Robert "Bob" Norris is an American actor, martial artist, and television personality. He is best known for his role as the title character in the long-running TV series Walker, Texas Ranger. Norris is a black belt in Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Chun Kuk Do, as well as a 7th-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10th, 1940. He was the youngest of three sons born to Wilma and Ray Norris. Norris was raised in Torrance, California, where he attended North Torrance High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and served as an Air Policeman in South Korea.
After his discharge from the Air Force, Norris opened a chain of karate schools in the United States and was the first man to open a chain of karate schools in the United States, ultimately becoming one of the most sought-after martial arts instructors in the world. Norris also established the “Kick Drugs Out of America” campaign in 1989 and has since worked with hundreds of schools and community organizations to motivate and inspire children and adults to stay drug free.
Norris began his acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in small roles in films such as The Wrecking Crew and Good Guys Wear Black. He went on to have a successful acting career, appearing in films such as Code of Silence, Delta Force, and Missing in Action. Norris is best known for his role as Cordell Walker in the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, which ran from 1993 to 2001.
In addition to his acting career, Norris has also authored several books, including his autobiography, Against All Odds, and his autobiography, The Secret Power Within. He has also appeared in numerous TV commercials and has been featured on the cover of multiple magazines, including People and Martial Arts Illustrated.
Norris continues to serve as an advocate for drug prevention and has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame, the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Norris currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Gena O'Kelley.
