Chuck Norris, the martial arts icon and action star, celebrates his 84th birthday today. Norris, who was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, has had a remarkable career that spans over five decades and includes more than 20 films and a long-running TV series.

Norris began his martial arts journey in Korea, where he served in the U.S. Air Force and learned Tang Soo Do. He later earned black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, and founded his own style, Chun Kuk Do. He won many championships and titles, including the Professional Middleweight Karate Champion, which he held for six consecutive years.

Norris made his film debut in 1969, with a minor role in The Wrecking Crew, thanks to his friend and fellow martial artist Bruce Lee. Lee later invited him to play the main villain in The Way of the Dragon (1972), which featured a legendary fight scene in the Colosseum in Rome. Norris then pursued a career as a leading man in action and martial arts films, such as Breaker! Breaker! (1977), Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Octagon (1980), An Eye for an Eye (1981), Lone Wolf McQuade (1983), Missing in Action (1984), Code of Silence (1985), Invasion U.S.A. (1985), The Delta Force (1986), and Firewalker (1986).

Norris became a household name in the 1990s, when he starred in the CBS television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran for nine seasons from 1993 to 2001. He played Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger who fought crime and injustice with his martial arts skills and cowboy values. The show was a hit with audiences and critics, and earned Norris several awards and nominations.

Norris continued to act in films and TV shows, such as Delta Force 2 (1990), The Hitman (1991), Sidekicks (1992), Forest Warrior (1996), The President’s Man (2000), The Cutter (2005), and The Expendables 2 (2012). He also diversified his endeavors, becoming a noted writer, philanthropist, activist, and internet phenomenon. He has written several books on martial arts, fitness, philosophy, politics, Christianity, and fiction, two of which were New York Times bestsellers. He has also supported various causes and charities, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the United Way, the Veterans Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, and his own Kickstart Kids program, which teaches martial arts and life skills to at-risk youth. He has also been the subject of countless jokes and memes, known as “Chuck Norris facts”, which exaggerate his prowess and abilities.

Norris has been married twice, and has five children and 13 grandchildren. He currently lives in Texas with his second wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998. He is a devout Christian and a staunch conservative. He is also an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman.

Norris is widely regarded as one of the greatest martial artists and action heroes of all time. He has influenced and inspired generations of fans and practitioners with his skills, charisma, and values. He has received numerous honors and awards, such as the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Karate Union Hall of Fame, the Veteran of the Year Award from the American Veteran Awards, the Texas Legend Award from the Texas Film Hall of Fame, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Houston. He is also a member of the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame, the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame, and the World Black Belt Hall of Fame.

As he celebrates his 84th birthday, Chuck Norris shows no signs of slowing down or retiring. He remains active and involved in various projects and causes, and continues to entertain and educate his fans with his wisdom and humor. He is a living legend, a true American hero, and a martial arts master.

Some jokes with Chuck Norris:

• Chuck Norris can divide by zero.
• Chuck Norris can speak Braille.
• Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
• Chuck Norris can strangle you with a cordless phone.
• Chuck Norris can light a fire by rubbing two ice cubes together.
• Chuck Norris can hear sign language.
• Chuck Norris can make onions cry.
• Chuck Norris can delete the Recycling Bin.
• Chuck Norris can unscramble an egg.
• Chuck Norris can win a game of chess in one move.

Happy birthday, Chuck Norris!