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For the Love of Sports and Fame: Hollywood Actors Who Used to be Athletes

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris is widely known for martial arts. In 1964, the Oklahoma native began his career in martial arts, which lasted up until 1974. Unfortunately, Norris lost his first three tournaments only to become a champion by 1966. He won multiple awards, including The National Karate Championships and All-American Karate Championship in 1967. Although he’s known for martial arts, Norris is just as famous for acting, thanks to his 1990 show, Walker, Texas Ranger. He then began starring in action films, like The Hitman, Sidekicks, and The Delta Force.

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Source: Youtube

At just 18 years old, Norris married his high school girlfriend, Dianne Kay Holechek. In 1962, the couple had their first child, Mike. In 1963, Norris had another daughter as a result of an affair (he didn’t meet her until she was 26). He then had another son named Eric with his wife of 30 years. In 1989, the couple divorced. He then married model, Gena O’kelley; she delivered twins in 2001. Norris has 13 grandchildren.