Chuck Norris honoured his mother on her 100th birthday. In an exclusive WND.com feature, Norris described his mother Wilma Norris Knight’s 1920s poverty in rural Wilson, Oklahoma. “That’s where I grew up,” he added.
“My mum and I are in disbelief,” the celebrity wrote. She turns 100 on May 4. Wow! “You’re a centenarian!” I exclaimed a few days ago. “I’m not a centipede!” she joked when asked.
Chuck Norris, 81, recalls his mother’s early struggles. She was born into terrible poverty, became a state ward at 8, and spent two years in a children’s hospital for a rare ailment. After recovering, she looked after her family during the Great Depression.
Despite raising his three siblings alone when his father departed, the actor says his mom was a great role model. Norris says her mother has always been a living example of faith and determination.
She lost my younger brother Wieland in Vietnam, two spouses, a stepson, two grandsons, and myself. She has survived multiple cancers and 30 other surgeries.”
The actor referenced his mother’s prayerfulness. In WND, Norris says his mother has prayed for him “through thick and thin” his whole life. “My birth was nearly fatal. I almost lost trust in God and Hollywood sanity. She prayed for my luck and salvation at home. She prayed I would find a woman who would change my life, and it did.”
Gena, my great wife, deserves Mother’s Day honour as much as my mom. Gena is the CEO of our new artesian bottled water company and helps me with all my businesses. She is my love, my best friend, and the mother of our twins.”
The actor, best known for playing Walker, Texas Ranger on CBS, claimed his mother and wife shaped him. Norris thanked God “overwhelmingly” for his mother and grandmother’s influence in his Mother’s Day letter.
“An ounce of a mother is worth a pound of a priest,” the veteran actor said, quoting Spanish. Mother, I love you. Happy centenary! Happy Mother’s Day, Mum and Gena! I thank God daily for you two. God be the glory, and I appreciate your part.” Norris finished.
Knight mentioned her 14-year-old son Carlos (Chuck) raising his two younger siblings on the Mike Huckabee Show in 2012.
Huckabee asked, “What secrets did you provide them as a mother?” throughout the conversation. I kept them in church and Sunday school. She said, “I taught Sunday school, and we always prayed.” I valued my spirituality. Same.”
She said, “Shower them with affection,” when asked for parenting advice. Avoid missing Sunday services by keeping the kids home. To be clear, God did not give us parenting, and they were merely on loan from him for a brief time.”