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Chuck Norris

   March 10, 1940 is the day I was born. At that time my mother was 18 years old. I can imagine how excited everybody was if even my father fainted in the waiting room. The fact is there was the reason to be nervous because I turned out to be a "blue child" -- this means that I did not immediately start breathing.
   My full name is Carlos Ray Norris. I was supposed to be a person with auburn brown hair. And this is quite obvious. My dad's father is Irish, and my dad's mother is Indian. My mom's mother is Irish too.
   I was just a few months old when we started living at my grandmother's place in Wilson. She was ill, and my father was the one to take a good care of her. Besides that he worked as a mechanic in auto repair shop. Few years passed, my granny got better and we moved to Lowton. The father became a bus driver. It was an interesting and profitable business. But World War II has influenced our family also -- my father was sent to work for a military plant.
   Again we found ourselves in Wilson. By the way, during the first fifteen years of my life we've moved from one place to another 13 times.
   On July 12, 1943 my brother Weiland was born, but the joy in our family did not last long. After few months my father was sent to front.
   We continued living in Wilson not knowing much about him. Wilson was a small town that had its delights and the population of just 5,000 people. Everyone here knew each other's name, all the joy and sorrow was lived through together. At last we got the telegram from the father. It said that he is injured at stays in the hospital. The whole town was waiting for his comeback. We were happy when he arrived that he was not killed in the distant country. But he had a big problem with his leg. Soon, our life became hard due to his drinking. He was drinking nearly every day. He lost his job. He became very noisy and started quarrels and fights. We, two his sons, were terribly afraid, but he never allowed even to touch us. My mother bore this with some difficulty but could not do anything about it.
   I was six years old when our family moved to California. Dad went to work again, I started going to school. It seemed that life was back to normal when suddenly there was a new way to Miami, this time to the state with more mild climate. It happened because Weiland was down with asthma.
   There are two facts that I remember from my life in Miami. First, all my classmates are Indians. Second, my neighbor Bobby who was Indian. He was of my age but taller and stronger. I was always trying to escape him, that's how frightened I was. We were not at all on friendly terms. Once Bobby broke the school blackboard but the teacher thought that I did it and decided to punish me. At that time in school they were birching. I kept silent and courageously endured the undeserved and painful punishment. I did not tell it was Bobby, but he did not appreciate the true value of my action and already the next day I was forced to escape him after school as usual.
   Our neighbor Jack, the owner of the gas station, always treated me well. Once Jack warned my mom that she should not interfere if I suddenly start clarifying the matter with Bobby. She gave him her word that she would not come out of the house to calm the two of us down. After that, when I for the next time was running home trying to escape from Bobby, Jack stopped me and told to wait for the offender and settle the matter. "But he is too big!" I exclaimed but Jack did not want to hear anything. And here Bobby appeared. Of course I got very frightened, but I was too proud. Suddenly I pushed him to the ground and twisted his hand. He roared. "Do you surrender?" I asked. "Yes I do," said he. But as soon as I let him go he threw himself upon me. I twisted his arm once again. He roared with the wild voice again and this time surrendered for certain. Since that day Bobby never threatened me. Moreover, he became my friend.
   Unfortunately the fact that we moved to the warm state did not help Weiland so we moved to Wilson to our grandmother once again. As soon as school was over we moved to Oklahoma. There, in a small town named Cyril, father found a job as a truck driver. My mother became a waitress in the hotel restaurant. The rent for the apartment was very high and we hardly were able to make a living. Once my father lost his grips, he came home drunk and cried, "We are leaving, get ready!" My brother and me spent that night on the backseat of the truck where our mother made sort of a bed for us. While we were going back to Wilson she was weeping, wiping her tears, afraid that in his condition dad would smash the car and kill the whole family.
   I often wonder where did she take all her patience. She once noted that it is better to have a bad husband and father than to have none. All my life I thought otherwise: it is better to have nothing than this kind of something. But she was a woman.
   During my school years I liked westerns the most. Especially the ones starring John Wayne. When I was watching the movie I myself was becoming John Wayne. Like anyone of my age I was dreaming to be a cowboy. I remember my rapture as I was looking at the toy-ammunition with the gun in the toy store. I was ready to give away all my toys instead of this thing. My mother knew about it but she could not afford this luxury. She only said that you could not have everything that you want. But if you decide to reach something in your life and do everything to make it you will certainly reach it. At first these words seemed too complicated for me, but as the years were passing they became the real rule for me.
   In November 1949, we moved to California and settled in a small van. There was not much space in there. Weiland and me had to sleep in one bed. There was a bar nearby. Dad often visited it, and because mom was working during those hours, he was taking us with him. Dad drank and we were left to ourselves. One my father put on me a cowboy shirt, boots and said to the band's leader that I sing well. I sang so awfully that Weiland was ashamed and hid in some carton, so we had to search the place for him after that. It was my first public appearance. Then there was another one.
   I joined the dance group. Me, my friend Jerry and two girls took part in the Show of the States in Los Angeles. We did not get any money but became good friends.
   In March 1951 my mother was expecting a child. Life became even more difficult. She did not work. 30 dollars earned by my father were barely enough to pay for the van. And only the love of the mother to each one of us helped to live during this period of poverty and hunger. Aaron was born, and mother could find a job as a typist. Part of the job she was taking home with her. At these hours there was gusto in the van. We were laughing and joyous for the fact that it is not that bad.
   The main trouble in our family was dad's behavior. He kept on drinking. For some time he even was in prison because he had caused a car accident while he was driving drunk. This calmed him down for a few weeks but not for a long time. He could come home late at night and send me somewhere to get the bottle. I did not invite friends to our place because I never knew what kind of idea will next come into my father's head. This continued until 1956 when my parents got divorced. I was 16 at that time. Weiland was 12. Aaron -- 4.
   One year passed and my mother met George Knight. He turned out to be very nice and respectable man. Once my mom said that George had proposed to her and she was asking for my advice. I said that to my opinion George would be a perfect husband. They got married.
   This person has played a big part in my life. I went in for sports thanks to him. At first the two of us went together to see football games, then we played ball on the field, we were interested in the event of sport in the world. He cared for me and my brothers as for his own children and we gave him our love and respect.
   Our house was filled with children's laughter and joy. Friends often visited us. This was very important for me. I was beginning to understand what is the real head of a family. I saw how a person must treat his wife and children. I will never forget it. Once, when I came home from school I saw my real father in the corridor. He was talking to my mother. I understood from the few spoken phrases that he wanted to talk to my stepfather. I was afraid of my dad from the day I was born and it took me some strength to stand between him and the door to the room. I said it was better for him to leave. Mom was calling the police but there was no scandal. I was ready to do anything and the father, looking into my eyes, understood it well. He cursed and left. I have never seen him since then.
   At that time I used my free hours after school to work in a store. One time I noticed that a beautiful girl is secretly watching me. It was Diana Holecek from our school. I wondered why she was here, so far from her house. I wonder why she liked me. Next day I offered Diana to give her a lift after school. For that purpose I had old Dodge that was bought for 150 bucks and looked like an old shabby monster. When Diana was for the first time getting into my car there was not even a slight expression of displeasure on her face. Later I invited her for the weekend. George helped here. He gave me his wonderful blue Ford. After coming home I tried to kiss Diana but it did not work out. Two days after that Diana invited me to their house for dinner. During the whole evening I barely spoke two words. I was very constrained and got red each time her parents spoke to me.
   Our friendship with Diana was a little bit darkened during one party. That time guys for some reason wanted that the girls got drunk and bought a lot of whiskey for that. The girls were prudent and refused to drink. To show an example I drank a small glass of whiskey, then one more, and more. Soon I got very sick. I was drunk for the first time. Diana drove me home. I don't remember exactly how we got home, what happened there, what was the reaction of the parents, but for the rest of my life in my memory stayed another fact. In a few days in the store where I was working somebody dropped the bottle of whiskey. I started cleaning the floor, and from this smell I got very sick. Since that time I don't drink.
   For Diana's Birthday I gave her my first present -- a small ring with a small diamond. After 29 ears of our life together and lots of expensive offerings this ring for us is the most valuable thing.
   At that time among guys it was popular to make tattoos. I did not want to decorate my body with some nonsense but anyway I made a small tattoo on my left hand. As you probably already understood there were six letters "DIANNA."
   Our happy life together started in Arizona on the base Gila Bend. At first we lived just in a trailer, but then moved to the apartment. I could afford a car. I became a 3^rd category pilot. After a year I was suddenly transferred to serve in Korea. According to the service regulations I had to go there alone. Diana went to her parents where she obediently waited for me to come back.

