There are few actors more iconic than Chuck Norris, especially when it comes to stunts, martial arts, and action-packed films. The 82-year-old Oklahoma native has appeared in around 40 films throughout his career, and it didn’t take long for him to achieve his big breakthrough in Hollywood. Norris has had two long marriages, with his second one still going strong today.

He is also a loving father to five children. Recently, however, he shared some troubling news regarding the health of his wife, prompting many to reflect on his remarkable journey.

Chuck Norris was born on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, as the oldest of three boys. He described himself as “the shy kid who never excelled at anything in school.” Despite this self-assessment, Norris had a tumultuous childhood. His father was a heavy drinker who disappeared when Chuck was just 10 years old, leaving his mother, Wilma, to raise him and his two siblings alone. The family moved 16 times before finally settling in California. Wilma was a devoted Christian who ensured that Chuck and his brothers attended church regularly, fostering a close relationship between Norris and God. While attending North Torrance High School, Chuck took on more responsibilities at home, helping his mother care for his siblings while she worked. “God has a plan for you,” his mother would tell him daily, instilling in him a sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his life.

In 1958, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Holechek, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his life.