Chuck Norris on Losing His Brother in The Vietnam War | The Dick Cavett Show

Chuck Norris discusses the dangers of performing martial arts stunts in movies and the loss of his brother in the Vietnam war.
Date aired - May 7th 1993 - Chuck Norris
For clip licensing opportunities please visit www.globalimageworks.com/the-...
Subscribe for more Dick Cavett Show: bit.ly/3ao6ZNy
More from 'Chuck Norris':
Chuck Norris on His Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation: • Chuck Norris on His Ki...
Dick Cavett has been nominated for eleven Emmy awards (the most recent in 2012 for the HBO special, Mel Brooks and Dick Cavett Together Again), and won three. Spanning five decades, Dick Cavett’s television career has defined excellence in the interview format. He started at ABC in 1968, and also enjoyed success on PBS, USA, and CNBC.

His most recent television successes were the September 2014 PBS special, Dick Cavett’s Watergate, followed April 2015 by Dick Cavett’s Vietnam. He has appeared in movies, tv specials, tv commercials, and several Broadway plays. He starred in an off-Broadway production ofHellman v. McCarthy in 2014 and reprised the role at Theatre 40 in LA February 2015.

Cavett has published four books beginning with Cavett (1974) and Eye on Cavett (1983), co-authored with Christopher Porterfield. His two recent books -- Talk Show: Confrontations, Pointed Commentary, and Off-Screen Secrets (2010) and Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic moments, and Assorted Hijinks(October 2014) are both collections of his online opinion column, written for The New York Times since 2007. Additionally, he has written for The New Yorker, TV Guide, Vanity Fair, and elsewhere.
#thedickcavettshow #ChuckNorris

[@chrissilvester5663]

I've got the utmost respect & admiration for Chuck Norris even more so that he clearly dislikes Steven Segal & isn't intimidated by him & basically just dismisses him. The same Steven Segal that kept running away when Van Damme wanted to challenge him to a fight. I think Chuck Norris is a top martial artist & seems very down to earth & humble that cares about those he works with. Fair play to him.

[@johnkarls2132]

How can one not really respect Chuck Norris as a person.

[@JDMilitaria]

6:30 That awesome reaction of Chuck seemly not even worried about Seigel trying to scare him. Man Chuck Norris is the man. So bloody classy

[@shadowbeast2276]

We thank your brother for his service & sacrifice, Chuck.

[@JohnDoe-jt5lb]

What exactly was the service when the brother enlisted to an evil, invading army to kill poor 3rd worlders?

[@m.scottreeder]

@@JohnDoe-jt5lbI can’t answer that. You would have to ask Chuck, or a Vietnam Vet. 😊

[@JohnDoe-jt5lb]

@@m.scottreeder no, I asked the person who thanked the war criminals. He couldn't specify what good they brought to the world by killing poor 3rd worlders.

[@user-fk2td7jd7t]

Why don't you ask someone who had to live under a Communist System?

[@JohnDoe-jt5lb]

@@ZoeChan-s4j everyone is responsible for their actions.

[@jonbarbour6771]

Age has Chuck Norris'd since this interview.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Dick Cavett was the best interviewer in his time

[@kennethlatham3133]

Duck Cavett could interview 1000 guys at once and not get a scratch on him.

[@hutchmusician]

The more of Cavett I watch the more I think he was the best of all time. There are no interviewers any more, just clowns mugging for the audience.

[@benkleschinsky]

Chuck Norris: "I lost a brother in Vietnam." Fallon: HAHAHA!! Want to play karaoke?

[@Sam-qc6sz]

Probably still today

[@Sam-qc6sz]

@Andrew Caller He was occasionally awkward, I distinctly remember an interview with Sofia Loren. However, considering the whole career all together, it's normal things happen. Cavett really achieved in getting people in conversation.

[@paulashford4155]

Some of the best things I ever heard him say... such a tragic loss for him.

