent to [[Osan Air Base]], South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname "Chuck" and began his training in [[Tang Soo Do]] (tangsudo), an interest that led to [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belts]] in that art and the founding of the [[Chun Kuk Do]] ("Universal Way") form.<ref>{{cite news |title=Body Watch; Kicking Old Habits; Chuck Norris found he couldn't eat just anything after he hit his mid-30s. These days, TV's top ranger feasts on veggies, fowl and fish. And he tries to keep his distance from peanut clusters. |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-02-ls-49498-story.html |first=Candace A. |last=Wedlan |date=October 2, 1996 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919193557/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-10-02/news/ls-49498_1_chuck-norris |url-status=live }}</ref> When he returned to the United States, he continued to serve as an AP at [[March Air Reserve Base|March Air Force Base]] in California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Theisen |first=Blake Stilwell, Tiffini |date=2023-05-19 |title=Famous Veterans: Chuck Norris |url=https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veteran-chuck-norris.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Military.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-10 |title=#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Chuck Norris – VA News |url=https://news.va.gov/72315/veteranoftheday-air-force-veteran-chuck-norris/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Norris was discharged from the Air Force in August 1962 with the rank of [[Airman first class]]. Following his military service, Norris applied to be a police officer in [[Torrance, California]]. While on the waiting list, Norris opened a martial arts studio.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Boatner|first=Verne|date=May 2, 1975|title=If I can do it, you can do it|page=D-1|work=Arizona Republic}}</ref>

Norris started to participate in martial arts competitions. He was defeated in his first two tournaments, dropping decisions to [[Joe Lewis (martial artist)|Joe Lewis]] and [[Allen Steen]]. He lost three matches at the [[Gosoku Ryu#Background|International Karate Championships]] to Tony Tulleners. By 1967, Norris had improved enough that he scored victories over the likes of [[Vic Moore]]. On June 3, Norris won the 1967 tournament of karate, Norris defeated seven opponents, until his final fight with [[Skipper Mullins]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 5, 1967|title=Torrance karate expert wins Crown|volume=LXXXVI|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> On June 24, Norris was declared champion at the [[S. Henry Cho]]'s All-American Karate Championship at the [[Madison Square Garden]], taking the title from Julio LaSalle and defeating Joe Lewis.<ref>{{Cite news|date=June 23, 1967|title=Karate bouts at Garden|volume=48|work=Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=June 25, 1967|title=Redondo's Norris wins karate title|volume=LXXVI|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=June 26, 1967|title=Sport Briefs|pages=14|work=Spokane Chronicle}}</ref> During this time, Norris also worked for the [[Northrop Corporation]] and opened a chain of [[karate]] schools. Norris's official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them [[Steve McQueen]], [[Chad McQueen]], [[Bob Barker]], [[Priscilla Presley]], [[Donny Osmond]] and [[Marie Osmond]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chucknorris.com/html/biog.html|title=Chuck Norris Blog|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208060515/http://www.chucknorris.com/html/biog.html|archive-date=February 8, 2010}}</ref>

In early 1968, Norris suffered the tenth and final loss of his career, losing an upset decision to Louis Delgado. On November 24, 1968, he avenged his defeat to Delgado and by doing so won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he then held for six consecutive years.<ref name="CNSSP" /> On April 1, Norris successfully defended his All-American Karate Championship title, in a round-robin tournament, at the Karate tournament of champions of North America.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 1, 1968|title=Californian wins Karate championship|page=19|work=Dayton Daily News}}</ref> Again that year, Norris won for the second time the All-American Karate Championship. It was the last time Norris participated and retired undefeated.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.henrycho.com/sparring.html|title=Past Sparring Grand Champions|website=Henrycho.com|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429214731/http://www.henrycho.com/sparring.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 4, 1969|title=Lewis crowned king of karate|work=Independent}}</ref> While competing, Norris met [[Bruce Lee]], who at the time was known for the TV series ''[[The Green Hornet (TV series)|The Green Hornet]]''. They developed a friendship, as well as a training and working relationship.

In 1969, during the first weekend of August, Norris defended his title as world champion at the International Karate Championship. The competition included champions from most of the fifty states as well as half a dozen from abroad who joined for the preliminaries.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 30, 1969|title=Karate champions to gather at Long Beach|volume=32|work=Valley Times}}</ref> Norris retained his title<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 9, 1969|title=Chuck Norris takes karate black belt|volume=58|work=Valley News}}</ref> and won Karate's triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, he also got the Fighter of the Year award by ''[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]'' magazine. Around this time, Norris made his acting debut in the [[Matt Helm]] spy spoof ''[[The Wrecking Crew (1968 film)|The Wrecking Crew]]''.

=== 1970 to 1978: Early roles and breakthrough ===
[[File:Chuck Norris (1976).jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|Norris in 1976|alt=|right]]

In 1972, Norris acted as [[Bruce Lee]]'s nemesis in the widely acclaimed martial arts movie ''[[Way of the Dragon]]'' (titled ''Return of the Dragon'' in its U.S. distribution). The film grossed over {{HK$}}5.3 million at the Hong Kong box office, beating previous records set by Lee's own films, ''[[The Big Boss]]'' and ''[[Fist of Fury]]'', making it the highest-grossing film of 1972 in Hong Kong. ''The Way of the Dragon'' went on to gross an estimated US$130 million worldwide.<ref name="Krizanovich">{{cite book |last1=Krizanovich |first1=Karen |title=Infographic Guide To The Movies |date=2015 |publisher=[[Hachette UK]] |isbn=978-1-84403-762-9 |pages=18–9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-fniDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608112800/https://books.google.com/books?id=-fniDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film is credited with launching him toward stardom.

