LOS ANGELES, March 21 — Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood tough guy most famous for his role in the “Walker, Texas Ranger” television series, has died, his family said yesterday. He was 86.

Norris died Thursday morning, the family said on Instagram, after media reports that he had been hospitalised for an undisclosed condition while on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength,” the statement read. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”

The family said it wanted to keep the details of Norris’s passing private, adding that “please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.” Tributes quickly began pouring in.

“All of Texas mourns the passing of Chuck Norris. He was not only a martial arts champion, action icon, and the one and only Walker, Texas Ranger,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

“My heart and prayers are with his family. He will never be forgotten,” said fellow action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Norris could be outspoken about his conservative political views, and President Donald Trump hailed him today as a “great supporter.”

“He was a really good, tough cookie. You didn’t want to fight him,” Trump, who has cultivated deep connections with mixed martial arts and its fan base, told reporters at the White House.