1. Bells of Innocence, The (2002) .... Matthew
2. President's Man: A Line in the Sand, The (2002) (TV) .... Joshua McCord
3. Bruce Lee in G.O.D. (2000) (V) (uncredited) (archive footage) .... Himself
4. Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey (2000) (V) (archive footage)
   ... aka Warrior's Journey, A (2000) (V) (USA: short title)
5. President's Man, The (2000) (TV) .... Joshua McCord
   
   
6. Path of the Dragon, The (1998) (V) .... Himself
7. Logan's War: Bound by Honor (1998) (TV) .... Jake Fallon
8. Chuck Norris: Private Lesson (1997) (V) .... Instructor
9. Forest Warrior (1996) .... McKenna
10. Walker: Behind the Scenes with TV's Toughest Cop (1996) (TV) .... Himself
11. Top Dog (1995) .... Jake Wilder
12. Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion (1994) .... Ranger Cordell Walker
13. Survivor Series (1994) (V) .... Himself
    ... aka WWF Survivor Series (1994) (V) (USA: promotional title)
14. Curse of the Dragon (1993) .... Himself
    ... aka Bruce Lee: Curse of the Dragon (1993)
15. Hellbound (1993)> .... Frank Shatter
16. Wind in the Wire (1993) (TV)
17. "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) TV Series .... Cordell Walker
18. Bruce Lee and Kung Fu Mania (1992)
19. Sidekicks (1992) .... Himself
20. Dying for a Smoke (1992) (V) .... Himself
21. Hitman, The (1991/I) .... Cliff Garret/Danny Grogan
22. Happy Birthday, Bugs!: 50 Looney Years (1990) (TV) .... Himself
23. Delta Force 2: Operation Stranglehold (1990) .... >Colonel Scott McCoy
    ... aka Delta Force II: The Colombian Connection (1990)
    
