Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Remembering Chuck Norris and his influence on one American family.

Chuck Norris died a few days ago at age 86. To some, Mr. Norris was an American hero of the last half century. To some, Mr. Norris was a caricature of something funny.

Mr. Norris affected my family in ways that bring fond memories. He starred in a couple (more than that) movies in the late 1970s. I was in college. My younger brother was in high school. My younger brother loved martial arts and studied and practiced them achieving a black belt in something or other. That comment shows my little interest in the topic.

My younger brother had to see the Chuck Norris movies. Okay, so we piled into my little car and drove the ten miles to Hammond, Louisiana to see them. I felt they were crummy movies. He felt they were significant milestones in Hollywood. Regardless, attending those movies together meant something to our relationship for the rest of our lives.

Fast forward to the 1990s and Mr. Norris starred in Walker, Texas Ranger. Okay, it ran nine seasons, so it was a success. Critics didn’t like it…so much for critics. I lived in Lagos, Nigeria with my wife and kids. One night a week, my wife and I would watch an episode on Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. It was a small highlight of the week to see Norris deservedly kick the bad guys and nurture a budding romance. My wife and I enjoyed it. We still talk about it now and then. It was part of our relationship during an otherwise odd part of our marriage.

So, we will miss Mr. Norris. In these and other ways, he played a role in my family. That was something.