Norris said that Harris was the only man in the world who could get away with that!Īs a humanitarian, Norris enjoys giving back to society.
Harris taught Norris how to speak by putting his fingers in Norris’s mouth, and stretching his mouth wide open. His voice and drama coach was Jonathan Harris of Lost in Space fame. In 1974, Norris began take acting classes at MGM Studios to further his career.
Norris made his feature film debut as Bruce Lee’s nemesis in the 1972 movie Return of the Dragon. He was also dubbed “Fighter of the Year” by Black Belt Magazine. In 1969, he was awarded a triple crown for having the most Karate tournament wins in that year. In 1968, Norris was dubbed World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion, a title that he would hold for the next seven years. His celebrity students included Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny and Marie Osmond, Steve and Chad McQueen. After he was discharged, he went on to open a karate studio and soon became a renowned teacher in the martial arts. In 1962, Norris served as a Military Policeman at March Air Force Base in California.
He also developed his own form, Chun Kuk Do (“Universal Way”). While there, Chuck became fascinated with martial arts and began studying Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, Shinto-Ryu Karate, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. However, his favorite actor and role model was John Wayne.Īfter graduating high school, Chuck joined the United States Air Force and was sent to South Korea. Chuck was shy and inhibited, rarely exercised, and hardly resembled his future self. When he was 12 years old, Chuck’s parents divorced and he moved to Torrance, California, with his mother and two younger brothers. He was actually named Carlos Ray Norris, Jr. In addition, you may be interested to know that Norris is an outspoken Christian, Republican, NRA member, and homeschool dad!Ĭhuck Norris was born on Main Ryan, Oklahoma. Perhaps you also recognize him as a spokesman for the Total Gym fitness system, or even as a world-record-setting speedboat racer. What do you think of when you hear the name Chuck Norris? Most likely a martial arts champion, an action movie hero, and/or a television star. And though I'm concerned with what people think, I will not compromise the truth in any form to cater to others.” I'm not politically correct, in my opinions or my practice. Now I'm a rebel with a cause for God and for grassroots America. “For too many years I was in rebellion to God.