Chuck Norris Trained Steve McQueen, Bob Barker, and Priscilla Presley — and Broke One Of Their Ribs

Before Chuck Norris became one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars, he was one of its most sought-after karate instructors, and the list of celebrities who trained under him is as assorted as it is lengthy.

Steve McQueen Trained with Chuck Norris, and Kickstarted His Acting Career

Steve McQueen was among the first. The King of Cool took up martial arts and found his way to Norris's studio, where the two became friends. McQueen trained with Norris for years, and when Norris's chain of karate schools ran into financial trouble in the mid-1970s, it was McQueen who suggested that Norris try acting.

During Her Marriage to Elvis, Priscilla Presley Trained With Chuck Norris

Priscilla Presley trained at Norris's studio in Sherman Oaks during her marriage to Elvis, and by Norris's own account she was a natural — her ballet background made high kicks easier to execute than they were for most beginners. She was a dedicated student, and the two remained friends long after she stopped training. When news of Norris's death broke this week, Presley posted a tribute on Instagram. "I'm so sad to hear that my karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away," she wrote. "He will be forever missed."

When Chuck Norris Broke Bob Barker's Ribs

Then there's Bob Barker, who trained with Norris for years and left with a story that sounds almost too perfectly Chuck Norris to be true. During one sparring session, Norris landed a kick to Barker's ribs. Barker pushed through, assuming it would pass. Then Norris's brother came over a couple of days later and kicked him in the other side. Barker later recounted that he had two cracked ribs on each side, and his mother said, "I think maybe you're going to have to stop playing with those Norris boys."

Donny and Marie Osmond also trained under Norris, rounding out a student list that spans game show hosts, rock royalty, and Hollywood's most rebellious leading men.