[@paulccrimmins]

Class act 👏 Wish there were more like Chuck

[@BartHufen]

Good and honest answer on the Vietnam war!

[@twilightzone7600]

Spent three tours(67-70) in 'Nam and I only realize how lucky I was to come back standing up...I knew Willie Norris over there and he spoke very highly of his brother Chuck and his gym in California...also knew Jackie Robinson Junior over there and sadly, he got messed up with drugs and was never quite the same...And I knew TSGT Maklovitch who was highly decorated for killing a man yet was drummed out of the service for loving one(He came out where still in the military and they have zero tolerance for ANYTHING that deviated from the so called norm). I'm 73 now and I'm sorry Uncle Sugar(what we called the draft board) ever found me up in Alaska-was just minding my own business at the time...

[@joeblough261]

@@twilightzone7600 Damn. Would love to hear more details of your journey.

[@warrior3214]

Most open interview I have ever seen from Chuck, 5 star!

[@tinytanks]

4:32 dam, even throwing some serious shade at stephen seagal back then. i guess chuck really was one of the legit ones.

[@warmbeergamingdude]

😂 he basically called Segal a wanna be😂

[@joeridestrijcker445]

@@warmbeergamingdude he didn't do that at all; he did imply very heavily that he disliked Seagal and his attitude though

[@dontworry5696]

Chuck looked like he was ready to spring into action to beat down rude martial artist that dissed Cavett

[@mcqueenfanman]

Chuck uses a stuntman for crying scenes.

[@rosscampbell1173]

Literal 😂

Seagal uses a stunt guy to hide how fat he is

[@sean2015]

Chuck Norris did cry once. It was when a mugger in New York told Chuck to hand over his wallet or get his ass kicked. Chuck laughed so hard he started crying.

[@beijingbond]

Chuck Norris has not aged since this interview.

[@Survivor-ng4te]

Age is terrified of Chuck Norris

[@avidnongetit8710]

God bless Chuck. He had morals in his life and movies. They weren't deep but you can have fun. I'm sorry for Chuck losing his brother. Losing a dear loved one tears deeply.

[@westtexasdave2140]

Chuck went full on bad ass at the end of this one.

[@charleschampion4682]

True humble born Okie that backs it up in more ways than one...

[@vincentspencer6046]

Chuck Norris is number 1

[@lindabryant3135]

Chuck I saw you in a tournament when I was about 10. Dad was a merchant marine & learned karate overseas. He hunted at home constantly for a good teacher. I have a Son who has deployed to war several times. He tells me the men write Chuch Norris blogs on everything. He sent me a list of them. My favorite is that Chuck Norris wears Michael S...... pajamas to bed. You are thier hero & helped thier moral so much. Many of your movies were sent over there. Later in life I realised how lucky I got to see you in a tournament. You did win...

[@bassreeves2410]

even chuck norris dislikes steven seagal.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

I got that feeling too, But he's too much of a professional to do it directly

[@bruhdon4748]

Seagal is the biggest fraud in Hollywood & that says a lot.

[@jamesthecat]

Haha, yes, that was a great bit of gossip!

[@avidnongetit8710]

Only actor not in a Stallone movie..Seagal

[@riceflatpicking4954]

I am a guitar player and I’ve heard he is a serious guitar collector and has had a pretty crappy attitude at some of the bigger guitar conventions towards people.

[@richardcollins6684]

Dick Caveat was a down to earth human being. I enjoyed his show as a teenager watching with family and friends.

[@mattpatterson6219]

Chuck is a Class act, always liked him.

[@daveandr7031]

When Chuck Norris does push-ups he doesn't push his body up, he pushes the earth down. Sorry, just had to.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Good one! A leading force for the Earth's wobbling on its axis! Not to mention climate change! :^)

[@Ric711A]

This guy really helped me. Smart guy so I say THANKS FOR THE HELP.

[@DrCrabfingers]

Interesting. He seems genuine. Interesting...I like this guy...

[@kennethlatham3133]

It was Steve McQueen that encouraged Chuck Norris to pursue movie acting, making action films.

