This Woman Was a Divorcee Mom, Then ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Star Wed Her Later Quit Career to Nurse Her Back to Life

Gena O’Kelley was a former model and a divorcee mom before she met a famous action movie star who became the love of her life. After she married this Hollywood actor, later in their life together, he quit his career to nurse her back to life after she was poisoned. The couple now lives a happy life, raising their children.

Gena O’Kelley, 60, met her forever partner a little later on in her life. At the time, she was a working mom and had already divorced her first husband.

Similarly, her future husband, an iconic Hollywood star and martial artist in his 50s at the time, had already been married with children of his own before divorcing his first wife in 1989. Following this, O’Kelley and the action star met each other at a sushi restaurant.

While the action icon was seated at dinner with approximately 12 people, O’Kelley walked in with one of his best friends, Larry Morales. Of his initial encounter with O’Kelley, the martial artist recalled:

“I looked up at her, and all I could see was an angel staring into my eyes. I stuttered, ‘Oh…er…hi! Nice to meet you.’ “

At the time, his career was booming, having scored the leading role on a popular Western-inspired television show. After being introduced by Morales, the Hollywood star became smitten with O’Kelley, and the two went on to get married; she was 35, and he was 58.

Ever since the lovebirds met and hit it off, O’Kelley’s famous husband has deemed her the center of his universe. In a previous article interview, he referred to O’Kelley as his soulmate and boasted about the endless value she adds to his life.

By the time 2001 rolled around, the married couple welcomed twins. Their son and daughter were born on August 30, on a Thursday. The two came as new editions to their already big family, with both parents having kids from their previous relationships.

While reflecting on their birth, their doting dad expressed how blessed he felt. He also told an amusing story of how he nearly fainted when the doctor initially told him that he and O’Kelley could potentially have three babies instead of two, but it turned out to only be two in the end, much to his relief.

O’Kelley’s famous spouse, who calls her his forever Valentine, is none other than “Walker, Texas Ranger” star Chuck Norris, 83. A couple of years ago, the couple faced a terrifying reality in which O’Kelley nearly lost her life.

O’Kelley, who had rheumatoid arthritis, underwent three consecutive MRIs in one week to evaluate the condition. What the couple thought would be a routine and safe check-up turned into an almost deathly experience.

Unbeknownst to Norris and his wife, after conducting an analysis of the chemical agent injected into the patient to gain a complete picture from the scan, experts found out that the agent makes a small percentage of people extremely sick. As it turned out, O’Kelley had been one of the few unfortunate people adversely affected by the chemical.

O’Kelley’s symptoms were severely life-threatening. She described having horrible brain damage and excruciating burning sensations as some of the symptoms she experienced.

After numerous searches online to find out what was wrong, she discovered that the solution had poisoned her. The recovery process was grueling, and O’Kelley had to stay in the hospital for five months. Luckily, her doting and devoted spouse never left her side.

Norris, who quit his career to look after his wife, stayed with O’Kelley in the hospital until she got better. While getting emotional as she recalled the devastating ordeal, O’Kelley credited her spouse, Norris, who knew early on serious intervention was needed, for helping her recover:

“…and my wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful husband, who I am so thankful—thank you, baby, laid on a couch next to me for five months.”

In another interview, Norris emphasized his maintained focus on keeping O’Kelley as well as possible. Norris also mentioned:

“…you know I’ve had to give up my film career.”

Norris has remained by his wife’s side ever since.

These days, his priorities lie with his family and being the best husband and father he can be.