Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 7
This is a list of legitimate martial artists appearing in movies, accompanied by the styles they practice(d), the recognition they've received for them, and individual trivia.
Qualifications:
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NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
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**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
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Qualifications:
- the performer must be an actual practitioner of a martial art; simply portraying martial artists in film, no matter how well or how often, is not enough
- the martial art(s) in question must be able to be identified and verified by a source other than hearsay
- individual accomplishments (e.g. tournaments won, belts held) must likewise be verifiable
- Mixed Martial Arts, Tai Chi, and weapons-based styles can only be credited if the person in question practices another style as well (I reserve the right to make exceptions)
- Kickboxing is considered a martial art
- Tae Bo, boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics are not considered martial arts
- styles incorporating firearms usage (e.g. Systema) are not considered
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NOTE: a lot of the trivia listed here did originally come from IMDb pages, but I've only included information I was able to verify from other sources as well.
--------------------------------------------------
**Though I have done my utmost to ensure that all information below is factual and up-to-date, I may have made mistakes and therefore make no claims about this list's infallibility**
Next list here
Previous list here
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- Actress
- Producer
- Writer
Michelle Yeoh was born in Ipoh, Malaysia. She's the daughter of Janet Yeoh & Kian Teik Yeoh. She's of Hokkien descent, speaking English and Malay before Chinese. A ballet dancer since 4, she moved to London to study at the Royal Academy as a teen. After a brief dance career, she won the Miss Malaysia beauty pageant title in and the Miss Moomba beauty pageant title in Melbourne, Australia in the early 1980s. Her first on camera work was a 1984 commercial with martial arts star Jackie Chan. In 1985, she began making action movies with D&B Films of Hong Kong. She was first billed as Michelle Khan, then Michelle Yeoh. Never a trained martial artist, she relied on her dance discipline and on-set trainers to prepare for martial arts action scenes.
She uses many dance moves in her films and does most of her own stunts. In 1988, she married wealthy D&B Films executive Dickson Poon & retired from acting. Even though they divorced in 1992, she's close to Poon's second wife and a godmother to his daughter. When she returned to acting, she became very popular w/ Chinese audiences. She later became known to Western audiences through role in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and in the phenomenally successful Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). She turned down a role in a sequel to The Matrix (1999).
She has her own production company, Mythical Films. She trained with the Shen Yang Acrobatic team for her role in The Touch (2002), an English-language film she both starred in and produced. She hopes to use her company to discover and nurture new film-making talent. She also aspires to act in roles that combine both action and deeper spiritual themes.Wing Chun, Kickboxing
Trivia: knew no martial arts prior to entering film and relied on her background in dance to convey her physicality
Best seen in YES MADAM!- Producer
- Director
- Editor
Born in the filmmaking capital of the world, Hollywood, California, Scott Shaw spent the early part of his youth growing up in South Los Angeles. He then returned to Hollywood for his teen years.
Though living at the center of the film industry, Shaw was not drawn to acting or directing in his early years. He instead placed his focus on his two lifelong passions: the martial arts and eastern mysticism. From this zeal he has emerged as a respected teacher and prolific author on both of these subjects.
After spending his twenties continually retuning to Asia, he finally entered the film industry in his early thirties. Quickly moving from actor onto producer and director, Shaw has created numerous feature films, music videos, and documentaries based upon what he calls Zen Filmmaking. This is a free-form style of filmmaking that does not use a formalized script and is designed to cause the filmmaker to employ spontaneous inspiration.
To label Shaw as artistically diverse would be an understatement. Aside from the film industry he is a novelist, poet, artist, photographer, and musician. His musical compositions often find their way into the soundtracks of his films.Hapkido (8th Dan), Tae Kwon Do (8th Dan), Kum Do (7th Dan), Aikijutsu (7th Dan)
Trivia: is the first non-Korean ever to be awarded the 7th Dan by the Korea Hapkido Federation
Best seen in MAX HELL: FROG WARRIOR- Thorsten Nickel was born in Gifhorn, Germany. After school he went to the air force and completed a profession as a forwarding agent.
