New Delhi, March 25 -- Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in "Walker, Texas Ranger" and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy - sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents - has died at 86.

Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a "sudden passing."

"While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace," the family said in a statement posted to social media.

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based Amer...