Radio host Kyle Sandilands faces fresh challenges following the death of his co-star Chuck Norris at age 86 on Thursday morning. Sandilands, whose $100 million contract with ARN ended last week, appeared alongside the action legend in the upcoming action comedy Zombie Plane, filmed on Australia’s Gold Coast in 2023.
The Zombie Plane Collaboration
In the film, Norris portrays the leader of a spy agency composed of celebrities, marking his final on-screen role. The project also features Sophie Monk and Vanilla Ice. Currently in post-production, Zombie Plane targets a premiere next year.
Sandilands’ Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Sandilands took a cameo role despite minimal pay. “I know that I didn’t want to get paid because it was a pathetic amount. And then they said, ‘by law, we have to pay you,'” he shared previously. He estimated the fee at around $5,000 but noted higher personal costs.
“I think it cost me about 15 grand because I travel my own way, stay in my own accommodation,” Sandilands explained. “And I had to get a separate boat to sit on. But I didn’t care. I did it because I wanted to work opposite Ice-T.”
Producer Shaked Berenson’s Reflections
Producer Shaked Berenson describes Norris as a “pure joy to work with and a total pro.” Norris’s family joined filming at his ranch, where conversations touched on popular Chuck Norris memes, which the star enjoyed. “He could laugh at himself,” Berenson notes, adding that this quality suited the film’s satirical tone perfectly. Berenson highlights the cameos as playful nods to the stars’ public images.
Family Tribute and Norris’ Legacy
Norris’s family remembers him as a “devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.” Their statement continues: “He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
Renowned for martial arts prowess and roles in hits like Walker, Texas Ranger and The Delta Force, Norris later gained a massive online following as a fitness icon and meme sensation.