In 1973, Norris played a role in [[Jonathan Kaplan]]'s ''[[The Student Teachers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55083-THE-STUDENT-TEACHERS?cxt=filmography|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|website=catalog.afi.com|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224172934/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55083-THE-STUDENT-TEACHERS?cxt=filmography|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1974, actor [[Steve McQueen]], who was his martial art student and friend at the time, saw his potential and encouraged him to begin acting classes at [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer|MGM]]. That same year, he played the supporting role of the main antagonist in [[Lo Wei]]'s ''[[Yellow Faced Tiger]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cityonfire.com/yellow-faced-tiger-1974-review/ |title=Yellow Faced Tiger – aka Slaughter in San Francisco (1974) Review |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707233310/http://cityonfire.com/yellow-faced-tiger-1974-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Norris plays a powerful drug king in San Francisco, where he dominates the criminal world including the police department. He is eventually challenged by a young police officer who stands up to corruption.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=1985 |title=Slaughter in San-Francisco |language=en |type=VHS |publisher=Embassy Home Entertainment |id=VHS 7645 }}</ref> The film played theatrically in the United States in 1981 as ''Slaughter in San Francisco''.<ref>{{Cite news|date=May 15, 1981|title=Oceanside-Carlsbad Movie Guide|work=Times-Advocate}}</ref> It was noticed that it was an older, low-budget film announcing Norris as the lead. The film played as a double-bill to other action and genre film. It was described as a low-budget martial arts actioner taking advantage of Norris's fame.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cedrone|first=Lou|date=September 2, 1981|title=It's been a very good summer for movie industry and fans and many are still around|volume=143|work=The Evening Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gross|first=Linda|date=October 28, 1981|title='The Unseen' Is Best Left Unseen|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=June 14, 1981|title=Ask showcase|volume=76|work=The Tennessean}}</ref>

In 1975, Norris wrote his first book ''Winning Tournament Karate'' on the practical study of competition training for any rank. It covers all phases of executing speedy attacks, conditioning, fighting form drills, and one-step sparring techniques.<ref>{{cite book |title=Winning Tournament Karate |first=Chuck |last=Norris |date=May 1, 1975 |publisher=Black Belt Communications |id={{ASIN|0897500164 |country=ca}}}}</ref>

Norris's first starring role was 1977's ''[[Breaker! Breaker!]]''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/56028-BREAKER-BREAKER?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> He chose it after turning down offers to do several martial-arts films. Norris decided that he wanted to do films that had a story and where the action would take place when it is emotionally right. The low-budget film turned out to be very successful.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf0b2-tlamk&t=31s |title=Chuck Norris Interview 1980 |last=Imperial College TV |date=July 10, 2011 |via=YouTube |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312040202/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf0b2-tlamk&t=31s |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1978, Norris starred in ''[[Good Guys Wear Black]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/56804-GOOD-GUYS-WEAR-BLACK?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> He considers it to be his first significant lead role. No studio wanted to release it, so Norris and his producers [[Four wall distribution|four-walled]] it, renting the theaters and taking whatever money came in.<ref name="blackbeltmag.com">{{cite web |url=http://blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-entertainment/martial-art-movies/chuck-norris-movies-lone-wolf-mcquade-and-23-other-action-films-remembered-by-the-martial-arts-icon/ |title=Chuck Norris Movies: Lone Wolf McQuade and 23 Other Action Films Remembered By the Martial Arts Icon – – Black Belt |website=blackbeltmag.com |access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122145720/http://blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts-entertainment/martial-art-movies/chuck-norris-movies-lone-wolf-mcquade-and-23-other-action-films-remembered-by-the-martial-arts-icon/|archive-date=November 22, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film did very well; shot on a $1 million budget, it made over $18 million at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Good-Guys-Wear-Black#tab=summary |title=Good Guys Wear Black (1978) – Financial Information |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042201/http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Good-Guys-Wear-Black#tab=summary |url-status=live }}</ref> Following years of [[kung fu film]] imports from [[Hong Kong action cinema]] during the 1970s, most notably Bruce Lee films followed by [[Bruceploitation]] flicks, ''Good Guys Wear Black'' launched Norris as the first successful homegrown American martial-arts star, having previously been best known as a villain in Lee's ''Way of the Dragon''. ''Good Guys Wear Black'' distinguished itself from earlier martial-arts films by its distinctly American setting, characters, themes, and politics, a formula that Norris continued to develop with his later films.<ref name="Cook">{{cite book |last1=Cook |first1=David A. |title=Lost Illusions: American Cinema in the Shadow of Watergate and Vietnam, 1970–1979 |date=2002 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=978-0-520-23265-5 |page=270 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HVygqYMVP2wC&pg=PA270 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608031722/https://books.google.com/books?id=HVygqYMVP2wC&pg=PA270 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 1979 to 1983: Action film star ===
In 1979, Norris starred in ''[[A Force of One]]'', where he played Matt Logan, a world karate champion who assists the police in their investigation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2012/08/blu-ray-review-force-of-one-1979/ |title=Blu-ray Review – A Force of One (1979) |date=August 3, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2018 }}</ref> The film was developed while touring for ''Good Guys Wear Black''. Again no studio wanted to pick it up, but it out-grossed the previous film by making $20 million at the box office.<ref name="blackbeltmag.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Force-of-One-A#tab=summary |title=A Force of One (1979) – Financial Information |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526210609/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Force-of-One-A#tab=summary |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1980, he released ''[[The Octagon (film)|The Octagon]]'', where his character must stop a group of terrorists trained in the ninja style.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coolasscinema.com/2015/05/the-octagon-1980-review.html |title=The Octagon (1980) review |website=www.coolasscinema.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040113/http://www.coolasscinema.com/2015/05/the-octagon-1980-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike his previous films, this time the studios were interested. American Cinema Releasing distributed it and it made almost $19 million at the box office.<ref name="blackbeltmag.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=octagon.htm |title=The Octagon (1980)|website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042101/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=octagon.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1981, he starred in [[Steve Carver]]'s ''[[An Eye for an Eye (1981 film)|An Eye for an Eye]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/56593-AN-EYE-FOR-AN-EYE?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>