Following this he moved to London to go to acting school but also studied Homoeopathy for several years. Thorsten trained in Karate (2nd Dan), boxing and thai- boxing and keeps himself in shape working the bags and running, kettle bells etc. After London he followed someone's advice to go to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong therefore was the place where Thorsten started his career. His biggest credit so far has to be the Jackie Chan film 'Thunderbolt' which at the time was the biggest movie in Hong Kong cinema history with a US$28 mil budget and went on to be nr1 box office in the Far East. Thorsten was the Co Star and lead villain opposite Jackie (the only lead villain who didn't get killed)
The film was bought by New Line Cinema and Miramax for further distribution.
He also worked with Jackie Chan on a video game most commonly known as 'Jackie Chan Kung Fu Master' by Kaneko in which he portrayed the knife hand character. This game enjoyed a worldwide release and was not animated.
Thorsten also worked with Jet Li in 'The Enforcer', Summo Hung and other well established figures in the Far East.
In North America Thorsten was the Co Star and lead Villain in a movie called 'Crisis and was credited above the title. He starred opposite David Bradley (American Ninja).
Although Thorsten has an extensive Martial Arts background, 2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate, thai boxing and boxing, he brings an intensity to the screen regardless of genre.Shotokan Karate (2nd Dan), Muay Thai
Trivia: is trained in homeopathic practice
Best seen in TECHNO WARRIORS 2 - Actor
- Soundtrack
A 1960s pioneer of Asian-American theatre, Soon Tek Oh (aka Sun-Taek Oh, Soon-Tek Oh or Soon-Taik Oh) was born on June 29, 1932, in Mokpo, Korea at the time the country was under Imperial Japanese rule. He attended high school at Gwangju, South Korea, and went on to study at Yonsei University in Seoul. His family (including one sister) moved to the United States in 1959, where they settled in Southern California.
Oh studied at USC before attending UCLA and receiving his Masters of Fine Arts in acting and playwriting. Trained in performance at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse, his mounting of a California production of "Rashomon" led to his co-founding (along with fellow actors Mako, James Hong , Beulah Quo and five others) of the renowned Los Angeles' East West Players theatre company in 1965.
Breaking into TV that same year with a minor role on "I Spy," Oh resolved to work against the restrictive servile Asian stereotypes he found himself playing on such 60s TV programs as "The Wild, Wild West," "The Invaders" and "It Takes a Thief." Via the stage, he strove to broaden the types of roles available, which included other theatre troupes he founded or guided (i.e., Korean American Theatre Ensemble). As such, his companies went on to produce a variety of plays from Ibsen ("A Doll's House") and Shakespeare ("Twelfth Night") to Tony-winning vehicles ("Pippin," "Equus, "Sweeney Todd") to original contemporary pieces, several written by Oh himself.
Following unbilled parts as secret agent types in such films as Murderers' Row (1966) and The President's Analyst (1967), he achieve a degree of notoriety in the James Bond feature The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) as Lt. Hip, an intelligence operative. He continued sporadically in films with featured parts in Good Guys Wear Black (1978), The Final Countdown (1980), Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985), Steele Justice (1987), Bialy smok (1987), Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987), Collision Course (1989), A Home of Our Own (1993), Red Sun Rising (1994), Beverly Hills Ninja (1997), Yellow (1997) (the first film by and featuring Korean-Americans) and gave voice to Fa Zhou, the father, in the Disney animated classic Mulan (1998). TV roles continued to come his way with several episodes of "Kung Fu," "Hawaii Five-0," "M*A*S*H" and "Magnum P.I.,, as well as a recurring part as a lieutenant on Charlie's Angels (1976) and the quality mini-series East of Eden (1981) and Marco Polo (1982).
