When Chuck Norris put his acting career aside to care for his ailing wife Gena O'Kelley

Chuck Norris willingly abandoned a thriving acting career in Hollywood. While this may not make sense to many, particularly those striving to make their mark in the field, this decision was a no brainer for the Texas Ranger actor. The reason behind this, was the actor's commitment in nursing his wife back to health from her debilitating health condition.

Why did Chuck Norris put his acting career aside?

Back in 2013, model and wife to Chuck Norris, Gena O'Kelley, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthiritis. Post her MRI scans, she felt her health further declining which culminated in the model feeling a constant burning sensation in her body. She said, "I was in the emergency room for 5 or 6 nights in a row and the symptoms were getting worse, the burning sensation continued to spread throughout my body." 

The situation worsened so much so over five months, that there came a point when Gena was too weak to swallow food and had to be fed baby formula through her esophagus. Everything pointed towards one culprit - gadolinium poisoning, a toxic chemical given to her prior to her MRI scans to better the quality of the medical images. It was at this point that Chuck Norris deemed it fit to step in as a full-time caregiver to her, putting aside his acting career. Addressing this in the past, Norris has said, "I gave up my film career to focus on Gena. I think this issue is that important."

Chuck Norris and Gena O'Kelley's love story

Revisiting the tough time in their lives, Gena has said,"My wonderful husband was lying on a couch next to me during all this time, and he even read 17 books to me."

The Hollywood actor had exchanged vows with Gena O'Kelley on November 28, 1998. They were blessed with twin daughters, August 30, 2001. The husband-wife duo is still going strong.