In 1982, he had the lead in the action horror film ''[[Silent Rage]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/56872-SILENT-RAGE?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> It was his first film released by a major studio, [[Columbia Pictures]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Chuck Norris: action vs. violence |date=March 19, 1982 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2677989745 |language=en-CA |access-date=June 19, 2018 |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202070945/https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2677989745 |url-status=live }}</ref> Norris plays a sheriff who must stop a psychopath on a rampage. Shortly afterward [[MGM]] gave him a three-movie deal and that same year, they released ''[[Forced Vengeance]]'' (1982). Norris was unhappy with the direction they wanted to take with him, hence the contract was canceled.<ref name="blackbeltmag.com" />

In 1983, Norris made ''[[Lone Wolf McQuade]]'' with [[Orion Pictures]] and Carver directing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/67307-LONE-WOLF-MCQUADE?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> He plays a reckless but brave Texas Ranger who defeats an arms dealer played by [[David Carradine]]. The film was a worldwide hit and had a positive reception from movie critics, often being compared to [[Sergio Leone]]'s stylish [[Spaghetti Westerns]]. The film became the inspiration for Norris's future hit TV show ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]''. Film critic [[Roger Ebert]] gave the film a 3.5 star rating, calling the character of J.J. McQuade worthy of a film series and predicting the character would be a future classic, and it would be the first movie where Norris would wear his trademark beard.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lone Wolf McQuade |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun Times]] |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19830418/REVIEWS/304180301/1023 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012030521/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19830418%2FREVIEWS%2F304180301%2F1023 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Lone Wolf McQuade |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=December 31, 1982 |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117792686?refcatid=31 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107180841/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117792686?refcatid=31 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Villainy dispatched in el paso |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 16, 1983 |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=980DE2DA143BF935A25757C0A965948260 |access-date=January 21, 2011 |first=Vincent |last=Canby |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526210618/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/16/movies/villainy-dispatched-in-el-paso.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, he also published an exercise called ''Toughen Up! the Chuck Norris Fitness System''.<ref>{{cite book |title=Toughen Up! the Chuck Norris Fitness System |first=Chuck |last=Norris |date=May 1, 1983 |publisher=Bantam Dell Pub Group |id={{ASIN|055301465X |country=ca}}}}</ref> Also in 1983, [[Xonox]] produced the video game ''[[Chuck Norris Superkicks]]'' for the [[Commodore 64]], [[VIC-20]], [[Atari 2600]], and [[Colecovision]]. The game combines two types of gameplay: moving through a map, and fighting against enemies. The player takes control of Norris who has to liberate a hostage. It was later sold as ''Kung Fu Superkicks'' when the license for the use of the Chuck Norris name expired.

=== 1984 to 1988: Mainstream success ===
In 1984, Norris starred in [[Joseph Zito]]'s ''[[Missing in Action (film)|Missing in Action]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/57148-MISSING-IN-ACTION?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> It's the first of a series of [[POW]] rescue fantasies, where he plays Colonel James Braddock. Produced by [[Menahem Golan]] and [[Yoram Globus]] and released under their [[Cannon Films]] banner, with which he had signed a multiple movie deal.<ref>{{Citation |last=Warner Movies On Demand |title=Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films |date=October 1, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=044YzqaWtx0 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430020224/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=044YzqaWtx0&index=105&list=PLzV4imiaU1vTPP2jhwta_dOWoTyLoiRmB |url-status=live }}</ref> Norris later dedicated these films to his younger brother Wieland, who was a private in the [[101st Airborne Division]], and had been killed in June 1970 in Vietnam while on patrol in the defense of [[Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord|Firebase Ripcord]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=38095 |title=PFC Wieland Clyde Norris |work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> The film was a huge success, and Norris became Cannon's most prominent star of the 1980s.

That same year, on October 2, principal photography of [[Andrew Davis (director)|Andrew Davis]]'s ''[[Code of Silence (1985 film)|Code of Silence]]'' started''.''<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57532-CODE-OF-SILENCE?cxt=filmography |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207175527/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57532-CODE-OF-SILENCE?cxt=filmography |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> The film marked a departure for Norris, due to its complexity and dramatic depth.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=May 3, 1985 |title=Code of Silence |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/code-of-silence-1985 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209005145/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/code-of-silence-1985 |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |access-date=March 6, 2020 |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |publisher=Ebert Digital LLC |via=RogerEbert.com}}</ref> The film is about a cop who is ostracized for refusing to support a corrupt cop who killed an innocent bystander, while protecting the daughter of a mob boss.<ref name=":3" /> Davis described Norris as "easy to work with and very supportive."<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Alter |first=Ethan |date=August 4, 2023 |title='The Fugitive' director says Harrison Ford needed 'a little convincing' to match wits with Tommy Lee Jones in the 1993 action classic |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/andrew-davis-the-fugitive-harrison-ford-tommy-lee-jones-steven-seagal-under-siege-144728821.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102000245/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/andrew-davis-the-fugitive-harrison-ford-tommy-lee-jones-steven-seagal-under-siege-144728821.html |archive-date=January 2, 2025}}</ref> Released by [[Orion Pictures]] on May 3, 1985,<ref name=":3" /> and received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its slick direction, strong performances, and engaging action. It was regarded as a standout in Norris's career, with many considering it his best film to date.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="Maslin">{{cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=1985-05-03 |title=SCREEN: CHUCK NORRIS IS A CHICAGO POLICE INSPECTOR IN 'CODE OF SILENCE' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/03/movies/screen-chuck-norris-is-a-chicago-police-inspector-in-code-of-silence.html |access-date=2021-02-02 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="Siskel">{{cite news |author=Gene Siskel |author-link=Gene Siskel |date=1985-05-03 |title=Chuck Norris Breaks The Stereotype In 'Code Of Silence' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-05-03-8501270200-story.html |access-date=2021-01-27 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burrous |first=Ric |date=May 16, 1985 |title=Norris passes; Reynold fails |work=Daily Journal |pages=4}}</ref>  [[Vincent Canby]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' who liked the film said of Norris performance that "it could well prove to be his breakout picture". He explains that it marks a potential turning point for Norris, who projects a quiet competence that shines in the film's meticulously crafted fight sequences and that his restrained performance feels fresh and distinct, a departure from his earlier roles.<ref>{{cite web |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=May 12, 1985 |title=FILM VIEW – CHUCK NORRIS – THE PUBLIC HAS MADE HIM A STAR |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/12/movies/film-view-chuck-norris-the-public-has-made-him-a-star.html?pagewanted=all |access-date=March 6, 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The film debuted at number 1 with an opening weekend gross of $5.5 million and ultimately earned a total of $20.3 million at the US box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Code of Silence |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1481278977/weekend/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>