Oh and Mako both made their Broadway debuts in Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures" in 1976. His later stage performances include "The Woman Warrior (1994) and "The Square" (2000). He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 by the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
Making his last on-camera appearance featured in the action film Gang-jeok (2006), Oh was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and forced to retire. He died of complications in Los Angeles, on April 4, 2018, at age 85.Tae Kwon Do, Kendo
Trivia: founded the Lodestone Theater Ensemble in response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Best seen in MISSING IN ACTION 2- Actor
- Writer
- Stunts
If you want to meet a real-life super hero, Michael O'Hearn is the closest human alive that fits that description.. A Four-time Mr. Universe, O'Hearn has graced the covers of over 470 magazines worldwide earning him the title of 7-time Fitness Male Model of the Year and putting that title in retirement.
O'Hearn is a champion with a resume a mile long. You can see him as Team Captain Titan in American Gladiators. In addition to 4-time Mr. Natural Universe titles, O'Hearn is also a 4-time Power Lifting Champion, and Iron Warrior: Decathlon of Strength Strongman Champion. He is a well-rounded athlete with a background in natural bodybuilding, strongman, power lifting, and martial arts. Women around the world will recognize O'Hearn as the cover model for Topaz romance novels.
A life-long proponent of the natural approach to bodybuilding and life, O'Hearn authored "Proven Techniques for Drug-Free Bodybuilders" to inspire and teach the next generation of weightlifters and bodybuilders that you can achieve success without the use of enhancers such as steroids or growth hormones.
Known as an unquestionably qualified fitness expert, O'Hearn trains high profile clients from Hollywood executives to heavy hitters nationwide.
O'Hearn grew up on a farm in Kirkland, WA, and comes from a large family of 9 siblings of which he is the youngest of 5 boys. He began competing in bodybuilding at the age of 15 when he won the Teenage Washington State competition. In college, O'Hearn was a 3-time All-State Defensive Tackle and All American football player.
O'Hearn is tackling writing, producing, and directing his own movie about a character who discovers he is a superhero. O'Hearn has a leading role in National Lampoon's TV-The Movie. Other films include Barbarian and Keeper of Time. Upcoming film projects due to be released in Spring 2008 include Tumblers and Captain Ultimate.Tae Kwon Do (California State Champion), Judo (2-time California State Champion)
Trivia: is a 4-time Mr. Natural Universe winner
Best seen in BARBARIAN- Terry O'Neill was born on 27 February 1948 in Liverpool, England, UK. He is an actor, known for The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), DragonHeart (1996) and Entrapment (1999).Karate (9-time KUGB Champion; 13-time KUGB Team Champion; WKC Team Champion; KUGB International Squad & British All-Styles Squad member), Judo
Trivia: is the founder of Fight Arts International magazine
Best seen in CONAN THE DESTROYER - Actor
- Stunts
- Writer
Grandmaster Pak began his study of Tang Soo Do at the age of 10, in Yong Mun, South Korea. His instructor was Master Hon In Lee. He was awarded Cho Dan at age 13 and continued his study there until 1977. From 1977 to 1979, Grand Master Pak served in the Korean Army and taught combat and self-defense skills to his fellow servicemen. Following his discharge from the military, he was employed as an instructor of Tang Soo Do at the American Air Force Base in Kun San province, Jun Ra Buk Do, South Korea. There he taught techniques to U.S. Military Personnel until 1982.
In 1981 he won the prestigious Korean body-building contest being nominated Mr. Kun San. In 1982, he was chosen as a member of the Korean Olympic Tang Soo Do team and traveled to the International Tang Soo Do Championship in Atlantic City, New Jersey, contributing to the team's victory. At this time, he decided to make the United States his permanent residence and moved to southern California.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has been featured in many martial arts motion pictures, including as Big Trouble in Little China, Best of the Best, Mortal Kombat and Hunt to Kill. In 2003 he was listed in the Kington's National Register of Who's Who for his martial arts expertise and his outstanding achievements nationally and in the community. In the same year, he was awarded his 8th Dan at the Battle of LA in Woodland Hills, CA. In 2004, he also received a letter of recognition for this event by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.Tang Soo Do (8th Dan; Koreab Olympic Team member; Korean National Champion; LA & Simon Rhee Open Champion; Ed Parker International Champion)
Trivia: is a former Korean and American military combat instructor
Best seen in BEST OF THE BEST- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Ryan Potter is an actor, director, martial artist, and photographer. Ryan, though born in the United States, was raised in Tokyo until the age of seven.
