TMZ excels at gathering insights from an extensive array of celebrity contacts, especially those eager for their names to be recognized. However, one crucial aspect omitted from this week’s articles regarding the tribute for Chuck Norris was the rationale behind hosting it in a Las Vegas ballroom when the Hollywood legend resided in Texas, and the reason for the delay until four months after his passing.
We’ve got the inside story…
Norris’ public memorial took place on July 18 at the Rio, coinciding with the annual International Training Conference and World Championship for the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF). This organization was founded by Norris in 1979, showcasing his dedication to martial arts.
Throughout the years, Norris consistently participated in UFAF conferences, even assuming the role of emcee for last year’s awards banquet in Las Vegas.
While TMZ accurately estimated that around 5,000 attendees gathered to honor Norris, it is important to note that the Rio was already expected to host that many of his fans prior to his passing in March.
Among the attendees were Judson Mills, Norris’ Walker, Texas Ranger co-star, who shared photos from the event with TMZ, along with renowned martial artists Benny Urquidez and Chip Wright.
Norris’ Connection to Las Vegas
Six years prior to his iconic battle with Bruce Lee in Way of the Dragon, a 26-year-old Norris sought to expand his three Tang Soo Do karate schools located in Southern California.
Wealthy lounge drummer Dick Douglas, who held a green belt, regularly flew Norris to Las Vegas to host classes at his home dojo on Palma Vista Avenue near the Las Vegas Country Club.
Recognizing the demand for his expertise in the city, Norris decided to open the Las Vegas Tang Soo Do studio (later known as Chuck Norris Karate Studios) in July 1967. Strategically located on the North Strip next to the Susie Creamcheese boutique and across from what is now Resorts World, the studio occupied a prime position in the growing city. (Today, these businesses have been replaced by the Peppermill Restaurant and its parking area since 1972.)
Introducing Martial Arts to the Masses
During the 1960s, many in America regarded martial arts as a mysterious and perilous venture. To popularize his school, Norris sought help from the Las Vegas News Bureau, the PR branch of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Photographer Don English suggested his friend Debbie Reynolds, who was keen to elevate her public image. Therefore, they organized a playful photo shoot showcasing the iconic star challenging karate’s rising star, Norris.
This iconic image, part of a series taken in the presidential suite of the Stardust and on its pool deck, portrayed Reynolds executing an upward elbow strike to Norris. The story spun was that Reynolds had taken up karate to enhance her stamina for performances.
The image gained traction through the Associated Press, helping to frame martial arts as a sophisticated and accessible skill, which ultimately paved the way for Norris’s later success on television’s Walker, Texas Ranger.
This exposure led to Norris receiving invitations to personally train several celebrities, including Priscilla Presley, Steve McQueen, Donny and Marie Osmond, Michael Landon, and James Garner in L.A., where he had established the National Tang Soo Do Congress in 1973.
On March 19, 2026, Norris passed away in Hawaii after a brief hospitalization for what TMZ described as “a medical emergency.” The cause of death remains undisclosed by his family.
Just nine days prior, Norris celebrated his 86th birthday by sharing a video on social media that displayed him sparring with a trainer.