Chuck Norris’s First Wife, Dianne Holechek, Dies

Dianne Holechek

Dianne died peacefully at her home in Texas after a long battle with dementia, according to her son, Mike Norris, who confirmed the news in an interview with TMZ. She was 84. “We are thankful she is no longer suffering,” Mike said. “She was the best, the greatest mom. We were so lucky to have her.”

Dianne met Chuck Norris while they were students at a high school in Torrance, California, in the late 1950s. The two were high school sweethearts and married in 1958, when Chuck was 18 and Dianne just 17.

They went on to have two sons together, Mike and Eric Norris. Mike became an actor while Eric is a former NASCAR driver. The “Sidekicks” actor and Diane remained married for three decades.

Through Fame and Strain

As Chuck’s career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, first as a martial arts champion and later as a film and television star, Dianne largely stayed out of public view.

In a 1985 interview with The New York Times, Chuck credited her support during their early years, saying, “She has always been very supportive of my goals. She never complained, even when we were scrimping and scraping.”

Behind the scenes, however, their marriage faced severe strain. During Chuck’s service in the United States Air Force in the early 1960s, the “Walker, Texas Ranger” actor was unfaithful and fathered a daughter, Dina, out of wedlock. 

According to reports, he later detailed the revelations in his 2004 memoir “Against All Odds” and discussed them in subsequent interviews and reporting.

“To my shame, I never told Johanna that I was married. Johanna later confirmed to Dina that I was her biological father but that I was married and had children, and she shouldn’t disrupt my life,” Chuck reportedly wrote, recalling the affair and its aftermath. Dina, however, knew she had to meet her dad.

“I didn’t need DNA or blood tests. I went to her, wrapped my arms around her, and we both started crying,” Chuck wrote. “At that moment, it was as if I had known her all my life.” Despite the betrayal, Dianne remained with him for years afterward.

The couple eventually separated in 1988 and divorced in 1989.

Chuck Pays Tribute

Following news of her death, Chuck shared a public tribute on Facebook, reflecting on both their marriage and the decades that followed.

“I am deeply saddened to share that my ex wife, Dianne, has passed away,” he wrote. “After being married for 30 years, we were able to find a way to remain close friends, and those years of friendship meant the world to me.”

“Dianne was an incredible person. She was kind, intelligent, and lived life to the fullest. Her presence in my life will never be forgotten. She was also a loving and devoted mother to our sons, Mike and Eric, who were always her greatest pride,” he added.

In the comments, Mike responded, “Thank you dad. That was beautiful. I love you.”