Ryan got his start as the lead, "Mike Fukanaga" in Nickelodeon's "Supah Ninjas," (2011-2013) working with the legendary, George Takei, who played his grandfather.
In 2014, he starred in Disney's animated superhero blockbuster, Big Hero 6. He voiced the lead character, Hiro Hamada, a child prodigy who teams with a large robot. The film was released in the U.S. at #1 and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015. He went on to voice the same character for the animated television show, Disney's Big Hero 6: The Series (2017...)
Ryan also devotes much of his energy to raising awareness for several charities including Covenant House and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He is grateful for his "Big Brother" of 14 years and is one of the organization's Celebrity Ambassadors. In addition, Ryan will be working closely with the Papau New Guinea Tribal Foundation on an upcoming expedition to provide medical supplies to those in need.Bak Fu Pai
Trivia: also enjoys snowboarding, skating, airsofting, skateboarding, long-boarding, and playing the drums
Best seen in SUPAH NINJAS- Actor
- Director
- Cinematographer
Matt grew up in St. Louis and spent a good deal of time in the rough neighborhoods of East St. Louis. At age 16, he moved to Atlanta, where he studied guitar at the prestigious Atlanta Institute of Music. He moved back to St. Louis at age 17 and taught guitar for a year. He moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to be a studio musician, but ended up doing both acting and modeling. He did a Levi's commercial, then worked as a Levi's model both in print and on the runway, living in Europe for two years. He didn't much care for modeling, though, and decided to focus his attention on acting. After guest appearances in several TV shows, including "Charmed", Matt landed his first feature film role as the vampire Crease in Blade (1998). Since then, he has had leading roles in two independent films and major supporting roles in films like The Fast and the Furious (2001) and Blade II (2002).Mixed Martial Arts, Kendo
Trivia: lost 40 pounds to play the villain in THE TRANSPORTER, doing so by fasting for two weeks
Best seen in OUT OF REACH- Actor
- Stunts
A native of Richmond, BC Canada Darren began studying Karate at the age of 8 and received his black belt at the age of 11. He pursued his training through out his high school and college/post college years and became a Canadian National Champion in both forms and point sparring. The 1995 feature film "The Hunted" was his first on set experience where he played a ninja along side the stuntmen. After one year of training in Japan with his masters and the Tenri University Karate Team (also having acquired a fair bit of the Japanese language) his pursuits continued. His extensive acting training has been through the great likes of Jeanne Hartman, Andrew McIlroy, Peter Hanlon & Bill Macdonald.Goju-Ryu Karate (4th Dan; NKA Champion), Capoeira
Trivia: earned his first black belt at age 11
Best seen in MORTAL CHALLENGE- Stuart Smith is known for Ninja Destroyer (1986), Ninja in Action (1987) and The Ultimate Ninja (1986).Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: has also worked uncredited as a voice-over artist
Best seen in THE ULTIMATE NINJA - Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
William Smith was probably best known for his portrayal as "Falconetti" in Rich Man, Poor Man (1976). He first came to the screen as a child actor in films such as Going My Way (1944) and The Song of Bernadette (1943), before entering the service during the Korean War, where his fluency in foreign languages landed him in the N.S.A. Security Squadron 6907.
While working towards his doctorate, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back. Over the next thirty years, Smith became one of the kings of B-movie and television villainy.
Smith died in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles in 2021, aged 88.Kenpo
Trivia: is also a boxer and USAF Light-Heavyweight Champion
Best seen in C.C. AND COMPANY- Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Director, Producer, Actor, Stunts performer/coordinator
David Stevenson's life has been enriched with an the intimate experience of music from the beginning of his birth and is no stranger to the entertainment industry. As an accomplished actor, musician, stunt director, and choreographer, he has been able to fulfill his career goals in many ways. He has worked on many films, most notably; X-Men, Down to Earth, The Blues Brothers 2000, and Cool Runnings.
