The Young and the Restless star Lauralee Bell always stays close to Genoa City, but over the years, she has ventured beyond the soap opera genre to appear in primetime. Now, the actress is honoring the passing of her former “TV uncle,” Chuck Norris, from the TV series Walker: Texas Ranger, who died today at the age of 86.
The Young and the Restless, RIP: Chuck Norris
Norris passed away today, on Friday, March 20, in Hawaii. His family, while appreciating privacy at this difficult time, aware of the star’s many fans, shared a statement that read: “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that [Chuck] was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
While Norris never appeared on a soap opera, he did work with As the World Turns actors Judson Mills (ex-Hutch) and Jim Wlcek (ex-Linc) on Walker, Texas Ranger.
Nathan Owens and Lauralee Bell remember Chuck Norris
Bell also guest-starred on the series as Cordell Walker’s niece, Kim Rivers. “One of my favorite jobs was playing the niece of @chucknorris on #walkertexasranger,” Bell shared on Instagram. “Chuck was very welcoming as well as [Sheree J. Wilson, ex-April, Dallas] and the rest of the cast and crew!
“Hours spent with the stunt/fight coordinators [were] intense but so much fun!” Bell continued. “I’m so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I’ll always hold that experience in Texas close to me and be forever grateful!”
While Bell appeared in two continuous episodes of Walker, Texas Ranger, she actually appeared in two seasons of the series, as her episodes, “The Wedding: Part 1,” was the season 6 finale, and “The Wedding: Part 2,” was the season 7 premiere.
Nathan Owens (Holden) shared an autographed photo that Norris had inscribed to the Y&R actor, noting that they both had an interest in martial arts. “Got the honor to meet and greet Chuck Norris with my Taekwondo dojang as a kiddo. What a legacy – RIP LEGEND,” Owens shared on Instagram.
Norris inscribed his photo to Owens: “All the best to a fellow Black Belt! A friend, Chuck Norris.”
Daniel Goddard remembers Chuck Norris
Daniel Goddard (ex-Cane; ex-Henry, General Hospital), like Norris, also had a demanding action/adventure series in the syndicated program, Beastmaster, which ran from 1999-2002.
“Chuck Norris did not do push-ups…” maintained Goddard. “He pushed the Earth away! Rest in power, legend! 🙏🏻.”
In addition to his starring role in Walker, Texas Ranger, Norris’s credits included Sons of Thunder, Dear John, and The Goldbergs.
Norris is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelly, and his five children, Mike, Eric, Dina, Dakota, and Danilee.
Soap Central sends sincere condolences to Norris’s family at this difficult time.
