United Kingdom, March 20 -- Chuck Norris has died aged 86.

The action movie and martial arts legend - best known for his work on the likes of Walker, Texas Ranger - had been hospitalised with a medical emergency just days after his birthday, and his family have revealed he was "surrounded by" his loved ones when he passed.

In a statement on his official Instagram page, his family said: "It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning.

"While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.

"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving fat...