Standing at the threshold of success, David continues to ambitiously fulfill his life long dreams as he recently finished writing a book called "Dangerous Days". It was released last year, and is an action/adventure novel that can guarantee to keep you at the edge of your seat. His passion for martial arts is relayed within the novel. After the success of his new book Dangerous Days, he has been working hard to put together a movie based on the novel. He is also working on a film called, "Lock Down," which is still in the developments.
David Stevenson always strives to become an active role model within his community and to those who surround him. His knowledge in psychology and being able to manage aggressive behaviors has led him to work with young offenders and troubled youths. He strives to implement unity, peace, and harmony amongst these youths. He recently released a documentary called, "You Can Fly," which captures the essence of what it means to use one's status to uplift and motivate others. "You Can Fly" was purposed to send a positive message to youths.
David Stevenson has been busy since the release of his documentary, which in fact attracted hundreds to the opening. The next step for him is releasing it worldwide, and what better way to do it than at the Independent Film Festival in Washington D.C.Wing Chun, Hung Gar, Wushu, Choy Lay Fut, Shaolin Kung Fu
Trivia: owns and operates the Future Dragons kung fu studio
Best seen in TIGER CLAWS- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Mike was born in Hawaii. As a boy at school, Mike was already athletic and excelled in sports basketball, football, track and field. He even became co-captain of the basketball and football team. He received an award for outstanding achievement in the field of basketball. Mike first got into contact with martial arts at the age of 17, when he began training Aikido, where he was fortunate to train under a world class instructor. After graduating, within three weeks Mike voluntarily enlisted in the US Army for three years. There he met Karate instructor Herb Peters. Karate would become the most important thing for Mike. Mike received his black belt in six months. When he was 20 he became the youngest and only undefeated Karate Champion in history, winning 91 consecutive black belt matches. He is also an undefeated Forms Champion. Mike has won every tournament he has been in and won every title at least twice. Mike also had the privilege of working with friends and martial artists Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Mike was inducted in the Black Belt Hall of Fame twice.: first in 1971 as Fighter of the Year and second in 1994 as Instructor of the Year. As a popular instructor, Mike got to train celebrities like Priscilla Presley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Engelbert Humperdinck, Mike Post and many more. Mike also worked as a bodyguard.Aikido, Shorin-Ryu Karate (2-time Jhoon Rhee National Champion; 2-time IKC Champion; US National & Western Open Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; US National Team member; record: 91-0)
Trivia: is the first professional light heavyweight world champion in Karate kumite
Best seen in AMERICAN NINJA 2- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Praying Mantis & Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Tai Chi
Trivia: was nominated twice by the Hong Kong Film Awards
Best seen in THE BUDDHIST FIST- Marc D. Williams is known for Lionheart (1990), The Natural History of Parking Lots (1990) and Pit-Fighter (1990).Tae Kwon Do (6th Dan; 5-time All American Open Grand Champion; Canadian National Champion; Puerto Rico Commonwealth Champion; NTKD Gold Medalist)
Trivia: is the president of the New Jersey Tae Kwon Do Association
Best seen in COLLEGE KICKBOXERS - Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
South African born Shotokan practitioner Stan Schmidt, is one of the world's most famous and internationally recognized Karate Masters. Sensei Stan is a founding fellow of the International Karate Society (IKS) and the founder of the College of the Open Hand.
Schmidt was born in Kokstad, Transkei on October 6, 1936. He was educated at King Edward VII High School and obtained a Master's Degree in Communications at the University of South Africa. He first visited Japan in 1963 and since then has trained in Japan with the top Japanese Karate Masters on numerous occasions.
