Chuck Norris’ real legacy: His Christian faith

OPINION:

“Chuck Norris didn’t die. God just needed a bodyguard.” Quips and jokes such as this have been blasting out across social media since the famed actor and martial artist died on March 19.

And it’s no surprise that the internet has been lit up with these taglines. Norris, who was 86 when he reportedly had a medical emergency in Hawaii that led to his demise, had long been fodder for popular memes, with his physical strength serving as an almost endless punchline.

Though Norris was known for starring in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” these comical internet jokes in his later years became one of the primary drivers of his continued notoriety.

But there’s something else for which Norris wanted to be known: his Christian faith.

The actor never shied away from sharing his biblical views, repeatedly appealing to these ideals throughout his career. In a 2021 opinion piece, Norris wrote about the importance of his faith and how it has long protected him and his wife against fear.

“I’m not a preacher nor do I pretend to be,” he wrote. “Though we respect all religions and those who adhere to them, my wife, Gena [O’Kelley], and I are Christians, and our faith is the primary anchor for our souls. It’s the one thing that offers us true peace, hope and a remedy against fear, especially through hard times.”

These are powerful words from a man who built a mega-career in Hollywood, a place where performers too often lose themselves to fame, fortune and accolades. This, too, is something Norris has openly addressed, crediting his mother for helping bring him back to biblical truth.

“My mother has prayed for me all my life, through thick and thin,” he once wrote. “When I was born, I almost died from complications. When nearly losing my soul to Hollywood a few decades ago, she was back home praying for my success and salvation. She even prayed for me to find a woman to change my life, and it worked.”

He expanded upon this in one of his books, “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” explaining that he always “maintained” his faith throughout his career. Despite being “resilient” and never fully abandoning his beliefs, he did admit to struggling in some areas.

“As resilient as I thought I was, I swallowed the hook of the Hollywood lifestyle,” Norris wrote, again crediting his mother’s prayers with bringing him to a place that allowed for a deeper spiritual nourishment and formation. “Mom continued to pray for me throughout those years, and I’m convinced that’s how and why God brought Gena into my life.”

Norris also discussed these dynamics during a 2008 commencement address at Liberty University, detailing how he at one point ended up “drifting from” his faith a bit. Sadly, this dynamic left him in an unfortunate spiritual spot.

“I had fame and fortune, but I was very unhappy, and I couldn’t figure out why,” he said.

Marrying Gena, he affirmed, changed everything and helped bring him closer to his faith. It was a puzzle piece that seemed to help him more deeply ponder what matters most.

“It’s like the Holy Spirit hit me and said, ’Chuck, it’s time to come home,’” Norris said.

The actor told the students and faculty in attendance that he never looked back after making that newfound commitment and has since been “hot for the Lord.”

Another area where Norris offers some guidance is in coping with past sins and mistakes. He has openly shared his failures and how God has used them. In fact, in the early 2000s, he revealed that an extramarital affair during his first marriage resulted in a daughter he didn’t know about.

After he found out, Norris formed a relationship with his daughter, Deanna, and was able to heal affinities with his ex-wife and others in the family. Rather than shy away from discussing these matters publicly, Norris was candid about the impact of sin and restoration.

“These are human frailties; we all have them, we all sin,” he once said. “But as far I’m concerned, the sin that resulted in my daughter turned out to be a blessing. I can’t imagine my life without her and her children, my three grandchildren.”

Norris also has infused his faith into his beliefs about culture and society. Back in 2013, he defended Bible studies in public schools, and he has frequently spoken out about social and political issues.

Ultimately, it is Norris’ devotion to his Christian faith and his willingness to speak with boldness that most define him. The memes and jokes point to a physical strength for which he was revered, but it was his spiritual nature that defined him and set him apart from so many others seeking themselves and nothing more.

Rest in peace, Chuck Norris. You will be missed.

• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is also the author of four books.