Over the course of 80 years, Chuck Norris has done it all. He served in the military before becoming one of the most universally recognized martial artists of all time, and his skills led to a successful career in films, beginning with a legendary battle against the great Bruce Lee in the iconic action movie, Way of the Dragon, before becoming one of the preeminent action heroes of the 1980s. His 1990s television series, Walker, Texas Ranger, ran for 200 episodes on CBS and remains a cult classic to this day for its blend of martial arts action, cowboy lawmen heroes, and moralistic storytelling.
Today, Norris is an internet legend, with numerous scenes from his shows and movies becoming viral sensations alongside "Chuck Norris Facts," an endless list of outlandish trivia about the action star. Now, Norris is extending his global domination to Wargaming's World of Tanks video game. The military-themed simulation title puts players behind the treads of some of history's most iconic armored vehicles in an online multiplayer fight for survival. The enduring popularity of the title seems to have caught Norris' attention, and the Missing in Action star has chosen to lend his talents to this year's Holiday Ops event, which runs from December 9 to January 11. The event features a ton of cosmetic awards, as well as 32 new missions, one for each day of the event. "Chuck's Challenge" is like an advent calendar, but with more explosions.
While promoting the World of Tanks Holiday Ops event, Chuck Norris spoke to Screen Rant about his work on the video game and shares some stories from his career as a military man, a martial artist, and an action hero. He talks about why he was drawn to a game that's more than just "your typical military shooter," and even recommends some of his best movies that a newcomer might want to check out to become an instant Chuck Norris scholar!
World of Tanks is free-to-play on PC.
There's a lot of video games out there about the military. Why did you choose World of Tanks over any of its peers and competitors?
As you know, I served in the armed forces, so World of Tanks is a sort of kindred spirit to me, and it’s not your typical military shooter: it’s one where you need to strategize to secure the victory. Also, the game features an enormous amount of armored vehicles from various nations and eras and provides a great amount of detail on the history of tank-building. You can tell the guys behind the game are extremely passionate about history, especially when it comes to military vehicles, and this is clearly reflected in everything they do.
Some younger fans of yours may not know that you are a real military veteran, having served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1962. Are there lessons you learned in the military that continue to guide you, knowledge from that chapter in your life that you'd like to share with your fans?
My time in the military helped me grow up and prepare me for adulthood. It was also where I began training in the Martial Arts while stationed in Korea. I came home a black belt in Tang Soo Do, known today as Taekwondo. And also, a brown belt in Judo.
You've starred in a great many action adventures, from Missing in Action to Delta Force and countless others. Do you have a particular favorite film of yours that you'd like to share with the Screen Rant reader? If some unfortunate soul inexplicably had never seen any of your movies before, where would you have them start?
My film career has been a memorable journey. I starred in my first big film with Bruce Lee, Way of the Dragon. It was epic and the fight scene between Bruce and I was done in the Rome Colosseum. It is a fight that everyone still remembers to this day. I think your readers would enjoy Lone Wolf McQuade, Code of Silence, and my Missing in Action films.
What's your favorite tank? Have you been lucky enough to take a ride in it, or at least play it in World of Tanks?
When I served in the Air Force, the backbone of the U.S. tank detachments was the M48A1 Patton. And yes, I was lucky enough to encounter this vehicle during my service. Having seen this vehicle in real life, it’s unbelievable just how accurately the World of Tanks team has managed to replicate it within the game.
There are many different styles of martial arts, and you developed your own, Chun Kuk Do, or "The Universal Way." For those unaware of the many different schools of thought with regards to martial arts, what makes Chun Kuk Do special and unique?
I had the opportunity to train with many great martial arts masters in many different styles. After years of training in different styles, I blended the best of each to create Chun Kuk Do, which means Universal Way. My system is now known as “The Chuck Norris System,” under the United Fighting Arts Federation.
At 80 years old, martial arts enthusiasts and action fans alike look up to you as a cultural icon. Is there a secret to your longevity beyond diet and exercise?
This is a great question… Keeping a positive attitude and keeping your faith close is important. My wife Gena also takes great care of me and my mom is still going strong at 99 years old, so I guess she passed on her great genes to me. Ha! Ha!
We all saw you blow up a tank single-handed in The Expendables 2 (and it was AWESOME). That particular tank obviously didn't have what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with Chuck Norris. What advice do you have for players trying to take on "Chuck's Challenge" in World of Tanks?
Two pieces of advice come to mind: “Think before you act” and “Always be one step ahead”. These two sayings will help any tanker taking on my challenge to get the digital version of myself, as well as other great prizes. You know that I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, no matter how hard, and I hope my fellow tankers aren’t, either! It might be tough, but everyone can complete Chuck’s Challenge. Actually, I guess that’s another great piece of advice: “Never give up!”
World of Tanks is free-to-play on PC.