7 Things You Didn’t Know About Chuck Norris, ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Star & Martial Arts Master

Chuck Norris, best known for his role as Cordell Walker in the hit CBS TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940; he grew up with a rocky home life before moving to Torrance, California, as a teen with his mom after his parents’ divorce. In 1958, shortly after graduating high school, Norris joined the Air Force and was later deployed to Korea as an air policeman. Once in Korea, he developed a fascination with martial arts — a practice that would become a significant part of his life and the backbone of his Hollywood career. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1962, Norris opened his karate school, teaching students including Priscilla Presley, Bob Barker and the Osmonds.