''[[Missing in Action 2: The Beginning]]'' premiered on March 1, 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/58216-MISSING-IN-ACTION-2-THE-BEGINNING?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> It is a prequel to the first installment, about Braddock being held in a North Vietnamese POW camp.<ref name="boxofficemojo.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=missinginaction2.htm|title=Missing in Action II: The Beginning (1985)|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|date=14 December 1985|access-date=22 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="yule">Andrew Yule, ''Hollywood a Go-Go: The True Story of the Cannon Film Empire'', Sphere Books, 1987 p111</ref> ''[[Invasion U.S.A. (1985 film)|Invasion U.S.A.]]'' premiered on September 27, with Zito directing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/57720-INVASION-USA?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>

[[Image:Chuck Norris, The Delta Force 1986.jpg|thumb|Norris on the set of the film ''[[The Delta Force]]'' (1986)]]
On February 14, 1986, [[Menahem Golan]]'s ''[[The Delta Force]]'' premiered. Norris co-stars with [[Lee Marvin]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/57303-THE-DELTA-FORCE?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> They play leaders of an elite squad of [[Special Forces]] troops who face a group of terrorists. ''The Delta Force'' was a box office success. In October, [[Ruby-Spears]]' cartoon ''[[Karate Kommandos]]'' first aired. The animated show lasted six episodes. In it, Norris voices a cartoon version of himself who leads a United States government team of operatives known as the Karate Kommandos. [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] made a comic book adaptation. 

On November 21, [[J. Lee Thompson]]'s [[Action-adventure film|action-adventure]] [[comedy film]] [[Firewalker (film)|''Firewalker'']] premiered, where Norris co-lead with [[Louis Gossett Jr.]]. Gossett and Norris play two seasoned [[Treasure hunting|treasure hunters]] whose adventures rarely result in any notable success.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/57321-FIREWALKER?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Norris explained that the project came about when he wanted to show a lighter side of himself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Good Guys Wear Black (1978) – Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Good-Guys-Wear-Black#tab=summary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042201/http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Good-Guys-Wear-Black#tab=summary |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref> Gossett appreciated Norris efforts and said "I have great respect for what actors call stretch. Chuck had to open up first to allow this atmosphere. It has to do with his desire to stretch. Someone else could have been quite insecure. He chose to open up. He's studying hard and he's serious."<ref>{{cite news |last=Sussman |first=Soll |date=September 13, 1986 |title=Swashbuckler hero turns to comedy |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=B7 |via= |volume=61 |issue=18,609}}</ref> The review were mostly negative, while some thought it was a fine for a light action film.<ref name="Ebert">{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=21 November 1986 |title=Firewalker |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/firewalker-1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010001540/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19861121/REVIEWS/611210303 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |author-link=Vincent Canby |date=November 21, 1986 |title=''Firewalker'' Movie Review |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/21/movies/firewalker.html |access-date=2010-11-07 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=''Firewalker'': Review |url=http://movies.tvguide.com/firewalker/review/126192 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029195201/http://movies.tvguide.com/firewalker/review/126192 |archive-date=2014-10-29 |access-date=2010-11-07 |magazine=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bentley |first=Rick |date=December 2, 1986 |title='Firewalker' movie has right blend to spoof adventure films |work=The Town Talk |pages=C-7}}</ref><ref>"Film Reviews: Firewalker". ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. November 26, 1986. 14.</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1986-11-21 |title=''Firewalker'' Movie Review |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/firewalkerrkempley_a0cad5.htm |access-date=2010-11-07 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Severson |first=Ed |date=November 26, 1986 |title='Firewalker' is an entertaining turkey |work=Arizona Star |pages=Seven B}}</ref> Kevin Thomas of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]],'' enjoyed it of the cast he said they "really get into the light-hearted spirit of the occasion."<ref name="HandsomeHokum">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-24-ca-12881-story.html |title='Firewalker' Is Handsome Hokum |last=Thomas |first=Kevin |date=November 24, 1986 |access-date=August 30, 2010 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102032153/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-11-24/entertainment/ca-12881_1_chuck-norris |url-status=live }}</ref> The film made $11,834,302 at the box-office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Firewalker (1986) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Firewalker |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=The Numbers}}</ref>

In 1987, he published the [[New York Times Best Seller]] ''The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story''. It is about his self-improvement philosophy.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story |first1=Chuck |last1=Norris |first2=Joe |last2=Hyams |date=February 1, 1989 |publisher=Diamond Books |isbn=1557731756}}</ref>

