Chuck Norris’ death inspires tributes as Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme lead Hollywood reactions

Celebrities are mourning the death of iconic actor and martial artist Chuck Norris.

Sylvester Stallone starred alongside Norris in "The Expendables 2" and shared a photo of their time on set. 

"I had a great time working with Chuck," his caption on Instagram began.

"He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family," Stallone concluded.

ACTOR AND MARTIAL ARTIST CHUCK NORRIS DEAD AT 86

Jean-Claude Van Damme also took to Instagram to share a tribute to Norris.

"Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend, Chuck Norris. We knew each other from my early days, and I always respected the man he was. My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten," Van Damme wrote.

President Donald Trump reacted to Norris' death, telling reporters that the action star "was a great guy."

"Wow. A really good, tough cookie," Trump said. "You didn't wanna fight him! He was a great supporter. Wow. That's too bad."

Former President George W. Bush also shared a statement after Norris' death.

"Laura and I are saddened by Chuck Norris’s passing. He was a legend in Texas and beyond. Through his foundation and his example, he made a huge difference in the lives of young people by instilling character and discipline through martial arts," Bush began. "It was said that when Chuck Norris entered a room, he didn’t turn the lights on; he turned the dark off. Laura and I are fortunate to have called him a friend, and we send our sympathy to his family."

"He was a great guy. Wow. A really good, tough cookie. You didn't wanna fight him! He was a great supporter. Wow. That's too bad."

— President Donald Trump

Christie Brinkley took to Instagram to remember her times with Norris in "The Total Gym." 

"Bringing me on board was his idea ..and I’m forever grateful to have been a part of such a successful enterprise. And we had lots of fun along the way shooting in a variety of vacation hot spots around the country," Brinkley began.

Brinkley said that Norris was a "real family man" and would bring his wife on set sometimes or talk on the phone with his family.

"Between takes we would get him to tell us Bruce Lee stories and his adventures in Russia and we’d laugh at the Chuck Norris jokes. We often joked about the fact that I was a delegate for Al Gore and he was George Bush’s pick as his favorite celebrity," she continued.

Brinkley concluded, "We’d say we don’t agree politically but we can both agree on the Total Gym. Actually… Chuck Norris was a Total GEM …of a sweet human being. To his family that he was so proud of I’m sending my heartfelt sympathy and love."

Lorenzo Lamas took to X and wrote, "My prayers to Gina, Aaron and family. Watch out evil world, there is an angel of consequence at the gates. Chuck Norris doesn’t just get wings, he gets even."

Mario Lopez also posted a statement to X, writing, "Chuck Norris didn't die, he just completed his mission & went to rest… #RestWellLegend."

Dolph Lundgren shared a photo with Norris on Instagram to honor the late star. 

"Chuck Norris is the champ. Ever since I was a young martial artist and later getting into movies, I always looked up to him as a role model. Someone who had the respect, humility and strength it takes to be a man. We will miss you, my friend," Lundgren captioned the photo.

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Bruce Lee's family took to X and honored Norris with a photo of the duo and a simple message of, "Rest In Peace."

Donny Osmond shared several photos with Norris and a sweet memory of the late star teaching him karate.

"Heartbroken to hear of Chuck Norris’s passing. In the early ‘70s, Elvis introduced my brothers and me to Chuck to add karate — including teaching me how to break boards — to our act in order to put forth a tougher onstage image," Osmond’s post on X began. 

"He taught us Tang Soo Do and pushed us to be stronger in every way. Tough in training, but one of the kindest souls you could ever know. I’ll always be grateful. Rest well, my friend," he concluded.

Kevin Sorbo wrote on X: "Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris. A good man, a great friend, and a legend in his own time. Rest in peace."

Sheree J. Wilson, Chuck Norris’ co-star on "Walker, Texas Ranger," told Fox News Digital she has "shed too many tears" after the star's passing.

"I loved and adored Chuck, and we had the BEST working relationship that filled my heart with such joy just going to the set and working with him and my beautiful cast members daily. We shared and lived so much of life together over the nine years," Wilson began.

"I feel so deeply for his family because they were everything to him. Also, when you have a work family your heart and soul don't know the difference. It's with such deep respect and profound gratitude that I got to play with him for all those years. We lost a legend and a dear friend!" she concluded.

Early Friday morning, Norris' family shared a statement online confirming his death.

"He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family."

— Sylvester Stallone

"It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace," the post states.

"To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family. He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.

"While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. 

"To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends. We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us."

After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1962, he opened a martial arts studio, which later expanded into a chain of studios attended by the likes of Steve McQueen, Priscilla Presley and Bob Barker. McQueen, he once said, was responsible for getting him into acting.

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His first appearance was a small, uncredited role in 1968's "The Wrecking Crew," and he appeared in a handful of films in the early ‘70s while he was also competing in martial arts. After retiring from competitive karate in 1974, he wasn't sure about his next move, but McQueen suggested he step further into Hollywood.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as "Missing in Action," "The Delta Force" and "Sidekicks."

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In 1993, he took on his most famous role as a crime-fighting lawman in TV's "Walker, Texas Ranger." The show ran for nine seasons, and, in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Gena O'Kelley, sons Mike and Eric and daughters Dakota, Danilee and Dina.

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Fox News Digital's Emily Trainham and The Associated Press contributed to this report.