American icon and devoted Christian Chuck Norris has passed away at the age of 86.

Earlier this month, he celebrated his 86th birthday with a video of himself sparring, saying, “I don’t age. I level up.”

A six-time world karate champion, Norris held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Tang Soo Do, and judo, and served in the US Air Force. He became a household name through his films and his role as Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger.

In a 2004 interview, Norris credited his faith to his mother and later to his wife, Gena O’Kelley. “Unfortunately, in periods of my life I did drift from the Lord, but the Lord never drifted from me,” he once said. “He stayed with me. I just praise God for that.”

"That was the beginning of me coming back to the Lord," he added.

On Friday, his family released a statement on social media announcing his passing: “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris… He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved… Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.