Vanilla Ice is remembering Chuck Norris with deep admiration following the action star’s death at 86. The rapper and actor, born Robert Van Winkle, recently spoke about working alongside Norris on the upcoming film “Zombie Plane,” which will be released after his death.
The upcoming film now carries added weight, marking Norris’ final on-screen appearance and giving the project a deeper emotional meaning for those who worked alongside him.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he reflected on sharing the screen with someone he had long admired.
“What a legend,” he said. “And you know to have him at 86-years-old be in the movie with us and full on there, man, like just would still kick our [expletive]!”
‘He Was Real’: Co-Star Praises Norris’ Strength and Legacy
GettyVanilla Ice also reflected on the authenticity Norris brought to both his on-screen roles and his life off-camera, describing him as someone who embodied strength in every sense.
“He’s America’s [expletive],” he said. “We all knew that his wasn’t just Hollywood fluff. He was real. This guy could really put a foot of whip [expletive] on you and send you down, man, some kind of scissor kick or something, and you’d never see it coming. And he was always in great shape.”
GettyHe went on to share how deeply Norris influenced him, not just as a performer but as a person.
“I mean this guy was just if you want to pattern yourself after someone’s life, this dude is awesome, man. He’s definitely one of the true American heroes out there and one of mine for sure.”
‘That Definitely Hit Me’: News of Death Brings Wave of Memories
Vanilla Ice said hearing about Norris’ passing was emotional, bringing back memories of his films and their time working together.
“I found out about Chuck’s passing today, man, and it was just a sad moment,” he said. “The guy was a legend. But, wow, you know, anytime a legend goes like that, you instantly think back to all the movies.”
He pointed to Norris’ extensive filmography, including iconic roles in “The Way of the Dragon” and “Delta Force,” as part of the legacy that defined his career.
“I guess the last film he did was with me, which hasn’t even been released yet,” he added. “And that definitely hit me home.”
Final Project ‘Zombie Plane’ Carries Special Meaning
Vanilla Ice recalled the moment he learned Norris would be joining the cast, describing it as both surreal and deeply personal.
“When I found out that he was gonna be on board I mean I got excited right then and there,” he told Fox. “It’s like, ‘Whoa, wait a minute really, did I hear that right? Don’t tease me on that because that’s one of my American heroes right there for sure.’”
He said Norris approached the project with the same enthusiasm that defined his decades-long career.
“I was explaining it to him, and we showed him some clips, and he’s like, ‘Oh heck yeah, that is awesome,’” he said. “Because there’s a lot of whoop [expletive] in there, and he loves that stuff.”
Looking back, Vanilla Ice described Norris as more than just a co-star, calling him a figure who shaped his childhood and left a lasting imprint on pop culture.
“We had Evil Knievel, Chuck Norris, we had Bruce Lee, he was an American hero too. But you know what I’m saying, Chuck Norris was the man,” he said.
He added that Norris’ legacy will continue to live on through his work and the generations he inspired.
“Everybody’s mourning a legend today and he will definitely not be forgotten man,” he said. “That guy has laid a mark and made his mark on this earth.”
