Chuck Norris Honors His 'Remarkable' Twins With Rare Then-And-Now Photo

Sep 06, 2023 by apost team

Chuck Norris is undoubtedly one of the most famous men in the entertainment industry. Chuck is an unstoppable force known for his impeccable skills as a martial artist, as well as his work as an actor, producer and screenwriter. He has had a very busy and popular career starring in a handful of shows and movies, such as “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “The Way of the Dragon,” “Invasion U.S.A.” and “Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos.” As an expert in various martial arts systems, Chuck was able to implement these skills and use them to become a highly successful action star. His most fulfilling role, though, is as a husband and father.

Chuck met his wife, Gena O'Kelley, in 1997, and the couple quickly moved forward with their romance. A mutual friend had introduced the pair, and Chuck immediately became enamored with O’Kelley. The lovebirds tied the knot a year later and have continued to be each other’s soulmates despite their astonishing 23-year age difference. The couple’s love also got them through a difficult time after O’Kelley became sick. 

For a few years during the 2010s, Chuck put his career on the back burner while he tended to his wife, who struggled with some very serious medical issues that stemmed from multiple MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) taken. As a result of one of the used substances not leaving her body correctly, she contracted a rare type of heavy metal poisoning. Thankfully, the couple weathered this storm.

Chuck is a family man at heart. The martial artist has five children from three relationships and maintains a great relationship with each of them. On Aug. 30, 2023, he posted photos of his twins, Dakota and Danilee, who he shares with O’Kelley, to wish them a happy birthday. Continue reading to get the details.

Chuck and his wife had both been married with children and divorced before they met. Chuck, 83, married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Kay Holechek, in 1958, and they had two boys, Mike and Eric Norris before they divorced. 

Mike Norris followed in his father’s footsteps and became an action star. He is a writer and stuntman, and he started featuring as a performer in fighting films in the 1970s. Per his IMDb page, he started directing movies like "Mission Air," "AmeriGeddon" and "The Crossroads of Hunter Wilde" in recent years.

Eric is an actor, stuntman and competitive racecar driver. He's gradually learned the ropes of Hollywood, and coordinator roles have led to new projects as a director himself, according to his IMDb page.

Chuck has another daughter, Dina DiCiolli, whose existence he knew nothing about for years. She was born from an affair that the actor had while still married to Holechek, and he only met DiCiolli when she was 26. Per Contact Music, Chuck wrote of their meeting in his autobiography, “Against All Odds; My Story”:

“I didn't need DNA or blood tests. I went to her, wrapped my arms around her, and we both started crying. At that moment, it was as if I had known her all my life.”

The showbiz mogul welcomed his twins, son Dakota Alan Norris and daughter, Danilee Kelley Norris, with O’Kelley in 2001. Although they were born one month prematurely, they were healthy, according to the Buffalo News, and the action star couldn’t be more grateful for his family. 

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On Aug. 30, 2023, the twins celebrated their 21st birthday, and the actor felicitated them on Instagram.

“Happy Birthday to our wonderful twins, Danilee and Dakota! You both will always bring us endless joy and we are so grateful for the remarkable young adults you've become,” he wrote and signed, “Chuck and Gena Norris.”

In the photo, Chuck and his wife stood between their kids on both sides. Danilee, who stood close to her dad, wore a green gown paired with a black jacket, while her brother wore a plum shirt and jeans. O’Kelley looked stunning in her black gown, which had a gold chain around it, and the entire family had big smiles. 

Chuck included a second photo in the post. The image was an old shot of him, O’Kelley, and the twins when they were much younger. The photo was rare as the actor and his wife lived a private life after tying the knot and having their babies.

Besides stepping away from the spotlight, Chuck was a big, soft dad who would do anything for his kids. He told Black Belt in 2001 that he and his spouse raised their kids together and had ample time for that after his hip surgery.

In 2017, the producer shared with fans on Facebook that he was loving fatherhood. 

“Being a father is one of God's greatest blessings a man can experience,” he captioned a post he made to celebrate Father’s Day.

In 2018, Karl Stefanovic shared in a video on Today’s YouTube about “The Way of the Dragon” star:”

“At home, away from the bright lights of Hollywood, forget strong man, Chuck's a family man and a real softy.”

What do you think of Chuck Norris’ dedication to his wife? Did you know he had twins? Let us know — and be sure to pass this on to friends, family and fans of Chuck Norris.