How The Expendables 2 Helped Chuck Norris Reclaim His Reputation

Chuck Norris built his reputation as both a real martial artist and an action star. He served in the U.S. Air Force, held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, founded Chun Kuk Do and spent six years as Professional Middleweight Karate Champion.

He first appeared on film as an enemy of Bruce Lee in 1972's The Way of the Dragon and later led movies such as Lone Wolf McQuade, Missing in Action and The Delta Force, before starring on Walker, Texas Ranger for nine seasons and 196 episodes. Another kind of fame followed when Ian Spector created the ‘‘Chuck Norris facts’’ in 2005 on SomethingAwful.com.

Spector began by mocking exaggerated macho facts about Vin Diesel, built a crude generator and let users vote on names; a write-in for Norris caught on and the hyperbolic jokes moved from forums into the wider culture.

United States, Texas

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