[@steveguse4481]

I thought bruce did?

[@corygriffiths4394]

@@steveguse4481 no it was McQueen

[@icanmanifest]

Maybe but Bruce gave him his first opportunity.

[@jerrywoods4066]

@@icanmanifest well actually he had a small heavy part in a Matt helm movie.

[@phillipconner1213]

I love the the fact Chuck Norris gave his props to David Kung Fu Carradine

[@ronparsons463]

Great interview,I adore this man even more now,the real deal.God bless 🙏.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Dick was the consummate sneaky instigator. But guests by and large would answer all his questions.

[@brandonhughes179]

Chuck Norris says publicly that Jean-Claude is a legit martial artist = Jean-Claude is legit. No more debates needed

[@GhostKnightNo1]

This Cavett guy.....I've never heard of him til now..........I feel I have missed out.....he seems so much more genuine than others in his field, and I love that he don't have any stupid laughing in the background, which always makes things look sooo staged. He's funny too...man I like this guy

[@mikephalen3162]

This interview changes my opinion of Chuck Norris. I like him, even though I'm not a fan of martial arts hero movies or TV. I don't like his politics, so I was surprised to hear him acknowledge the Vietnam War for what it was.

[@wllms984]

Right! makes me want to sit down with the other side more often and just listen!

[@BM-ru7ef]

You didn’t like him until it appeared you agree.

[@maryeverling8238]

It’s about the sacrifice that people make for their Country, it’s a crying shame that we cannot sit down and be “ Americans “ instead” D/ R….Look at what is happening right now today….🙄😳😢😡🤮

[@tromboneman4517]

Even conservatives can see that the Vietnam war was a travesty.

[@ricci1007]

Imagine if hed educated himself about the history of wars and used this quote in his films: 'I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.' - George McGovern

[@adamtr1121]

Awesome interview!

[@weatherman939]

I admire this man so much!!

[@joejoelesh1197]

Lol, there is a reason Segal's art is not on display in his movies.

[@user-fk2td7jd7t]

Stunt work is a dangerous job. I'm glad Chuck understands the job like a boss.

[@austinwoods466]

Can never get enough of these. Letterman, Conan, Dick Cavett. Imo.

[@susanfleury9145]

I really love Mr. Carlos Norris in all of his movies, I wish he was still in WTR and I wish I t was still on tv !! 😢😅

[@DTR89]

When the brother of Chuck Norris dies in battle, you know the war will be lost

[@corygriffiths4394]

@Henry Leeit really was it never should’ve happened

[@garymcaleer6112]

Great post.

[@shaunmatthewcpoetry]

Good interview.

[@hancock63]

There's no such thing as the Theory of Evolution. There is only a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

[@NickC1966]

My father in law was one of the men at the funeral who served with his brother. He became good friends with Mr. Norris after that.

[@TheGabriel12341]

He is very intelligent about the vietnam war and politics... He pinpoints the fact that people vote sometimes in basis of food despite he is a democratic american

[@GeorgeD1965]

Never knew he had two brothers, only knew about one

[@kschumac]

Norris throwing major shade at Segal

[@FlexinGains]

'' Do you see anything alarming in mine '' xD !?!?!

[@priscillatudela5892]

Hi, my friend. Watching your video always and movies. From Saipan CMNI near Guam.

[@richardcollins6684]

The reason you study and train in a martial art, to be reassured you can protect yourself.

[@johnmastroligulano7401]

cave tt=2020, it's your year!

[@aniea5664]

Wow! I didn't know this about Steven Seagal. I'm not suprised at all.

[@corygriffiths4394]

Seagal has always been known to be a asshole whenever a top martial artist like Chuck has nothing good to say about him that tells you all you need to know about Seagal.

[@charlesallen4821]

Seagal really has a terrible reputation.

