In a recent episode of the popular talk show, David Letterman, action star Chuck Norris shared some fascinating anecdotes about his career and personal life. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Norris revealed a hilarious incident involving the late actor Steve McQueen.
During the interview, Letterman inquired about Norris’ tough-guy image and how he got into martial arts. Norris recounted his time in the military and his exposure to judo. However, it was a chance encounter with Korean martial artists while walking through a village in Korea that piqued his interest in martial arts. Norris was mesmerized by their incredible kicking abilities but was too intimidated to approach them.
Back at the base, Norris turned to his judo instructor for information about the mesmerizing Korean martial art he had witnessed. The instructor revealed that it was called Taekwondo, which is the Korean word for karate. Norris explained that judo, karate, and kung fu are all different but related disciplines.
The conversation then turned to Norris’ recent visit to the White House. Norris was invited to a dinner hosted by President Ronald Reagan, which left him feeling both shocked and honored. He shared an amusing exchange he had with George Bush during the dinner, where they debated the identity of a plant.
Letterman was curious to know if Norris felt out of place at the gathering, considering he wasn’t sure if the president knew who he was. Norris admitted feeling a bit silly, but he cherished the experience nonetheless. He mentioned that the event was attended by various businesspeople and only a few politicians.
Throughout the interview, Norris showed immense gratitude towards Steve McQueen, recounting how the iconic actor got him into acting. Norris, who owned karate schools at the time, had lost them due to financial hardships. McQueen suggested he try his hand at acting, insisting that presence mattered more than prior experience. Thanks to McQueen’s encouragement, Norris started taking acting classes and eventually landed his first speaking role in the movie “The Wrecking Crew” with Dean Martin.
Speaking of McQueen, Norris fondly recalled his legendary coolness and toughness, which was reflected in his on-screen persona. To illustrate McQueen’s humorous side, Norris shared a hilarious story from when they attended a stretching class in Beverly Hills together. The two jokingly donned skimpy outfits and played a prank on McQueen, leaving the women in the class in stitches. McQueen was known for his incredible presence, both on and off the screen.
As the conversation shifted towards Norris’ successful film career, Letterman asked him about the most lucrative film he had been a part of. Norris stated that “Missing in Action” had been his biggest commercial success, generating around 40 million dollars domestically. He acknowledged that this figure might pale in comparison to Sylvester Stallone’s films but considered it a major accomplishment, especially given the film’s modest budget of 6 million dollars.
In conclusion, Chuck Norris‘ appearance on David Letterman‘s chat show was a lively and entertaining discussion. Norris shared intriguing stories about his career, his encounter with Korean martial artists, and his memorable experiences with Steve McQueen. His presence and charisma shone through, epitomizing the American dream in a career that has garnered admiration from fans worldwide.
Overall, this episode of David Letterman‘s talk show provided viewers with a delightful mix of celebrity anecdotes, humorous anecdotes, and insights into Chuck Norris‘ journey in the entertainment industry.
