Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and actor, recently took to social media to honor his incredible mother, Wilma Norris Knight, on her 102nd birthday. In a heartfelt message, Chuck expressed his gratitude for the woman who has had a profound impact on his life.
Chuck, who turned 83 in March, marveled at the fact that his mom is still so full of life, jokingly questioning whether she might just make it to the age of 200! He expressed his deep appreciation for her, stating that he wouldn’t be the man he is today without her love and support. Through thick and thin, they have faced life’s challenges together and continue to do so.
Wilma Norris Knight, born in 1921, had a difficult upbringing during the Great Depression. As a single mother, she raised her three sons, including Chuck, in poverty. Despite the hardships, Wilma’s unwavering influence, prayers, and steadfast faith shaped Chuck into the remarkable person he is today.
Chuck emphasized his gratitude to God for the influence of three incredible women in his life: his mother, his grandmother (Wilma’s mom), and his wife, Gina. These women have played a significant role in his personal growth and success. Chuck and Gina have twins, Dakota and Danilee, who were born in 2001, adding even more joy to their lives.
Chuck shared some of the challenges his mother has faced throughout her life. Wilma endured the deaths of her two husbands, a stepson, two grandchildren, and Chuck’s younger brother, Wieland, who tragically passed away in the Vietnam War. She battled cancer multiple times and underwent numerous surgeries, yet she continues to persevere. Wilma’s strength and resilience are truly inspiring.
Wilma Norris Knight appeared on The Mike Huckabee Show in 2012, where she openly discussed her life experiences. She lovingly described her sons, with Chuck being the “defender,” his brother Aaron being her “sunshine,” and Wieland, the youngest, who tragically lost his life in Vietnam, being her “hero.”
Despite their difficult circumstances, Wilma instilled values in her boys and taught them to be fighters. She instilled a belief in them that they could overcome any obstacle if they had determination and faith in themselves. Chuck’s upbringing in a small town in Oklahoma, surrounded by legendary cinematic stars like John Wayne and Roy Rogers, undoubtedly contributed to his journey towards becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic action stars.
After graduating high school in 1958, Chuck served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in South Korea. It was during his time there that he acquired his nickname “Chuck” and honed his martial arts skills, ultimately earning a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Following his military service, Chuck opened a martial arts studio in California, where his success skyrocketed. He became a world champion in karate, winning numerous titles and retiring in 1974.
Chuck’s path to stardom took off when he met Bruce Lee, which led to his breakout role in the film The Way of the Dragon (1972). From there, Chuck’s career soared as he starred in successful films like Breaker! Breaker! (1977) and Good Guys Wear Black (1978).
Reflecting on his exceptional journey, Chuck acknowledged the significant role his mother played in his life. Her love and dedication have been instrumental in his success as an actor and as a family man. Chuck is now a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and a father of five.
On this Mother’s Day, we want to extend our warmest wishes to Wilma Norris Knight. We hope that her son’s wish comes true, and she has many more years of celebrations ahead!
