Meeting Chuck Norris: A Personal Story of Chance, Character, and Inner Strength

Where do I start? In the 1980s, airports were a little quieter, a little more relaxed. I was traveling through Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, walking between terminals. That’s when I noticed someone familiar walking toward me, Chuck Norris.

Yes, that Chuck Norris, the martial artist, action star, and cultural icon.

As he approached, I said hello, introduced myself, and shook his hand. I told him I had followed his career through his movies and Black Belt Magazine. He was incredibly gracious. He looked me in the eyes and chatted with me briefly. There were no bodyguards, no entourage, no publicist hovering nearby. It was just Chuck and me, chatting together for a brief moment in time. After our short exchange, we went our separate ways. I thought wow, that was awesome meeting one of my martial arts idols. The same person who was in the best, most authentic fighting scene with Bruce Lee, in Enter The Dragon.

Life in Los Angeles

Fast forward to December 15, 1989. I was living in Ventura, California and was driving into Los Angeles that morning. While driving, I was listening to the radio when I heard that Chuck Norris was receiving his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later this same day. I thought wow, I could actually make it there in time and be there to hopefully see the ceremony. I decided to go for it and headed that way. I thought I should get one of his books on my way, just to have in case I get to meet him. I would have his book and hopefully get a chance to ask for his autograph. I also knew if I got to meet him and didn’t have his book, I would regret it forever. How many opportunities do you get to meet Chuck Norris in a lifetime, maybe one?

Before arriving at the event, I stopped by the famous Larry Edmunds Bookshop at 6658 Hollywood Boulevard and bought a copy of The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story by Chuck Norris. It was used, but it was still really cool to have. I did not realize it at the time, but this book store is a famous book store, still operating today. https://www.larryedmunds.com

I still have the receipt from that day.

A Surprising Turn

When I arrived at the event location, there was a lobby area that exited onto the main Hollywood Boulevard. I stood nearby waiting for the ceremony to begin. While I was waiting, a woman nearby was setting up a merchandise table with promotional materials about Chuck Norris.

She then asked if I would be able to watch the table for a few minutes while she had to step away. I said I didn’t mind at all. I stood there watching the materials for about twenty minutes while she addressed business she had. When she returned, she was very nice and thanked me.

We chatted for a bit and then I mentioned I had his book with me and asked if there was any possibility I might be able to meet Chuck Norris and ask him to sign it? She was kind but advised he would be very busy today and that would not be possible. But then she paused and added something unexpected.

She said, “If you want to leave it with me, I’ll see if he can sign it, and we’ll get it back to you.”

I thought that would be awesome. I handed her the book, along with my name, mailing address, and phone number, knowing that something really cool could possibly happen, having a signed copy of his book. I stayed for the ceremony and was there while Chuck Norris receive his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. That was a great day.

A Long Wait and a Rare Return

Weeks passed and I hadn’t received the book yet. I did have the person’s information that I spoke with and name the of Chuck Norris’ company, Top Kick Productions. I decided to reach out and wrote a letter. To my surprise I reached someone who remembered who I was. They advised Chuck did sign the book and it was mailed out to me a few weeks ago. I told them I had never did receive it. Without hesitation, they verified my correct address and offered to replace it. Not only that, Chuck did sign another copy of his book for me. A couple of weeks later, the package arrived.

That signed book is still and will always be in my possession. On the inside title page, in blue ink, Chuck had written, “To Jeff, With Best Wishes, Chuck Norris.”

Reflection: A Book and a Lesson

This story is not just about meeting a celebrity. It is about following intuition, taking chances, and recognizing the integrity of others. Chuck Norris is a very busy person and could have just kept walking at the airport, but he didn’t. He could have brushed off a fan at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, but instead, his production company helped make my personal memory possible.

And the book itself—The Secret of Inner Strength—is more than a celebrity memoir. It’s a reflection on resilience, mental discipline, and the power of believing in yourself. It’s written with sincerity and thoughtfulness, offering real takeaways for anyone looking to become stronger from the inside out.

That day, I was meant to take a detour. I’m glad I did. What began as an impulsive change in plans became a story of a lifetime and it remains one of the most awesome and meaningful experiences of my life.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve never read The Secret of Inner Strength, I recommend it. It is honest and useful, filled with the kind of reflections that stay with you. Just like that brief handshake and those seven words written on the inside of my book.

“To Jeff, With Best Wishes, Chuck Norris.”

If you are interested in purchasing a copy I recommend looking first at the famous and still operating Larry Edmunds Bookshop at 6658 Hollywood Boulevard, since 1938. https://www.larryedmunds.com