On January 2, 1988, ''[[Braddock: Missing in Action III]]'' premiered, Norris returned to the title role and his brother [[Aaron Norris]] directed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/58560-BRADDOCK-MISSING-IN-ACTION-III?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> On August 28, Norris starred in ''[[Hero and the Terror]]'' directed by William Tannen.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lipper|first=Hal|date=August 28, 1988|title=Chuck Norris He wants emotion to add punch to his characters|work=Tampa Bay Times|volume=105|pages=83|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In it Norris stars as a cop investigating a serial killer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-09-04/features/8802210141_1_chuck-norris-film-character |title=A New Kick For Norris Macho Martial Arts Man Chuck Norris Welcomes The Chance To Soften His Public Image In His Latest Movie. |access-date=December 4, 2010 |publisher=[[Sun Sentinel]] |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317224856/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-09-04/features/8802210141_1_chuck-norris-film-character |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 1989 to 1999: Subsequent success ===
By 1990, his films had collectively grossed over $500 million worldwide . By this time, he had drawn comparisons to both Bruce Lee and [[Clint Eastwood]], sometimes called the "blonde Bruce Lee" for his martial arts film roles while his "loner" persona was compared to the Eastwood character [[Dirty Harry (character)|Dirty Harry]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Howle|first=Paul|date=September 26, 1990|title=In their own word: Chuck Norris|page=Close up Cape Coral: 9|work=[[The News-Press]]}}</ref> That same year, MGM acquired the [[Cannon Films]] library. Norris continued making films with Aaron, who directed him in ''[[Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection|Delta Force 2]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/58472-DELTA-FORCE-2?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-25|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> ''[[The Hitman]],''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/58902-THE-HITMAN?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> ''[[Sidekicks (1992 film)|Sidekicks]]'' (1993),<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/59659-SIDEKICKS?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> ''[[Hellbound (film)|Hellbound]]'' (1994), ''[[Top Dog (1995 film)|Top Dog]]'' (1995),<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/60122-TOP-DOG?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-18|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> and ''[[Forest Warrior]]'' (1996).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Forest Warrior|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/forest-warrior/2030059333/|access-date=2021-07-25|work=TV Guide|language=en}}</ref>

In 1993, he began shooting the action series ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]]''. The television show is centered on Sergeant [[Cordell Walker]] (Norris), a member of the [[Texas Ranger Division|Texas Rangers]], a state-level bureau of investigation, and is about his adventures fighting criminals with his partner James Trivette. It lasted eight seasons on [[CBS]] and continued in syndication on other channels, notably the [[Hallmark Channel]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Chuck Norris: Karate Champ Turned Action-film Actor Turned Series Star? |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 18, 1993 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-18-tv-24102-story.html |access-date=August 30, 2010 |first=Susan |last=King |archive-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219011314/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-04-18/news/tv-24102_1_chuck-norris |url-status=live }}</ref> The show was very successful in the ratings throughout its run, ranking among the Top 30 programs from 1995 until 1999, and ranking in the Top 20 in both the 1995–1996 and 1998–1999 seasons. In 1999, Norris produced and played Walker in a supporting role in the ''Walker, Texas Ranger'' spin-off ''[[Sons of Thunder (TV series)|Sons of Thunder]]''. The same year, also playing the role of Walker, Norris acted in a crossover episode of the [[Sammo Hung]]'s TV show ''[[Martial Law (TV series)|Martial Law]]''. For another crossover, Hung also appeared as his character in ''Walker, Texas Ranger''.

Separately from ''Walker, Texas Ranger,'' on August 25, 1993, the [[Randy Travis]] [[television special]] ''[[Wind in the Wire (film)|Wind in the Wire]]'' first aired. Norris was among the guests.<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 25, 1993|title=Premiere of 'Trouble with Larry' on Ch. 11 at 7 p.m.|page=6-B|work=The Galveston Daily News}}</ref> At the 1994 edition of the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF)'s [[Survivor Series (1994)|Survivor Series]] event, Norris was the special outside enforcer for the [[Casket Match]] between [[The Undertaker]] and [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1994/mainevent/ |title=Casket Match: Undertaker def. Yokozuna |work=WWE |access-date=May 13, 2008 |archive-date=December 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221153553/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1994/mainevent/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the match, Norris delivered a roundhouse kick to an interfering [[Jeff Jarrett]].<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrkf9rFJFEM  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/lrkf9rFJFEM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=WWE: Jeff Jarrett Gets Roundhouse Kick By Chuck Norris!!! |publisher=GCXtremeBoomboxUnit |work=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In 1996, Norris wrote the book ''The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems''.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a8vJNQAACAAJ |title=The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems |first=Chuck |last=Norris |date=January 3, 1996 |publisher=Little, Brown & Company |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=Google Books |isbn=9780316583503 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203063221/https://books.google.com/books?id=a8vJNQAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 1997, Norris has appeared with [[Christie Brinkley]] in a long-running series of cable TV [[infomercial]]s promoting [[Total Gym]] home fitness equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totalgym.com/t-About_History.aspx |title=Total Gym – History |website=www.totalgym.com |access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103070022/http://www.totalgym.com/t-About_History.aspx|archive-date=January 3, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 1, 1998, [[CBS]] premiered [[Michael Preece]]'s television film ''[[Logan's War: Bound by Honor]],'' starring Norris and [[Eddie Cibrian]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Bob|date=November 1, 1998|title=Chuck Norris Day|work=Standard-Speaker}}</ref> The television film was ranked third among the thirteen most viewed shows of that week.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bauder|first=David|date=November 5, 1998|title=Temptations movie makes sweet music for NBC|work=The Morning Call}}</ref>

=== 2000 to 2005: Subsequent films and internet fame ===
[[File:050624-N-5248R-002.jpg|thumb|right|Norris during a meeting with {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71}} commanding officer Captain J. R. Haley, in June 2005]]

In the early 2000s, Norris starred as a secret agent in the [[CBS]] television films ''[[The President's Man]]'' (2000) and ''[[The President's Man: A Line in the Sand]]''.(2002).<ref>{{cite news|author=Hal Erickson|author-link=Hal Erickson (author)|date=2015|title=The President's Man 2: A Line In the Sand (2002)|work=[[The New York Times]]|department=Movies & TV Dept.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/269864/The-President-s-Man-2-A-Line-In-the-Sand/overview|url-status=dead|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217175709/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/269864/The-President-s-Man-2-A-Line-In-the-Sand/overview|archive-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref>