[@HoldenNY22]

It would be good if in his old age,, he try to get some wisdom, try to Rectify some of his Karma and admit that he had been a real Jerk a good part of his life. He could claim he was sexually abused when he was young or had Demons or something. I think if he made his amends, it would help His Karma.

[@charlesallen4821]

@@HoldenNY22 No claims of abuse. Just keep it simple. I was wrong. I did wrong. I will do X to improve and I will do my best to reconcile with everybody.

[@corygriffiths4394]

Seagal is to full of himself that’s the problem he even said that he could beat Bruce Lee the one time 😂

[@jeshkam]

Maybe it was Dolph Lundgren in the bookstore? Of course he's Swedish, but his Swedish-English accent could pass for Eastern European. He's also tall and he used to have a bit of an attitude back then.

[@jamesthecat]

@グールにも愛が必要 Sigourney Weaver it was then

[@riceflatpicking4954]

Check out the Ted talk with Dolph he seems like a pretty good guy actually but of course neither one of us were there who knows who it was

[@MrFacundo7]

Dick Cavett said that the guy wasn't an actor, so it wasn't Dolph

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Yes was just thinking that also...not sure if Lundgren was/is necessarily a martial artist, of course we know him from one of the Rambo movies, but that was as a boxer. But otherwise I'm not sure who DC could've been referring to.

[@IlianNachev]

@@rickmontgomery3037, Dolph Lundgren was not in any of the Rambo movies. He was in one of the Rocky movies, namely Rocky lll. He is a real martial artist, namely Karateka. Dolph was a very capable fighter in real life and he proved that when he took part in a match in his 40s, against a younger opponent and did really well.

[@robertshanks3674]

Chuck is such a cool cat!

[@richardcollins6684]

The father of American Kick boxing was Grand Master Joe Lewis.

[@johnpritchard5410]

Norris is from Lomita, Seagal is from Buena Park....

[@ricci1007]

'Soldiers wont tell you the truths that they know about war and who never think to blame themselves in any way for our collective ignorance.' - Nick Turse

[@crispysunny1183]

We get days n nyts by chuck rotating earth on his fingertip.

[@willd6215]

They sound very similar to each other

[@ricci1007]

'I'm fed up to the ears with old men dreaming up wars for young men to die in.' - George McGovern

[@sifka1607]

Even back then they made fun of Steven Seagull 🤣

[@ricci1007]

It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from his government.' - Thomas Paine

[@gkprivate433]

The man worked hard and long. Can not take that away from him. A girl I used to interact with was the business manager of his wife or ex wife or separated wife at the time. this is when chuck was in Texas a lot filming Texas ranger. My girl and her friend spent New Year's Eve at his house up in Hollywood hills. A fine outdoor jacuzzi. Madonna's pink house just across the way.

[@williamwest7008]

Chuck Norris never lived in the Hollywood hills you dirty liar.

[@oggiggs]

what a wierd pivot straight to dead brother. i assume this interview is edited?

[@kennethlatham3133]

I suspect that Cavett, an avowed liberal, had an agenda from the outset to break Chuck Norris down over the Vietnam War, as it was the "cause celebre" of liberal zeitgeist of Cavett's time.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

Yes, I noticed at least a couple of abrupt cuts, it definitely seemed edited...

[@arneprovost3718]

they have almost the same voice

[@tfajsh]

Old Chuck knows

[@bacevs]

they even warned us back then about steven seagull

[@c.s.7097]

7:28

[@gallig4n48]

Anyone else think his voice is sort of similar to Jerry Garcia's?

[@misternought5028]

The Colosseum

[@mcqueenfanman]

This like the best thing ever for Chuck Norris jokes.

[@danielmoore1232]

LOL!!!! Chuck would have absolutely destroyed David Carradine...

[@corygriffiths4394]

Like he said David was more of an actor than a martial artist which is true David was more of an actor than martial artist.

[@MrJC7071]

I was at the same battle where his brother was killed, though I didn't know him. He was killed because they had him walking point as a "cherry", a new guy, with little experience. That was NOT unusual in Vietnam. Stupid, but not unusual. The entire battle, defending a Fire Support Base named Ripcord, was stupid and unnecessary, even within the context of the overall stupidity of Vietnam in general.

