‘Code of Silence’ Starring Chuck Norris Turns 40! Check Out These Fun Facts
The year was 1985 and actor Chuck Norris was coming off successful action-role efforts in Lone Wolf McQuade, as well as Missing in Action and Missing in Action 2. His next film was Code of Silence, which proved to the world that Chuck Norris could be a serious actor.
It’s been 40 years since the release of Code of Silence, and we didn’t take a code of silence to be secretive about it: these five facts prove that the film has stood the test of time. It also proves that Chuck Norris is worthy of all the internet memes that have lionized him.
1 Code of Silence Got Two Thumbs Up
In the world of film criticism, Siskel and Ebert were some of the most recognizable critics in the industry and could be incredibly tough graders. But this film was able to garner the coveted “Two Thumbs Up” from them.
2 Chicago, Represent!
Orion/courtesy Everett Collection
Code of Silence was filmed in and around the city of Chicago, and included a memorable sequence on the “L” that Siskel and Ebert used in their review. The Chicago connections were a key component to the film giving it a gritty “real” feel. Director Andrew Davis, who was raised on the city’s South Side, liked filming in Chicago so much that he came back to shoot The Fugitive (1993) with Harrison Ford. Costar Dennis Farina was a Chicago guy, too — and, before he began his acting career, a Chicago cop. The “Chicago Connection” didn’t only feel real, it was real.
3 Norris’ Role Was Offered To …
Orion/courtesy Everett Collection
You’ve heard the stories about many “signature” roles that were first offered to other actors, and Code of Silence was no exception. Norris’ role as Eddie Cusack was offered to Clint Eastwood first and later passed on by Kris Kristofferson. Among those also considered for the part — Jeff Bridges, Charles Bronson, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Gene Hackman, Tommy Lee Jones, Jon Voight and Kurt Russell.
4 Code Was Originally Intended to Be Part of the Dirty Harry Franchise
Everett Collection
The film was originally intended as an additional film in the Dirty Harry film franchise. But I imagine that even Clint Eastwood knew that “Chuck Norris once bench-pressed the moon” and wasn’t ready to get in his way.
5 Everyone Loves Chuck Norris
©Cannon Films/courtesy Everett Collection
Norris eventually did land the role, and it was one of the moments in his career that helped propel him to superstardom. I cannot lie, the fandom and the crazy quotes about the man, the myth, the legend are amazingly enjoyable. Some of my favorite quotes about Norris’ “purported abilities” include…
Chuck Norris counted to infinity. Twice.
Chuck Norris can hear sign language.
Chuck Norris can unscramble an egg.
And
Death once had a near-Chuck-Norris experience.
We love you Chuck, who is still killing it at age 85. And happy anniversary to Code of Silence!
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