In 2003, Norris played a role in the [[Supernatural film|supernatural]] [[Christian films|Christian film]] ''[[Bells of Innocence]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Bells of Innocence|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-bells-of-innocence/2000133379/|access-date=2021-07-18|work=TV Guide|language=en}}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=July 2021}} That same year, he acted in one episode of the TV show ''[[Yes, Dear]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yes, Dear|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/yes-dear/cast/1030347641/|access-date=2021-07-18|work=TV Guide|language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, [[Rawson Marshall Thurber]]'s comedy film ''[[DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story]]'' was released.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/63045-DODGEBALL-A-TRUE-UNDERDOG-STORY?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Norris plays himself as a judge during a dodgeball game. Described by critics as "a raunchy comedy that delivers for many", it grossed $167.7 million.<ref>Sources:
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3578758657/weekend/|title=Dodgeball|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=December 25, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526210613/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3578758657/weekend/|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dodgeball_a_true_underdog_story/?search=dodgeball|title=Dodgeball – A True Underdog Story|date=June 18, 2004|work=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030195522/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dodgeball_a_true_underdog_story?search=dodgeball|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/dodgeball-a-true-underdog-story|title=Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story|work=Metacritic|access-date=November 26, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121222119/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/dodgeball-a-true-underdog-story|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=https://m.cinemascore.com|title=CinemaScore|work=cinemascore.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170916153548/https://m.cinemascore.com/|archive-date=September 16, 2017|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref>

That same year, he published his autobiography ''Against All Odds: My Story''.

In 2005, Norris founded the [[World Combat League]] (WCL), a full-contact, team-based martial arts competition, of which part of the proceeds are given to his [[Kickstart Kids]] program.<ref name="FOP"/>

On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday Night Movie of the Week ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire]]''. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Walker for the movie. He has stated that future ''Walker, Texas Ranger'' Movie of the Week projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule Movies of the Week on Sunday night.

[[Image:Chuck Norris in Iraq in 2006.jpg|thumb|Norris during a promotion ceremony at Camp Taqaddum in the [[Al Anbar]] province of Iraq on November 2, 2006]]
[[Chuck Norris facts]] originally started appearing on the Internet in early 2005. Created by [[Ian Spector]], they are satirical factoids about Norris. Since then, they have become widespread in popular culture. The "facts" are normally absurd hyperbolic claims about Norris's toughness, attitude, virility, sophistication, and masculinity. Norris has written his own response to the parody on his website, stating that he does not feel offended by them and finds some of them funny,<ref name="chucknorris1">{{cite web |title=Web Archive: Chuck Norris |url=http://www.chucknorris.com/html/events.aspx?type%3D3 |access-date=November 3, 2006 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019050357/http://www.chucknorris.com/html/events.aspx?type=3 |archive-date=October 19, 2006}}</ref> claiming that his personal favorite is that they wanted to add his face to [[Mount Rushmore]], but the granite is not hard enough for his beard.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA_hMq-JUOE |title=Chuck Norris facts read by Chuck Norris |date=March 11, 2006 |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=November 29, 2016 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826020405/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA_hMq-JUOE |url-status=live }}</ref> At first it was mostly college students exchanging them, but they later became extremely widespread.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmL3D4yxU90 |title=Chuck Norris Fever – 2006 |last=MrNorrisVideos |date=October 2, 2011 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=YouTube |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531041803/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmL3D4yxU90&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

From that point on, Norris started to tour with the Chuck Norris facts appearing on major talk shows, and even visiting troops in Iraq for morale boosting appearances.<ref>Sources:
* {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZU4tGKBsy4 |title=Chuck Norris on The Tony Danza Show |last=chucknorrisfacts |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=YouTube |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130064717/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZU4tGKBsy4&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9S175wD7dg |title=Chuck Norris, Jokes of Himself and by Himself |last=Pepos Con |date=May 24, 2008 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=YouTube |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531041811/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9S175wD7dg&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5GCyNQBwpU |title=Chuck Norris faces the Facts (April 12 on CNBC) |last=CNBCOnTheMoney |date=March 24, 2009 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=YouTube |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930222048/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5GCyNQBwpU&feature=related |url-status=live }}
* {{Citation |last=Tyndale House Publishers |title=The Chuck Norris Fact Book: Chuck Norris visits Iraq |date=November 17, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBQpZo_Cuw |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531042217/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBQpZo_Cuw&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}
* {{Citation |last=MrNorrisVideos |title=Chuck Norris Fever – 2006 |date=October 2, 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmL3D4yxU90 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531041803/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmL3D4yxU90&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2006–present: Current works ===
Norris starred in the film ''[[The Cutter (film)|The Cutter]]'' in 2006, where he plays a detective on a rescue mission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/cutter-2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710115115/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/cutter-2005|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2015|title=The Cutter|publisher= BBFC}}</ref> That year time he published the novel ''The Justice Riders'', co-written with Ken Abraham, Aaron Norris, and Tim Grayem.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Justice Riders: A Novel |first1=Chuck |last1=Norris |first2=Ken |last2=Abraham |first3=Aaron |last3=Norris |date=September 1, 2006 |publisher=B&H Fiction |isbn=0805444300}}</ref>

[[Gotham Books]], the adult division of [[Penguin Group|Penguin USA]], released a book penned by [[Ian Spector]] entitled ''The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 Facts About the World's Greatest Human |author=Ian Spector |publisher=Gotham |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-59240-344-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781592403448}}</ref> Norris subsequently filed suit in December against Penguin USA claiming "trademark infringement, [[unjust enrichment]] and privacy rights".<ref name="chucksuepwnt">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2129580420071222 |title=Chuck Norris sues, says his tears no cancer cure |date=December 21, 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2007 |author=Kearney, Christine |work=Reuters |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224185758/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2129580420071222 |url-status=live }}</ref> Norris dropped the lawsuit in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/chuck-norris-kicks-suit-brown-university-student-long-island-article-1.326780 |title=Chuck Norris kicks suit vs. L.I. student |work=NY Daily News |date=May 28, 2008 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826015956/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/chuck-norris-kicks-suit-brown-university-student-long-island-article-1.326780 |url-status=live }}</ref> The book is a ''New York Times'' bestseller. Since then, Spector has published four more books based on [[Chuck Norris facts]], these are ''Chuck Norris Cannot Be Stopped: 400 All-New Facts About the Man Who Knows Neither Fear Nor Mercy'', ''Chuck Norris: Longer and Harder: The Complete Chronicle of the World's Deadliest, Sexiest, and Beardiest Man'', ''The Last Stand of Chuck Norris: 400 All New Facts About the Most Terrifying Man in the Universe'', and ''Chuck Norris Vs. Mr. T: 400 Facts About the Baddest Dudes in the History of Ever'' (also a ''New York Times'' bestseller).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/235015/ian-spector |title=Ian Spector – Penguin Random House |website=www.penguinrandomhouse.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031305/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/235015/ian-spector |url-status=live }}</ref> That year Norris with the same team published a sequel to ''The Justice Riders'' called ''A Threat to Justice''.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Threat to Justice|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1114096.A_Threat_to_Justice|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043245/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1114096.A_Threat_to_Justice|archive-date=December 1, 2017|access-date=January 3, 2018|website=www.goodreads.com}}</ref> [[Tyndale House Publishers]] also published a book praising Norris, entitled ''The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book: 101 of Chuck's Favorite Facts and Stories'', which was co-written and officially endorsed by him.<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Official-Chuck-Norris-Fact-Book/dp/1414334494 The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104251/http://www.amazon.com/Official-Chuck-Norris-Fact-Book/dp/1414334494 |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Tyndale House Publishers. {{ISBN|978-1-4143-3449-3}}</ref>