[@avidnongetit8710]

I'm so sorry for your pain, but writing it here is s*itty! Would you want Chuck to read it? Does it help? You admit not knowing him personally! I lost my uncle in war and having you say this is just wrong. I would rather believe a beautiful untruth than what you said here. I'm sorry for disrespecting you but....come on!

[@Gannooch]

i have nothing against the other celebs that were on this show but is this channel ever going to show the Dick Cavett shows where he interviews Art Carney or Jackie Gleason? How about any Honeymooners actors that were a part of the main cast?

[@Adam-qv2bd]

I think Dick is talking about Matthias Hues.

[@Katzenhase]

No, he didn´t because Matthias Hues is a really nice guy. I talked with him on instagram. He would never behave like that.

[@Lalune350z]

Dammit Steven Seagal, how dare you speak that way to Dick Cavett!!

[@robertdurrance8161]

mabye he was thinking of dolph lundgren russian accent guy

[@AussieTVMusic]

Nice guy. I met him once. But he takes the jingoism a bit too far.

[@vinnyvincent2862]

Trivia: David Carradine Never had any real blood brothers ! The other 8 carradines were his step Brothers ! . R.I.P. ❤🙏

[@magrose7776]

Omg!

[@ireneadams7724]

I am enjoying the Walker series. He seems like nice man so I have hard time understanding his politics.

[@crocodilebelfast]

After watching this seagal is now in hiding.

[@ricci1007]

'If my sons did not want wars, there would be none.' - Gutle Schnaper, Mayer Amschel Rothschild’s wife

[@SKSelbstverteidigung]

Nice guy! CHECK OUT: Fight Motions of Bruce Lee Movies by Kurt Scherl

[@adamquiles2468]

He seems wonderful too bad never did better movies than the ones he did

[@user-nw6qp1ki2n]

... And why did USA eagerly involve itself in Vietnam War? That’s the question 😔

[@ucheekwebelem5160]

Don't mind them

[@kennethlatham3133]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, and a lot of money.

[@user-nw6qp1ki2n]

Kenneth Latham you are correct Greed kills !

[@Adam-qv2bd]

@Brother Paul - Yep, we had control of the golden triangle and still do to some extent. Then after 9/11 we have control of the afghan poppy fields. With soldiers guarding them. Not a coincidence at all.

[@stevo3883]

Because France demanded our help or they threatened to move towards the Soviet sphere

[@HoldenNY22]

I like that Chuck although he is a Conservative admitted Vietnam was not a Good War. I wish liberals would admit when they are wrong when they are wrong.

[@guitarttimman]

I didn't know Chuck Norris had a brother who was in Nam. I offer my condolences. That must have really been hard to take the news of his loss. He was a good man for serving our country. I have a Son who was in Iraq during that war. I'm glad he made it out of there. Chuck is a great martial artist. I don't know Mr. Norris personally, but everyone says he's a great person, and I believe he is one too. I am a fan of his, but he couldn't have beat up Bruce Lee. Sorry, but no! lol

[@nostradamus522]

Respect ✊🏻 for that. Everyone say’s Chuck Norris isn’t a good actor ! But he plays the role of the Karate World Champion, very well !😂😂😂 We know that he was only Point Karate Champion. This is like swimming in the sand. Joe Lewis goes in Fullcontact Karate/Kickboxing-and was ways Stronger in them. But even Joe Lewis wasn’t never in Lee’s level. That was the reason why both was students of the actor Lee !😂😂😂 Bruce Lee wasn’t Brando or Nicholson to teach them method acting 🎭.😂😂😂 But other brings the evidences that Bruce beat/defeat both/ Joe Lewis in a sparring and his woman ( Lee’s ) wrote that his husband dominated both in sparring Lewis & Norris. But later speaks Mr. Norris that he and Lee haven’t Master & Student Relation, both only exchanged technics !!!🤭 Love Norris but the truth comes out sooner or later. Besides of that, only in the comparison in W.O.D. Fight scene. everyone can seen- in the difference of speed, strength and skills, that Lee was a Ferrari and Mr. Norris only a Ford Mustang. The World loves the best ( Bruce Lee )

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

4:33 How good is Seagal? It's been known for years at this point he is a fraud, It's one thing to be an actor but to pass on as legitimate is another.