Schmidt appeared in the South African filmed martial arts film Karate Killer (1976) and its punchier & more violent sequel Kill and Kill Again (1981)Shotokan Karate (8th Dan; South African Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry), Judo (1st Dan)
Trivia: is the co-founder of the International Karate Society and founder of the College of the Open Hand
Best seen in KILL AND KILL AGAIN- Actor
- Additional Crew
Shotokan Karate (8th Dan; South African Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry), Judo
Trivia: was forced to begin his martial arts training by his father, a Judo practitioner
Best seen in KILL AND KILL AGAIN- Actor
- Casting Director
- Director
James Ryan originally burst onto the movie scene as a sinewy and lean martial arts hero via two low budget South African financed martial arts movies titled Karate Killer (1976), and the sequel Kill and Kill Again (1981). Both films were rather shoddy, mechanical productions...however, the acrobatic Ryan had a certain appeal and the movies were loaded with plenty of kicks and punches, plus they featured 8th Dan Shotokan karate expert Stan Schmidt and fellow South African 8th Dan Judo / karate exponent Norman Robinson .....both members of the South African Martial Arts Hall of Fame.Karate
Trivia: is also a writer and professor of play-writing at the Actor's Studio School of Drama
Best seen in KILL AND KILL AGAIN- Elix Skipper was born on 15 December 1967 in Long Island, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for NWA: Total Nonstop Action (2002), WCW Worldwide (1975) and WCW Monday Nitro (1995).HONORARY ENTRY
Kickboxing
Trivia: has won 16 world championships throughout his pro wrestling career - Actor
- Additional Crew
Steve 'Nasty' Anderson is known for Killpoint (1984).Kickboxing, Karate (4-time WAKO Champion; NASKA & WKA Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: claims to have fought in more professional karate tournaments than any other competitor, averaging upwards of 50 annually
Best seen in KILLPOINT- Visual Effects
- Stunts
- Actor
Born in Miami, Florida, to a family of puppeteers, Leonora and Gerald Chapin (who was confined to a wheelchair after being stricken with polio), Robert Chapin (Bob) grew up making movies with his brother Stuart. He attended drama and music classes throughout junior high and high school, and in 1982 he received a music scholarship to Miami Dade Community College where he also studied computer science. At that time, he began training in stage combat and swordplay with The Royal Chessmen- a group that performed living chessgames at local renaissance fairs.
Moving to Orlando, Florida in 1985, Bob worked his way through college at the University of Central Florida by performing swordfights at a local dinner theater called "Shakespeare's Tavern". In 1986, Bob's father passed, but Bob continued his studies until he graduated in 1987 with a degree in computer science. During this time, he also continued to take drama classes and choreographed swordfights for a critically acclaimed production of "Romeo and Juliet".
In 1989, Bob's brother convinced him to move to Los Angeles where he almost immediately found work as a swordsman on feature films such as "Hook" and "Army of Darkness". Bob's mother then passed in 1991, two years before Bob wrote and starred in his first feature film "Ring of Steel", which was distributed by MCA Universal. Over the years, Bob went on to star in several other action films while building his credit list as an actor, stuntman, and fight coordinator.
During this time, Bob also began a career as a visual effects artist, using his computer science degree to find work as a camera recordist at Pacific Data Images in LA. Moving from one company to the next: CFC, Manex, Cinesite, Zoic, and Hammerhead, Bob worked on several award-winning feature films such as "X-Men", "Crouching Tiger", "Fantastic Four", "Armageddon" and "American Beauty". Bob also supervised several indie films before he became the in-house VFX supervisor at New Deal Studios.
Bob continues to keep up his acting and swordfighting skills. He trained for several years with the infamous acting coach, Larry Moss, and was certified in six weapons as an actor-combatant in 1995 with the Societies of American, British, and Canadian Fight Directors at the First International Stage Combat Workshop in London, England. He has also trained in multiple martial arts forms including Tae Kwon Do with Hee Il Cho, Kali with the infamous Dan Inosanto, bullwhip with Anthony DeLongis, and Wushu with Eric Chen. As a stage combat instructor, Bob has taught classes at various workshops and colleges around the country, most notably UCLA, UCF, Strausberg, Westside Fencing Center, the Inosanto Academy, and the National Wushu Training Center.