    
24. One for the Road (1989/I) (TV) .... Himself
25. Hero and the Terror (1988) .... Danny O'Brien
26. Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988) .... Colonel James Braddock
27. Ultimate Stuntman: A Tribute to Dar Robinson, The (1987) (TV) .... Host
28. "Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos" (1986) TV Series (voice) .... Chuck Norris
29. Firewalker (1986) .... Max Donigan
30. Delta Force, The (1986) .... Major Scott McCoy
31. Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985) .... Colonel James Braddock
32. Invasion U.S.A. (1985) .... Matt Hunter
33. Code of Silence (1985) .... Eddie Cusack>
34. Missing in Action (1984) .... Colonel James Braddock
35. Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) .... J.J. McQuade
36. Making of 'Lone Wolf McQuade', The (1983) (TV) .... Himself
37. Forced Vengeance (1982) .... Josh Randall
38. Silent Rage (1982) .... Sheriff Dan Stevens
39. Eye for an Eye, An (1981) .... Sean Kane
40. Octagon, The (1980) .... Scott James
    
    
41. Force of One, A (1979) .... Matt Logan
42. Good Guys Wear Black (1978) .... John T. Booker
43. Game of Death (1978) (archive footage) .... Fighter
    ... aka Bruce Lee's Game of Death (1978)
    ... aka Si wang you ju (1978)
44. Bruce Lee, the Legend (1977) .... Himself
45. Breaker! Breaker! (1977) .... John David Dawes
    ... aka Breaker, Breaker (1977)
    ... aka Cindy Jo & the Texas Turnaround (1977)
46. Slaughter in San Francisco (1973) .... Chuck Slaughter/Chuck Norris
    ... aka Chuck Norris Vs. the Karate Cop (1973)
    ... aka Huang mian lao hu (1973)
    ... aka Karate Cop (1973)
    ... aka Yellow Faced Tiger (1973)
47. Student Teachers, The (1973) .... Karate Instructor
48. Enter the Dragon (1973) (uncredited) .... Messenger
    ... aka Deadly Three, The (1973)
    ... aka Long zheng hu dou (1973)
    ... aka Operation Dragon (1973) (Europe: English title)
49. Meng long guojiang (1972) .... Colt
    ... aka Fury of the Dragon (1972) (Europe: English title)
    ... aka Return of the Dragon (1972)
    ... aka Way of the Dragon (1972)
    
    
50. Wrecking Crew, The (1969) .... Man in the bar 'House of 7 Joys'

Producer - filmography

1. President's Man: A Line in the Sand, The (2002) (TV) (executive producer)
2. President's Man, The (2000) (TV) (executive producer)
   
   
3. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) TV Series (executive producer)
4. Logan's War: Bound by Honor (1998) (TV) (executive producer)
5. "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) TV Series (executive producer: 1995-2001)
6. Sidekicks (1992) (executive producer)

Writer - filmography

1. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) TV Series (creator)
2. Logan's War: Bound by Honor (1998) (TV) (story)
3. "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) TV Series (writer) (episode "Golden Boy (2001)") (writer) (episode "Lucas Part 1 and 2 (1997)") (writer) (episode "Sons of Thunder (1997)")
   
   
4. Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988)
5. Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

Miscellaneous crew- filmography

1. "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993) TV Series (singer: theme song)
2. Octagon, The (1980) (fight choreographer)
3. Force of One, A (1979) (fight choreographer)
4. Breaker! Breaker! (1977) (fight choreographer)
   ... aka Breaker, Breaker (1977)
   ... aka Cindy Jo & the Texas Turnaround (1977)

Notable TV guest appearances

1. "Martial Law" (1998/I) playing "Ranger Cordell Walker" in episode: "Honor Among Strangers" (episode # 2.16) 2/19/2000
2. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) playing "Ranger Cordell Walker" in episode: "Thunder by Your Side" (episode # 1.6) 4/17/1999
3. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) playing "Ranger Cordell Walker" in episode: "Lost & Found" (episode # 1.4) 4/3/1999
4. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) playing "Ranger Cordell Walker" in episode: "Fighting Back" (episode # 1.2) 3/13/1999
5. "Sons of Thunder" (1999) playing "Ranger Cordell Walker" in episode: "Moment of Truth" (episode # 1.1) 3/6/1999
6. "WCW Monday Nitro" (1995) playing "Himself" in episode: "1999"
7. "Howard Stern Show, The" (1994) playing ""Himself""
8. "Flip Wilson Show, The" (1970) playing "Himself"