Tough-guy star a cult figure for US troops in Iraq

Published on Monday 10 March 2008 21:31

HOLLYWOOD action star Chuck Norris, known for his martial arts prowess and tough-guy image, has become a cult figure among the US military in Iraq – and an unlikely hero for some in Iraq’s security forces.

A small cardboard shrine is dedicated to Norris at a US military helicopter hub in Baghdad, and comments lauding the manliness and virility of the actor have been left on toilet walls across Iraq and even in neighbouring Kuwait, soldiers say.

“The fastest way to a man’s heart is with Chuck Norris’s fist,” reads one message at the shrine, which consists of a signed photo of the actor surrounded by similar statements.

Known as Chuck Norris “facts”, the claims have already become an internet phenomenon, and scores are on www.chucknorrisfacts.com, including “Superman wears Chuck Norris pyjamas” and “There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Oklahoma”.

The actor has visited Iraq several times and was made an honorary marine last year.

US troops in Iraq say his support for them and his invincible image have made Norris their idol, and they insist the exaggerated and satirical claims are not meant to mock him.

“The jokes all add to his legend. They’re not derogatory. He’s an icon,” said Sergeant Joe Lindsay at a base in Falluja in Western Anbar province, which Norris has visited.

The bearded and muscled Norris shot to fame fighting kung-fu legend Bruce Lee in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, and later films show him devastating groups of men with one kick.

“Norris visited Iraq when violence was its worst and other celebrities were skittish. He’s one of the guys,” a US military public affairs officer, Specialist Mark Braden, said in Baghdad.

“The marines love him. He’s like a legend,” Staff Sergeant Amy Forsythe in Falluja said.

Soldiers cited many reasons for his appeal. Some appreciated his films and fighting ability – Norris is a martial arts guru and many of his films have military themes.

“He’s helped us a lot. The appeal is also his martial arts and sheer physical presence… I don’t think I go a day without hearing a Norris joke,” said Corporal Ricardo Jones in Falluja.

Norris’s appeal is not restricted to US troops either.

At an Iraqi police graduation ceremony in Falluja, graduates called out for trainer Mohammed Rasheed to pose with them for photos.

With his handle-bar moustache, Mr Rasheed has a vague resemblance to Norris.