The family of the late Bruce Lee honored his fellow martial artist companion Chuck Norris after news of his death on March 19. Lee’s daughter, Shannon, shared a photo on Instagram of the two friends from when Lee trained Norris on how to incorporate his martial artistry into his acting.
“🐉🕊️ Rest In Peace,” Shannon captioned the image.
Bruce Lee’s Daughter Says Dad Is Waiting for Chuck Norris in Heaven
Lee’s daughter also shared a statement in the post’s comments, where she said her dad was up in Heaven waiting for Norris so they could once again battle each other as two of the greatest martial artists of our time. She included a nod to their famous roles in “The Way of the Dragon,” where Lee and Norris fought in an iconic scene inside of the Colosseum.
“Heartfelt condolences to the Family of Chuck Norris. Bruce is warming up for you in the great Colosseum in the sky so you can rumble once more. RIP. – Shannon,” Lee’s daughter wrote.
Lee died at 32 in 1973 and would be the same age as Norris today had he still been alive, as both stars were born in 1940. Lee tragically died during a nap from cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). His edema was thought to be caused by a hypersensitive reaction to the painkiller Equagesic, People reported.
Chuck Norris & Bruce Lee’s Friendship
Norris died at the age of 86. He was hospitalized in Hawaii before he suddenly passed away, TMZ reported. The “Walker, Texas Ranger” actor had just celebrated his birthday on March 10. He shared an Instagram video on his birthday of himself boxing, captioning the impressive clip, “I don’t age. I level up.”
Norris and Lee forged a great friendship through their admiration of each other’s martial arts skills. Ahead of Lee’s popular film “The Way of the Dragon” in 1972, he recruited Norris to play opposite him. Lee chose Norris to play the role of a man he defeats during an epic fight scene at the Colosseum in Rome. Norris explained in a video shared on the Martial Arts Icons YouTube channel that Lee wanted Norris specifically, though, as he was the only person who could make the fight look realistic with his immaculate skill level.
During their training, Norris said they exchanged their individual skill sets, with Norris teaching Lee his high kicks and Lee teaching Norris about the sticky hands technique.
Norris and Lee maintained their friendship until Lee’s death.
Both are true legends with each having their own unique style and charisma. There epic battle is iconic and forever a part of my childhood. Both are hero’s and have entered the pearly gates of hevea. RIP