Chuck Norris has shared a sweet tribute in honor of his mother’s birthday as she celebrated turning the milestone age of 102.
The actor, who turned 83 in March, took to social media to share a sweet snap of him with his mother Wilma as he shared a heartfelt message.
He wrote: “WOW! I can hardly believe it. My mother, Wilma Norris Knight, is 102 years young this week, on May 4. She was born in 1921.
“What’s even more remarkable is that she is so full of life that she might make it another 100 years! With my mom’s birthday at one end of this week, and Mother’s Day coming up the following week, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for three women’s influence in my life. I wouldn’t be the man I am without them.”
He added: “Mom, I don’t know what’s more difficult to believe: that you are 102 years old or that you have a son who is 83 years old! Regardless, I’m so grateful you are my mom. I always have been. We’ve been through thick and thin in this life, and we are still going strong.”
Despite still going strong at over a century old, Wilma did not have the easiest journey in her life, having been raised in poverty and losing two husband’s a stepson, her own son – Chuck’s younger brother Wieland who died in the Vietnam War – as well as two grandchildren.
She raised her three sons as a single mother after Chuck’s father left the family and also battled cancer multiple times and underwent 30 surgeries throughout her life.
Chuck credits the influence of Wilma – who instilled a fighting spirit into her sons and made them believe they could overcome any obstacle to achieve their dreams, as well as her mother, his grandmother Scarberry, and his wife Gina, for making him the man he is today.
When Wilma turned 100, Chuck also shared a message for his mother, who he credited with giving him the foundations to become a martial arts star and a make a name for himself as an actor.
He said at the time: “Mom has been an example of perseverance and faith her whole life.”
Chuck – born Carlos Ray Norris – shares two children, twins Dakota and Danilee who were born in 2001, with his wife, who he married in 1998.
Wilma’s eldest grandson Mike also took to Instagram to share a sweet video of her receiving her birthday cake, writing: “Happy Birthday Grandma. It is an honor to be your first grandchild. I have revered you everyday of my life. I love you so much.”
