Editing Chuck Norris (section)

=== 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>