Chuck Norris recently celebrated his mother, Wilma’s, 102nd birthday. In a heartfelt message, Chuck expressed gratitude, saying, “Mom, it’s hard to believe you’re 102, and also that I’m 83! But I’m really thankful you’re my mom. We’ve been through a lot together, and we’re still going strong.” Chuck credited his mother for shaping him and his two brothers during challenging times.
Wilma, born in 1921, faced adversity as a single mother during the Great Depression. Chuck, the oldest of her three sons, took on responsibilities at a young age when his father left due to alcohol problems. Chuck said, “She made us believe that we can achieve things in life, that there will be obstacles but if you’re determined enough, you can overcome any obstacle in life if you have belief in yourself.”
Wilma’s resilience was evident through numerous challenges, including the loss of two husbands, a stepson, two grandchildren, and her youngest son in the Vietnam War. Chuck admired his mother’s strength, saying, “My mom has shown me how to keep going, no matter what.”
Beyond her role as a mother, Wilma showcased her strength on The Mike Huckabee Show, where she described Chuck as the “defender,” Aaron as her “sunshine,” and Wieland, her youngest son who passed away in Vietnam, as her “hero.”
Chuck Norris, renowned for his martial arts prowess and Hollywood success, credits his mother’s values for his achievements. Wilma’s influence helped Chuck navigate life, from his service in the Air Force to his iconic roles in films like “The Way of the Dragon” (1972). Chuck’s deep love for his mother is evident in his personal life as well, as seen in his reunion with a daughter from a past relationship and his commitment to family values.
In Wilma’s words, “Give them lots of love. Take them to church and Sunday school. But you see, God didn’t give us our children. He only loaned them to us for a while.” As Chuck celebrated Wilma’s 102nd birthday, the Norris family wished for many more years to come.