In 2008, he published the political non-fiction book ''[[Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America]]'', which reached number 14 on ''The New York Times'' best seller list in September 2008.<ref name="hawes">{{cite web |url=http://www.hawes.com/2008/2008-09-28.pdf |title=The New York Times Best Seller List |date=September 28, 2008 |publisher=Hawes Publications |access-date=April 18, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924041251/http://www.hawes.com/2008/2008-09-28.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, [[Gameloft]] produced the video game ''[[Chuck Norris: Bring On the Pain]]'' for mobile devices, based on the popularity Norris had developed on the internet with the Chuck Norris facts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/17/gameloft-releases-chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain |title=Gameloft Releases Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 17, 2008 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117131710/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/17/gameloft-releases-chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain |url-status=live }}</ref> The player takes control of Norris in a [[side-scrolling]] [[beat 'em up]]. The game was well reviewed.<ref>Sources:
* {{cite web |url=http://www.appspy.com/review/3651/chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain-review |title=Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain! Review |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117065949/http://www.appspy.com/review/3651/chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain-review |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.knowyourmobile.com/games/5746/chuck-norris-bring-pain-review |title=Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain review |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117065320/http://www.knowyourmobile.com/games/5746/chuck-norris-bring-pain-review |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/183784/article.html |title=Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain for IPhone |website=PCWorld |access-date=January 3, 2018 |date=December 4, 2009 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201221757/https://www.pcworld.com/article/183784/article.html |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2008/08/27/chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain-cell-phone-game-by-gameloft.htm |title=Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain cell-phone game by GameLoft |website=www.videogamesblogger.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |date=August 27, 2008 |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105013453/https://www.videogamesblogger.com/2008/08/27/chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain-cell-phone-game-by-gameloft.htm |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.gamefaqs.com/iphone/979925-chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain/stats#rate |title=Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain! My Games Statistics for iOS (iPhone/iPad) – Collections, Tracking and Ratings – GameFAQs |website=www.gamefaqs.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125223507/https://www.gamefaqs.com/iphone/979925-chuck-norris-bring-on-the-pain/stats#rate |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 2010, Norris has been a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate writing on both personal health issues and broader issues of health care in America.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Chuck Norris |url=https://www.creators.com/author/chuck-norris |website=Creators Syndicate |access-date=18 January 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630164938/https://www.creators.com/author/chuck-norris |url-status=live }}</ref>

