Would you believe me if I told you that Chuck Norris, a legendary figure in martial arts and popular culture, turned 84 last Sunday (March 10th)? It's true and you have to accept that age is just a number. When considering his incredible career and influence on the world of martial arts films, we have to acknowledge his role in the Golden He Harvest film as one of his most important contributions to the genre. not. The path of the dragon.
This Oklahoma-born star, who holds a black belt in Tansudo, is one of the biggest names in the world of martial arts movies. Known for his incredible skills and tough-guy personality, he has left a lasting impression on the industry.
But did you know that he once gained weight for a role pitting him against another legend of classical martial arts, Bruce Lee? $130 million flick (Dragon's path)?
Explore Chuck Norris' iconic role dragon's path
In the early 1970s, martial arts films were still largely unpopular in America, but they were gaining popularity in Asian countries. However, these films gained attention in American cinema with the release of. dragon's path 1972 featured an epic battle between Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee.
as empire This movie ultimatelyWe have a responsibility to maintain the momentum of martial arts films in America.” Despite initially intending to target only the Asian market. Of course, it was also the film that launched Norris' career. His physical transformation for the role of Lee's rival, Colt Tan Lung, was one of the film's most iconic elements.
Actors exercise regularly, change their weight, and do other preparations required for movies. Since some actors are likely to lose weight for movies, Norris had to choose a different method. Producers reportedly advised him to gain weight. mental floss. Before filming, the actor gained a total of 20 pounds.
It may sound like a big deal, but Norris went to great lengths to meet that request. He had to do it to look bigger than Lee in front of the camera. His weight gain certainly had an effect. For example, in the movie he couldn't perform a jump kick. Norris told Empire in 2007, according to Mental Floss.
“That's why I don't do jumping kicks.” [in the movie]. I couldn't get up off the ground! ”
Well, his dedication to the role and his readiness to experience physical hardship dragon's path It was a box office hit and contributed to the rise in popularity of martial arts films in the United States.
Witness the power: Chuck Norris shows age is just a number at 84
Chuck Norris celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday, but he proved he's still in great shape. The action star and martial artist posted the following message to celebrate the event: Instagram A video of himself slamming a punching bag on the grass while looking out at the ocean. He laughed and declared at the end of the video:
“You know, I'm 84 today, but I feel like I'm 48!”
of good people wear black The post's caption reads:
“God bless you. I'm feeling good and staying active! Thank you to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes. God bless you.”
Friends, fans and other martial artists quickly flooded his post with comments, many marveling at his brave young figure. His co-stars are Expendable 2, Dolph Lundgren wrote:
“Happy birthday, Chuck. You're amazing! Dolph.”
jesus revolution Author Greg Laurie makes this notable comment:
“Happy Birthday, Chuck! You are a national treasure and a true inspiration. God bless you!”
In response, UFC champion Jon Jones added a hand-raised emoji and said:
“that person.”
Former UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre wrote:Legend” along with a fire emoji.
Norris rose to fame when Bruce Lee paired him with a role in a martial arts action comedy. dragon's path. After appearing in the 1978 film good people wear blackhe got his big break and became one of the most successful actors in the action genre of the 1980s and 1990s.
dragon's path Now streaming on Hoopla.