[@Katzenhase]

Seagal is not a fraud. He was the real deal in his prime.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

@@Katzenhase Real deal to who?

[@Katzenhase]

@@TihetrisWeathersby In the martial arts. Let´s not forget that Chuck Norris was no real fighter, though he´s always bragging about it. He fought on points. Do you call that "real fighter"?

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

@@Katzenhase Who in martial arts respects Seagal?

[@charlesallen4821]

@@Katzenhase Not knowing martial arts, his record and achievements seem to indicate he was highly considered. But, regardless, would it be a lack of knockouts, if that is the alternative, that reduces him in your eyes?

[@GhostKnightNo1]

Dolph Lundgren...I bet Cavetts talking bout him

[@scottzvidzo5564]

Somebody make 6:36 a meme please

[@josephlawson9950]

When the boogeymen go to sleep he checked his closet for chuck Norris

[@sean2015]

When women go to sleep they check their bed for Chuck Norris. When they find he's not there, they get disappointed.

[@IlianNachev]

When Chuck goes to bed, he checks for Bruce in his closet. 😉

[@HoldenNY22]

Wouldn't a Stunt Man get Workmen's Compensation if he or she is injured?

[@edmundkemp2280]

Chuck said he's in the kick boxing world and would know who that nasty European world champion is. Well, Chuck was only into point karate and really only knew the point karate crowd. He kind of lies there.

[@IlianNachev]

Why wouldn’t he know the Kick Boxing crowd exactly? The father of American Kick Boxing was Joe Lewis, who participated in point fighting tournaments, just like many of the Kick Boxing pioneers did. It is only logical that Chuck would know them, especially since he was a six-time world champion in Point Karate and has defeated many, if not all of those who later became kick boxers. Chuck is telling the truth here.

[@PS987654321PS]

Chuck Norris was NOT too old to be in the Vietnam War. he didn't enlist. He wasn't even technically too old to be drafted.

[@Waitukubuli]

If his brother died in that war, give him a break, unless your brother died too in Vietnam and you served too.

[@RB-ib3mo]

Well tbf they couldn't send him in, they had to give the Vietnamese a chance.

[@aarontrahan448]

He served in the Air Force before Vietnam.

[@damianhoratiu2287]

He did his tour of duty in another, very dangerous place- Koreea.

[@MrJC7071]

Do a little research, would you? He was already in the service, the Air Force, voluntarily, in 1958! Yes, that takes him off the draft list. Idiot.

[@gkampesisdimitris8872]

and what usa wanted in vietnam chuck?people there sould defend them selves,,,and if your brother s dead..this is the war

[@deejin25]

Interesting, in this interview he acknowledges that the Vietnam war was profit based and not based on morality and ideology, and it almost sounds as if he disapproves or is shocked by someone carrying gun. I think for most of the time he was cool he might have had a more liberal attitude. Likely he changed with remarriage. I DON'T like his iniative to erode seperation of Church and State with his school prayer ideas and he advocated for some horrible republicans later in life. many of the movies were half cool, but his best performance was return of the Dragon supporting Bruce Lee. Say what you will Bruce knew how to showcase a martial artist, even one portraying a bad guy.

[@Michael-yv6mp]

Be like water my friend.

[@flipsolo]

I’m not into Chuck Norris’ politics that much, but I’m honestly moved on his introspection of the Vietnam War.

[@briz1965]

The ignorance of Dick Cavett, you can't blame him really of his disregard of the martial arts.