Did Chuck Norris die on March 19, 2026? Yes, that's true: His family released the statement cited by multiple credible media organizations. Previously, the actor had been the subject of multiple death hoaxes.
The news was reported in an article (archived here) published by the AP on March 20, 2026, under the title:
Chuck Norris, martial arts master and actor whose toughness became internet lore, dies at 86.
The report said Norris died the previous day -- March 19, 2026.
Over the years, social media posts claimed that Norris had passed away repeatedly on different dates, as documented by Lead Stories:
(Image source: Lead Stories.)
Those entries claimed that Norris succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020, was at the brink of death in the hospital in 2022 and became a casualty of a "fatal car incident" in 2025. None of that was true.
In 2026, his family put up a statement (archived here, here and here) on his official account on Instagram. Here is the whole text:
It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.
To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.
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.
While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.
We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.
As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.
Thank you for loving him with us.
With love,
The Norris Family
Unlike in the fake stories of previous years, this time multiple reputable media organizations published obituaries, as seen on Google News (archived here).
