Norris’ back story

PAUL FARHI’S story regarding the public image of Chuck Norris [“The Man, the Myriad Myths,” Jan. 6] left out one critical fact that probably has more to do with his personality and body of work than anything else. In July 1970 his younger brother, Wieland, was killed during the ferocious battle for Firebase Ripcord in Vietnam.

Years afterward, Norris dedicated his “Missing in Action” movies to the memory of his late brother. Obviously, his brother’s early death in the heat of battle left a lasting impression on him. In the world of Chuck Norris, the bad guys are simply bad guys, and they’re going to get what’s coming to them.

CHARLES REILLY

Manhattan Beach

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FARHI’S piece on Chuck Norris leaves out some critical facts that speak to the actor’s enduring appeal. Norris won the 1968 world professional middleweight karate championship -- a title he held for six years until he retired undefeated in 1974. He is also the first westerner to be awarded an eighth-degree black belt in tae kwon do.

MAX AND NICK CAIN

Venice