Chuck Norris died on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86. Within hours, millions mourned the action legend. But one major Hollywood publication chose a different path. Variety published an opinion piece calling his patriotic films “dangerous propaganda,” and the internet fired back with full force.
What Variety Published Hours After His Death
The article, written by William Earl, was published just hours after Norris’ death was announced in the news.1 The headline said, “Chuck Norris Was a Great Action Star — but Politics May Overshadow His Legacy.”2
Earl labeled much of Norris’ popular work as “morally simplistic action films.”3 Regarding Norris’ 1990s-era TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Variety said “the black-and-white, right-and-wrong simplicity of ‘Walker’ is cop-aganda nonetheless.”2
The piece went further. Variety columnist William Earl suggested that, given the moral division plaguing the nation, it is easier to see Norris’ characters as justification for “fringe conspiracy” rather than a good-cop moral standing.4
The timing alone stunned millions. A man beloved by generations of fans was barely cold, and a trade publication decided this was the moment to question everything he stood for.
Variety magazine Chuck Norris controversial opinion piece backlash social media
Politicians and Public Figures Strike Back
The backlash was swift and fierce, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded on X, saying, “Chuck Norris was an action legend and a great American. ‘Variety’ is an example of why so many people detest the media.”2
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., also weighed in, blasting the outlet in a sharply worded response posted to X on Friday. He wrote, “Chuck Norris spent an enormous amount of time celebrating what was great about America with those who kept us free and safe. And you showed in your arrogance why we hate Hollywood.”2
Investor and entrepreneur Brandon Fugal posted on X, calling it “Politicizing the death of an American icon who gave selflessly to so many causes.”5
The commenters even banded together to get a Community Note on the Variety post, and they succeeded.6 That alone shows just how united the public response was.
“You absolutely cannot hate the media enough.” That one line, posted by commentator Matt Van Swol, became the rallying cry across social media.
Who Was Chuck Norris Beyond the Screen
The Variety piece ignored the most important part of Chuck Norris’ story: who he was as a person.
Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, in 1958.7
He became a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion.8 After that, one of his celebrity students, Steve McQueen, convinced him to try acting.
Here is a quick look at the man behind the legend:
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force veteran |
| Martial Arts | Six-time undefeated World Karate Champion |
| Acting Career | 20+ films including Delta Force and Missing in Action |
| Television | Walker, Texas Ranger (9 seasons) |
| Charity | Founded Kickstart Kids in 1990 |
| Cultural Impact | One of the most iconic internet memes in history |
He was legendary for being a family man and all-around nice guy, giving a lot of time and energy in addition to donations to causes that helped kids, the hungry, and the poor.1
That is the man Variety chose to attack on the day of his death.
Kickstart Kids: The Legacy Variety Never Mentioned
Perhaps the most glaring hole in Variety’s piece was this. Not a single word about Norris’ lifelong charity work.
Kickstart Kids is a martial arts character development program non-profit organization, formed by Chuck Norris on August 16, 1990.9 He wanted to provide a martial arts program that came at no cost to the students, a program that would teach kids all the valiant traits the martial arts has to offer.9
The Kickstart Kids program has positively impacted the lives of more than 100,000 alumni.10 Today, the program operates in over 59 schools throughout Texas. The program is taught in mostly middle and junior high schools and some high schools, currently serving more than 9,500 of today’s youth.9
In 1992, with the help of former President George H. W. Bush, the program was officially implemented in four schools in the Houston area.9 From those four schools, it grew into a statewide movement.
That is not the resume of a man who pushed “dangerous propaganda.” That is the resume of someone who spent decades building up the next generation.
Why the Timing Matters
There is an unspoken rule in journalism and in life. You do not attack someone on the day they die.
You can write a nuanced piece about any public figure’s career. You can explore the complicated parts of their legacy. But doing it before the family has even had time to grieve crosses a line that most decent people understand.
The piece garnered swift and pointed criticisms, with prominent conservatives knocking the publication for its critique of a Hollywood icon so soon after his death.4
The problem was not the characters Norris played. It was the fact that he was a lifelong Republican and an outspoken Christian.1 He lived a lot of the values he portrayed on screen, ideas which are not as precious in Hollywood these days because they involve nuclear families, positive masculinity, and judging people by their actions rather than identities.1
The broader pattern here is hard to ignore. Hollywood trade publications rarely, if ever, question the legacy of stars who lean politically to the left on the day they die.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world was busy doing what Chuck would have wanted. Norris inspired one of the most famous meme trends of a generation with “Chuck Norris Facts,” which played on the actor’s ultra-manly persona.11 Social media was flooded with those classic jokes, the ones that made him smile in his final years.
Sylvester Stallone wrote in a statement, “I had a great time working with Chuck. He was All American in every way. Great man and my condolences to his wonderful family.”12 Jean-Claude Van Damme said, “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.”13
Chuck Norris was a veteran, a world champion, a TV icon, a philanthropist, a father, and a man who made millions of people believe in strength, honor, and doing the right thing. No opinion piece published in haste can take that away. Not now. Not ever. If you have a thought on how Variety handled this, drop it in the comments below and share your favorite Chuck Norris memory with friends and family.
