[c=#ff0000]Chuck Norris
By the close of the 1980s, Cannon Films had faded from prominence, and Norris's star appeal seemed to go with it. He reprised his Delta Force role for MGM, which had acquired the Cannon library after the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Norris went on to make several more largely ignored films before making a transition to television. In 1993, he began shooting the series Walker, Texas Ranger, which lasted eight years on CBS and continued in heavy syndication on other channels, notably the Hallmark Channel.
On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday night "Movie of the Week" Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Cordell Walker for the movie. He has stated that future Walker, Texas Ranger "Movie of the Week" projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule MOWs on Sunday night.
Personal life
Norris married Diane Holechek in 1958. In 1963, his first child with Holechek, a son named Mike, was born. His daughter, Dina, was born in 1964 to a woman that wasn't his wife.[9] Then, he had a second son, Eric, with his wife in 1965. After 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1988.
He married again, in November 1998; this time to former model Gena O'Kelley, who was born in 1968, and is 28 years Norris's junior. O'Kelley had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins in 2001: Dakota Alan Norris, a boy, and Danilee Kelly Norris, a girl.[10]
On September 22, 2004, Norris told Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart that his daughter Dina was the result of an extramarital affair. He did not meet her until she was 26, although she learned that he was her father when she was 16. She sent him a letter to his home informing him that she was his daughter. After meeting her, he acknowledged that he knew that she was his upon seeing her.[11]
Norris in 2006Now an outspoken Christian,[12] Norris is the author of several Christian books, such as The Justice Riders. He has also been in a few TV commercials promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools, in addition to efforts to reduce drug use. In 2006, he began penning a column for the conservative news website WorldNetDaily, sharing his "musings about faith, family, freedom, country, loyalty – maybe even kickboxing." In his columns, he has expressed his belief in Biblical creationism,[13] that those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics.[14]
Norris serves on the board of directors of the NCBCPS, an organization promoting the use of the Bible in public schools, and also speaks on behalf of organizations advocating official prayers in public schools.
Norris has received a brownbelt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Machado family.[15]
Political views
Norris is a Republican, often championing the views of the party. Norris has donated more than $32,000 to Republican candidates and organizations since 1988.[16] On January 26, 2007, Norris filled in for Sean Hannity as a co-host on the popular Fox News Channel debate program Hannity & Colmes alongside Alan Colmes.
Chuck Norris supports gun rights and ownership, and is against public schools condoning homosexuality.[17] He also does not believe in the theory of evolution. Instead, he subscribes to intelligent design.[18][19]
On October 22, 2007, Norris announced his endorsement of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.[20] Norris said, "I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."[21]
On May 10, 2008, Norris was the commencement speaker at the deceased televangelist Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. Norris addressed a graduating class of more than 4,000 students.
After the 2008 presidential election, Norris drafted a letter to President elect Barack Obama, stating that he should uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of the unborn, and not follow the precedent of the past US Presidents. [22]
On November 18, 2008, Norris expressed his support on California Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and heavily criticized the gay community for interfering with the democratic process and double standard. [23]
By the close of the 1980s, Cannon Films had faded from prominence, and Norris's star appeal seemed to go with it. He reprised his Delta Force role for MGM, which had acquired the Cannon library after the latter's Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Norris went on to make several more largely ignored films before making a transition to television. In 1993, he began shooting the series Walker, Texas Ranger, which lasted eight years on CBS and continued in heavy syndication on other channels, notably the Hallmark Channel.
On October 17, 2005, CBS premiered the Sunday night "Movie of the Week" Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire. The production was a continuation of the series, and not scripted to be a reunion movie. Norris reprised his role as Cordell Walker for the movie. He has stated that future Walker, Texas Ranger "Movie of the Week" projects are expected; however, this was severely impaired by CBS's 2006–2007 season decision to no longer regularly schedule MOWs on Sunday night.
Personal life
Norris married Diane Holechek in 1958. In 1963, his first child with Holechek, a son named Mike, was born. His daughter, Dina, was born in 1964 to a woman that wasn't his wife.[9] Then, he had a second son, Eric, with his wife in 1965. After 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1988.
He married again, in November 1998; this time to former model Gena O'Kelley, who was born in 1968, and is 28 years Norris's junior. O'Kelley had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins in 2001: Dakota Alan Norris, a boy, and Danilee Kelly Norris, a girl.[10]
On September 22, 2004, Norris told Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart that his daughter Dina was the result of an extramarital affair. He did not meet her until she was 26, although she learned that he was her father when she was 16. She sent him a letter to his home informing him that she was his daughter. After meeting her, he acknowledged that he knew that she was his upon seeing her.[11]
Norris in 2006Now an outspoken Christian,[12] Norris is the author of several Christian books, such as The Justice Riders. He has also been in a few TV commercials promoting Bible study and prayer in public schools, in addition to efforts to reduce drug use. In 2006, he began penning a column for the conservative news website WorldNetDaily, sharing his "musings about faith, family, freedom, country, loyalty – maybe even kickboxing." In his columns, he has expressed his belief in Biblical creationism,[13] that those who are troubled should turn to Jesus, and is quoted as saying "true patriots" do not stay clear of discussing religion and politics.[14]
Norris serves on the board of directors of the NCBCPS, an organization promoting the use of the Bible in public schools, and also speaks on behalf of organizations advocating official prayers in public schools.
Norris has received a brownbelt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Machado family.[15]
Political views
Norris is a Republican, often championing the views of the party. Norris has donated more than $32,000 to Republican candidates and organizations since 1988.[16] On January 26, 2007, Norris filled in for Sean Hannity as a co-host on the popular Fox News Channel debate program Hannity & Colmes alongside Alan Colmes.
Chuck Norris supports gun rights and ownership, and is against public schools condoning homosexuality.[17] He also does not believe in the theory of evolution. Instead, he subscribes to intelligent design.[18][19]
On October 22, 2007, Norris announced his endorsement of Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for President.[20] Norris said, "I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee."[21]
On May 10, 2008, Norris was the commencement speaker at the deceased televangelist Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. Norris addressed a graduating class of more than 4,000 students.
After the 2008 presidential election, Norris drafted a letter to President elect Barack Obama, stating that he should uphold the Constitution, protect the rights of the unborn, and not follow the precedent of the past US Presidents. [22]
On November 18, 2008, Norris expressed his support on California Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage, and heavily criticized the gay community for interfering with the democratic process and double standard. [23]
