03/20/2026
33 years ago I got a call from Chuck Norris’s office asking me to MC his inaugural Kick Drugs Out of America gala. Every year since, I’ve had the pleasure and honor of doing so.
Along the way, my husband and I developed a friendship with the legendary actor and martial artist, and his wife, .o.norris
The news of Chuck’s passing brings back a flood of cherished memories, many of them captured in the few photos and video I’m sharing here.
It’s hard to put into words the impact he made, the lives he touched, and indeed, the lives he changed.
The tributes pouring in from students who benefitted from Chuck’s program, now called Kickstart, will tell that story far better than I ever could.
One of my favorite parts of each gala follows the martial arts demonstration by students who gave their all performing in front of their black belt hero.
Chuck stands in front of the whole group as they greet and honor Grand Master Norris, repeating the values instilled in them as part of the curriculum: honesty, loyalty, courage, discipline, dedication, kindness, responsibility, and respect.
They bow.
He bows.
The reciprocal respect and love, palpable.
He then walks among the students, shaking their hands and offering words of encouragement. Quite often, the audience is moved to tears.
Chuck Norris was the real deal.
A larger than life movie star, to be sure.
But it’s the legacy of his humanity that will most endure.
Your rest is well deserved, my friend.