Norris, Texas Ranger: Martial arts action hero Chuck honoured with real Ranger title



He spent years enforcing the law on-screen, playing Texas Ranger tough-guy Cordell Walker.



But now veteran action hero Chuck Norris can wear the five-point Ranger badge for real.



The 70-year-old was named an honorary member of the elite Texas law enforcement force by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, on Thursday.



All action hero: Chuck Norris, pictured with his wife Gena O'Kelley, at a ceremony in Garland where he was designated an honorary Texas Ranger

The Walker, Texas Ranger actor and executive director was bestowed the rare honour at a state department office in Garland, Dallas.



Perry said: 'People may whisper about his super powers, but the greatest power of Chuck Norris is his integrity.'



The Texas Governor thanked the actor for bringing renewed attention to Texas Rangers with his portrayal of 'an iconic Ranger, a character who was observant, meticulous and honorable in every way."



The martial arts expert received his award alongside his 59-year-old brother stunt coordinator and producer Aaroan Norris who also was bestowed the honorary title.



'Together they helped elevate our Texas Rangers to truly mythical status,' Perry said.



Tough guy: The karate expert, who set up his own martial art, laughs with Texas Governor Rick Perry during a news conference

Honour: The certificate given to Norris appointing him to the honorary position of Texas Ranger, a role he played in the hit CBS show between 1993 and 2001

Texas Public Safety Commission Chairman Allan Polunsky, who voted to honor the Norris brothers in October, called them 'great Texans' who have worked to make 'this a better society to live in.'



The television show in which Norris played the karate-kicking lawman ran on CBS from 1993 to 2001.



Chuck Norris recalled that he and his brother were in Israel when they were asked to do the series.



He said they weren't interested unless they could do it with 'traditional values,' adding that Hollywood types initially scoffed.



'It's been an incredible run, I wouldn't have it any other way.'



Hit: Norris as the iconic hero Cordell Walker

Norris' tough guy image led to odes to his strength being splashed across the internet.



Claims based on the actors indestructible toughness include: 'Chuck Norris doesn't breathe, he holds air hostage.'



Norris is a staunch Republican supporter who made a cameo during the 2008 presidential election, joining a stern-faced Republican candidate Mike Hukabee in espousing such strength in a satirical online video.



Hukabee's plan for border security? 'Two words, Chuck. Norris.'



The actor, who found fame flexing his martial art moves in films such as Way Of The Dragon alongside Bruce Lee established a martial arts foundation Kickstart to help children avoid the temptations of drugs.



Before his acting career took off the martial arts teacher competed at state, national and international level and his achievements include being a six-time undefeated World Professional MiddleWeight Karate Champion.

