Chuck Norris

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ChuckNorrisBio Last Updated: 11/11/25
Real Name: Carlos Ray Norris
Born: March 10, 1940
Height: 5' 7"

Grade: F
Actor/Movie Star: 0%-100%
Prime Years: 1972 and 1977-86
Most Famous Film: Missing in Action (1984)
Most Infamous Film: Invasion U.S.A. (1985)
Most Famous TV Show: Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001)
Masterpiece: None
Outstanding: Missing in Action (1984)
Honorable: The Way of the Dragon (1972) and Breaker! Breaker! (1977)

Opinion: I hate to say this, but Chuck Norris is among the worst actors alive. He's so wooden that most of his movies suck, making anyone fall asleep. However, there's no argument from me when it comes to his martial art skills; he is as legit as they come. His physique is impressive and can easily pass for an everyday man.

Confirmed: Of Irish, German, British, and Cherokee heritage, was born in Ryan, Oklahoma and lived in poverty. Watched lots of cowboy movies and was a big fan of John Wayne and Gene Autry. Father was drunk, would beat Chuck, and died in a car accident while driving drunk.

During 1958 in South Korea, witnessed Koreans performing karate and decide to take it up. Studied martial arts five hours a day, six days a week along with Judo on the seventh day for four hours. After returning from Korea, opened his own karate school. Became a world champion in karate. Met Arnold Schwarzenegger for the first time in 1967. Started out in the movie business as a stunt coordinator in the late 60's.

Had been personally selected by Bruce Lee to make his screen debut in The Way of the Dragon even though he was uncredited in The Wrecking Crew four years earlier. Was also told that he looked too skinny and that he had to bulk up before the shooting. It would be the only time he played a villain. For his first leading role, starred in an ultra-low budget film called Breaker! Breaker! that became a big box-office hit, and he was 37.

Appeared in many karate magazines. Was advised by Steve McQueen: "Give your co-stars all the BS dialogue and only speak when there's something important to say." Found his character in Lone Wolf McQuade, a film that was turned down by Clint Eastwood as a potential Dirty Harry sequel. Tends to be shy. Has never fought anybody for real.

Rumors: None.