Hollywood is left emotional by the sudden passing of legendary action star Chuck Norris. Norris, who passed away on Thursday, March 19. The veteran actor, known for his roles in movies like Walker, Texas Ranger, Missing in Action, The Delta Force, etc., was often associated with the tough guy persona in Hollywood and beyond. Expectedly, his death has triggered a wave of tributes pouring in by the minute to honor the legacy of the legend. 

Among those who have posted their heartfelt messages are big names like Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and many more.

On Thursday, March 19, Chuck Norris' family took to Instagram to announce the news. After the announcement, action legends including Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, and Jean-Claude Van Damme honored Norris on social media in the hours that followed. Interestingly, all three actors have previously worked with Norris in the 2012 film The Expendables 2.

On Instagram, Stallone posted a picture of himself and Norris on the set of The Expendables 2.

"I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way," wrote Stallone in the post. He further hailed him as a great man and offered his condolences to his family.

Lundgren wrote that he always looked up to Norris as a role model while sharing a picture of him and Norris giving the latter's trademark thumbs up at the camera. 

"Chuck Norris is the champ," Lundgren wrote in the caption. He emphasized that the actor had all the qualities it takes to be a man - respect, humility, and strength.

"Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris," Van Damme said alongside three images of himself and Norris taken over the years on Instagram, one of which included the two men posing with John Travolta. He added that he had known the actor since he was a child and had always admired him.

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Their tributes were followed by several more celebrities like Stephen King, Lorenzo Lamas, and so on, who talked about the kind of man he was, and his legacy goes beyond just being an actor.

Only a few know that before even becoming an actor, he was a renowned martial artist in the US, who trained with the likes of Bruce Lee in All-American Karate Championships. His friendship with Lee got him his first movie role in the 1972 film called The Way of the Dragon. 

He remained the Karate champion for as long as six years before finally retiring after achieving his goal of becoming the undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion. He then continued his acting journey on the advice of his other Hollywood friend, Steve McQueen. His martial arts and military background helped a lot in his journey to become an iconic action star. He serves as an archetype for the ideal action hero till now, which is a testament to his impact on the genre.

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What is your favorite Chuck Norris movie? Do let us know in the comments.