Veteran actor and martial artist Chuck Norris marked his 85th birthday on Monday while on vacation in Kauai, Hawaii.
“As I look back on my life, I’m so incredibly grateful for the remarkable adventures and wonderful people I’ve met along the way,” he said.
“Time may move quickly, but the moments we create together last a lifetime. Here’s to the journey ahead. God Bless.”
Christian author Greg Laurie, actor Danny Trejo, and Brazilian martial artist Jean Jacques Machado were among those who sent greetings on Norris’s special day.
“Happy Birthday, Chuck! You are a national treasure!” Laurie wrote.
From Trejo: “Happy Birthday, legend!”
“Happy Birthday to one of the best martial artists in the world and an incredible human being,” Machado said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Machado family. Love you.”
German actor Henning Baum also paid tribute to Norris online, calling him a “true idol.”
“Great attitude,” Baum wrote. “God bless you. Happy birthday from Germany.”
Norris’s fan following made sure to flood the actor’s comment section with witty birthday messages, playing up his reputation as a tough guy.
“The sun did one full rotation around Chuck,” one follower wrote.
“Happy Birthday, Chuck Norris! I heard you don’t blow out birthday candles — you just stare at them until they extinguish themselves,” another joked.
“Chuck Norris doesn’t celebrate birthday. Birthday celebrates him,” said a third fan.
Last year, Norris celebrated his 84th birthday by showing off his boxing skills on Instagram.
“Feeling good and staying active!” he captioned the clip. “Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes.”
Born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris spent time in service to his country before pursuing a career in Hollywood.
During that time, Norris began practicing judo, a modern Japanese martial art, later mastering Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art influenced by karate, and taekwondo.
Following his military service, Norris became a full-time martial arts instructor, teaching a variety of high-profile celebrities, including actor Steve McQueen, television personality Bob Barker, and singer Donny Osmond.
McQueen—who died of cardiac arrest in 1980 at the age of 50—encouraged the young martial artist to get into acting. Norris landed his first onscreen role in 1968, appearing in the spy comedy film “The Wrecking Crew,” starring Dean Martin and Sharon Tate.
His breakout role came in 1972, starring opposite Bruce Lee in the martial arts film “The Way of the Dragon.”
Norris is also known for his performances in “Lone Wolf McQuade” (1983), “Missing in Action” (1984), “The Delta Force” (1986), and the 1990s television series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Most recently, he starred in the sci-fi action film “Agent Recon,” which premiered in June 2024.
Norris married Gena O'Kelley, in 1998. The couple welcomed twins—son Dakota and daughter Danilee—in August 2001. The actor also has three children from previous relationships: Mike, Eric, and Dina.
