Chuck Norris: The Early Years

Who is Chuck Norris?

Chuck Norris is a martial artist, actor, and film producer. He is best known for his starring role in the 1980s action film series Missing in Action. Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940. He began studying martial arts in Korea in the 1950s, and he eventually became a world champion in karate. In 1968, Norris opened his own martial arts school in Torrance, California. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, and he has since appeared in over 40 films.

Norris' Early Life

Chuck Norris was born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma. He is the son of Wilma Scarberry and Ray Dee Norris. His father was a mechanic, and his mother was a homemaker. Norris has two older sisters, Wieland and Loretta.

Norris grew up in a poor family. He attended North Torrance High School, where he played football and ran track. After graduating from high school, Norris joined the United States Air Force. He served in Korea for four years, and he was a member of the Air Force's security police. After his discharge from the Air Force, Norris returned to the United States and began studying martial arts.

In 1968, Norris opened his own martial arts school in Torrance, California. He quickly became one of the most successful martial arts instructors in the world. Norris' students included many celebrities, such as Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley, and Bob Barker.

In the early 1970s, Norris began his acting career. He appeared in a number of small roles in films and television shows. In 1984, Norris starred in the film Missing in Action. The film was a huge success, and it made Norris a star. Norris went on to star in several other successful action films, including The Delta Force (1986), Invasion U.S.A. (1985), and Firewalker (1986).