Throughout the 2010s, Norris appeared in advertisements for [[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Chuck Norris shills for T-Mobile ads |work=The Prague Post |url=http://www.praguepost.com/business/6410-chuck-norris-shills-for-t-mobile-ads.html |date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=January 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120012810/http://www.praguepost.com/business/6410-chuck-norris-shills-for-t-mobile-ads.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[World of Warcraft]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKpdxjHamI |title=World of Warcraft TV Commercial: Chuck Norris – Hunter |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=December 15, 2011 |access-date=December 15, 2011 |archive-date=December 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215083016/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKpdxjHamI&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bank Zachodni WBK|BZ WBK]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbj.pl/article-57688-when-chuck-norris-endorses-banks-he-goes-polish.html?typ=ise |title=Polish bank BZ WBK commercials with Chuck Norris |date=January 20, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922050427/http://www.wbj.pl/article-57688-when-chuck-norris-endorses-banks-he-goes-polish.html?typ=ise |archive-date=September 22, 2013}}</ref> the French TV show "Pieds dans le plat",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.purebreak.com/news/cyril-hanouna-et-chuck-norris-danse-de-l-epaule-delirante-pour-la-promo-d-europe-1/82447 |title=Cyril Hanouna et Chuck Norris : danse de l'épaule délirante pour la promo d'Europe 1 |date=January 26, 2015 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031057/http://www.purebreak.com/news/cyril-hanouna-et-chuck-norris-danse-de-l-epaule-delirante-pour-la-promo-d-europe-1/82447 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hoegaarden Brewery|Hoegaarden]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vimeo.com/191874955 |title=Hoegaarden – Chuck Norris |first=Untitled |last=Inc |date=November 16, 2016 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=Vimeo |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308031044/https://vimeo.com/191874955 |url-status=live }}</ref> United Healthcare,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://leoburnett.us/chicago/article/chuck-norris-jokes-have-real-medical-consequences-latest-unitedhealthcare-spot/ |title=Chuck Norris Jokes Have Real Medical Consequences in Latest UnitedHealthcare Spot |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030737/http://leoburnett.us/chicago/article/chuck-norris-jokes-have-real-medical-consequences-latest-unitedhealthcare-spot/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hesburger]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hesburger – Chuck Norris tähdittää Hesburgerin mainoksia|url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesburger-yrityksena/tiedotteet/chuck-norris-tahdittaa-hesburgerin-mainoksia|access-date=2021-02-19|website=www.hesburger.fi|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112212238/https://www.hesburger.fi/hesburger-yrityksena/tiedotteet/chuck-norris-tahdittaa-hesburgerin-mainoksia|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hesburger – Haastattelussa Chuck Norris|url=https://www.hesburger.fi/hesburger-yrityksena/tiedotteet/haastattelussa-chuck-norris|access-date=2021-02-19|website=www.hesburger.fi|archive-date=January 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112161757/https://www.hesburger.fi/hesburger-yrityksena/tiedotteet/haastattelussa-chuck-norris|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chuck Norris on Instagram: "Here's a recent commercial I did for my friends at Hesburger. Thanks for watching, Chuck Norris…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg7Hb5iFn-Q/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/chucknorris/1746021984062832528 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLSoMhU2rec  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/wLSoMhU2rec| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|date=February 21, 2018 |title=Kun Chuck Norris menee Hesburgeriin – hän ei jonota |medium=Commercial |time=0:01 |work=[[Hesburger]] |access-date=February 25, 2020 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Cerveza Poker,<ref>{{Citation |last=CervezaPokerColombia |title=Cerveza Poker – Chuck Norris sale en una tapa. Amistad Letal 2 Una fiesta de altura. |date=March 15, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaBsAtB3sPY |access-date=March 27, 2018 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531041802/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaBsAtB3sPY&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Toyota]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/262701/chuck-norris-toyota-tacoma-advert/ |title=Watch a Toyota gain Chuck Norris's powers in this funny advert |work=Motor1.com |access-date=August 19, 2018 |language=en-gb |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819082855/https://uk.motor1.com/news/262701/chuck-norris-toyota-tacoma-advert/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in the 2020s, [[QuikTrip]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox23.com/entertainment/television/chuck-norris-stars-quiktrip-commercials/ULEVBL6W2ZHH3AO43UVBPRNV6Q/|title=Chuck Norris stars in QuikTrip commercials|website=KOKI|date=January 9, 2020|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-29|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129223043/https://www.fox23.com/entertainment/television/chuck-norris-stars-quiktrip-commercials/ULEVBL6W2ZHH3AO43UVBPRNV6Q/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, Norris played a mercenary in ''[[The Expendables 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=http://catalog.afi.com/Film/68839-THE-EXPENDABLES-2?cxt=filmography|access-date=2021-07-19|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> The film was a success and grossed over $310 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=expendables2.htm |title=The Expendables 2 (2012) – Box Office Mojo |website=Box Office Mojo |language=en |access-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115071731/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=expendables2.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, Norris and his wife Gena founded CForce Bottling Co. after an aquifer was discovered on his ranch.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cforce.com/about/ |title=About Us – CForce |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912113408/http://www.cforce.com/about/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2017, Norris became [[Fiat]]'s ambassador, a "tough face" for its commercial vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110778_chuck-norris-now-the-face-of-fiat-professional-vehicles |title=Chuck Norris now the face of Fiat Professional vehicles |newspaper=Motor Authority |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=June 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601234919/http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1110778_chuck-norris-now-the-face-of-fiat-professional-vehicles |url-status=live }}</ref> Flaregames produced ''Non Stop Chuck Norris'', an isometric action-RPG game for [[mobile device|mobile devices]] and is the second game to be based on his popularity developed by the Chuck Norris facts. The game was well-reviewed.<ref>Sources:
* {{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flaregames.nskchuck |title=Nonstop Chuck Norris |last=flaregames |date=December 13, 2017 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |via=Google Play |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518102243/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flaregames.nskchuck |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/games-section/games-reviews/nonstop-chuck-norris-review/ |title=Nonstop Chuck Norris review – Entertainment Focus |website=www.entertainment-focus.com |access-date=January 3, 2018 |date=April 20, 2017 |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005737/https://www.entertainment-focus.com/games-section/games-reviews/nonstop-chuck-norris-review/ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.gamezebo.com/2017/04/25/nonstop-chuck-norris-review/ |title=Nonstop Chuck Norris Review: Deja Chuck |date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226190654/http://www.gamezebo.com/2017/04/25/nonstop-chuck-norris-review/ |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/nonstop-chuck-norris/id1154002816?mt=8 |title=Nonstop Chuck Norris on the App Store |website=App Store |access-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-date=November 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120181548/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/nonstop-chuck-norris/id1154002816?mt=8 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2019, Norris hosted the documentary ''Chuck Norris’ Epic Guide to Military Vehicles'' on the [[History Channel]]. In it, Norris explores vehicular creations by the US military.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-08 |title=Chuck Norris Has a New Show About Badass Military Vehicles |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a28322539/chuck-norris-epic-military-vehicles/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, Norris acted in the series finale of [[Hawaii Five-0 (2010 TV series)|''Hawaii Five-0'']].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitovich |first1=Matt Webb |date=March 5, 2020 |title=Hawaii Five-0 Series Finale First Look: Chuck Norris Books a Badass Role |url=https://tvline.com/2020/03/05/hawaii-five-0-series-finale-photo-chuck-norris-guest-star/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324183427/https://tvline.com/2020/03/05/hawaii-five-0-series-finale-photo-chuck-norris-guest-star/ |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |access-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2020-04-03 |title=Hawaii Five-0 Fans React To Legend Chuck Norris' Cameo |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2493845/hawaii-five-0-fans-react-to-legend-chuck-norris-cameo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409085743/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2493845/hawaii-five-0-fans-react-to-legend-chuck-norris-cameo |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |access-date=2020-05-17 |website=Cinemablend}}</ref> In 2021, Norris was featured as a character in the video game ''[[World of Tanks]]'' during a holiday event.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holiday Ops 2021: Event Guide &#124; General News &#124; World of Tanks |url=https://worldoftanks.eu/en/news/general-news/holiday-ops-2021-regs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208012242/https://worldoftanks.eu/en/news/general-news/holiday-ops-2021-regs/ |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |publisher=worldoftanks.eu}}</ref>

{{anchor|Chun Kuk Do}}