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(Sorry, out of stock...SOLD for $35.00) Chuck Norris "Karate Kommandos" Action Figure, by Kenner. Chuck Norris is one of the most popular actors in the world of martial arts and action films. Born in 1940 (as Carlos Norris), he joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman in 1958 and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that Norris acquired the nickname Chuck and began his training in Tang Soo Do (tangsudo), an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do ("Universal Way") form. He created the education associations United Fighting Arts Federation and "KickStart" (formerly "Kick Drugs Out of America"), a middle school and high school–based program intended to give at-risk children a focus point in life through the martial arts. When he returned to the United States, he continued to act as an Air Policeman at March Air Force Base, California. Norris was discharged in August 1962. He worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of karate schools, which Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen's son, attended. It was through that relationship that Chuck broke into the world of acting...in 1968 Norris made his first (uncredited) appearance in the Dean Martin "Matt Helm" secret agent film "The Wrecking Crew". In 1970, his younger brother Weiland was killed in Vietnam. Norris later dedicated his "Missing in Action" films to his brother's memory. At a martial arts demonstration in Long Beach, Norris met the soon-to-be famous martial artist Bruce Lee. In 1972 he acted as Lee's nemesis in the movie "Way of the Dragon" (titled "Return of the Dragon" in its U.S. distribution), which is widely credited with launching him toward stardom. In Asia Norris is still known primarily for this role. In 1974, McQueen encouraged him to begin acting classes at MGM. Norris' first starring role was 1977's "Breaker! Breaker!". Subsequent films were dependable "good-guys vs. bad-guys" B-movies like "Good Guys Wear Black" (1978), "The Octagon" (1980), and "An Eye for an Eye" (1981). It was with the mega-hit "Lone Wolf McQuade" (also starring the late, great David Carradine) that Norris proved his increasing box office bankability...and that he was a major action star. In 1984, a sweaty Norris blasted his way through "Missing in Action", the first of a series of P.O.W. rescue fantasies set during the Vietnam War. Over the next few years, Norris made such blockbuster action hits as "Code of Silence", "The Delta Force" (with Lee Marvin), and "Firewalker", in which he co-starred with Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.. Many of the aforementioned films were produced by Chuck Norris's brother Aaron, as were several episodes of his long-running hit CBS TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger". "Walker" is still a huge hit in constant syndication on cable and around the world, dubbed in several languages. Mr. Pop Top recalls seeing an episode of "Walker" while in Germany...humorously, most of the dubbed character voices were in the "normal" to "high-pitched" range, but when Chuck entered the scene, it was in a booming, testosterone-laden growl that he uttered (auf Deutsch) "Ich bin Ranger Valker"!! In 1986, he was involved in the production of the syndicated cartoon series "Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos". It is from this short-lived show that this action figure from Kenner comes...Chuck dressed in "Battle Gear" regalia with weapon accessories. This GREAT action figure from 1986 is MINT ON SEALED CARD, ABSOLUTELY C-10 PERFECT. How can you resist...he has "Dual Flashing Karate Chops Action", the packaging screams! Most of these were, of course, opened up by sweaty-handed kids and played with on the sidewalk at school bus-stops a quarter-century ago...there aren't too many of these Chuck Norris action figures still in this MINTY shape! Grab this before someone else does. Out of stock.
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