Bob continues to develop his own work, most recently creating the first web series based on user content called "The Hunted", which can be found online at www.thehunted.tv. The show originally began as a class project for his stage combat students, but has now spread to include episode submissions from all over the world. In addition to producing and acting in the series, the show allows him the opportunity to explore his other interests in film production - from directing and editing, to music, marketing and web design.Tae Kwon Do, Silat, Wushu
Trivia: is also a professional stage combat and fencing instructor
Best seen in RING OF STEEL- Henry Chapman is known for Expect to Die (1997).Karate, Sumo, Isshin-Ryu Jujitsu
Trivia: is the founder of the M.A.G.I.K. (Martial Arts for Guidance, Inspiration and Knowledge) program
Best seen in EXPECT TO DIE - Roland Dantes was an actor, known for Cuatro y medya (1981), The Pacific Connection (1974) and Dugong buhay (1983). He died on 16 March 2009 in Quezon City, Philippines.Escrima, Eskrido
Trivia: is a 5-time Mr. Philippines bodybuilding champion
Best seen in KICK TO THE HEAD - Stunts
- Actor
- Producer
Kyokushin, Shotokan & Goju-Ryu Karate, Kickboxing
Trivia: is Wesley Snipes' personal stunt double
Best seen in DRAGON FURY 2- Stunts
- Actress
- Producer
Northern & Southern Shaolin, Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: is also a model with the L.A. Models agency
Best seen in BLACK COBRA- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian-American actress, supermodel, fashion designer, singer and public figure, who was on the cover of more than a hundred magazines, and starred in such films as The Fifth Element (1997), Ultraviolet (2006), and the Resident Evil (2002) franchise.
Milica Bogdanovna Jovovich was born on December 17, 1975 in Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now in Ukraine). Her Serbian father, Bogdan Jovovich, was a medical doctor in Kyiv. There, he met her mother, Galina Jovovich (née Loginova), a Russian actress. At the age of 5, in 1981, Milla emigrated with her parents from the Soviet Union, moving first to London, UK, then to Sacramento, California, and eventually settled in Los Angeles. There her parents worked as house cleaners for the household of director Brian De Palma. Her parents separated, and eventually divorced, because her father was arrested and spent several years in prison.
Young Milla Jovovich was brought up by her single mother in Los Angeles. In addition to her native Ukrainian, she also speaks Russian and English. However, in spite of her cosmopolitan background, Milla was ostracized by some of her classmates, as a kid who emigrated from the Soviet Union amidst the paranoia of the Cold War. Many emotional scars had affected her behavior, but she eventually emerged as a resilient, multi-talented, albeit rebellious and risk-taking girl. She was coached by her actress mother since her childhood, first at home, then studied music, ballet, and acting in Los Angeles.
She shot to international fame after she was spotted by the photographer Richard Avedon at the age of 11, and was featured in Revlon's "Most Unforgettable Women in the World" advertisements, and on the cover of the Italian fashion magazine 'Lei' which was her first cover shoot. She made her first professional model contract at the age of 12, and soon made it to the cover of 'The Face', 'Vogue', 'Cosmopolitan' and many other magazines. In 1994, she appeared on the cover of 'High Times' in the UK, at the age of 18. The total number of her magazine covers worldwide was over one hundred by 2004, and keeps counting. In 2004, she made $10.4 million, becoming the highest paid supermodel in the world.
Milla appeared in ad campaigns for Chanel, Versace, Emporio Armani, Donna Karen, DKNY, Celine, P&K, H&H, and continues her role as the worldwide spokesperson and model for L'Oreal. Thanks to their continued success with Milla, Giorgio Armani chose her to be the face of his fragrance, Night. In addition to Armani's fragrance, Milla was the face for Calvin Klein's Obsession and Christian Dior's Poison for over 10 years and has most recently become the new face for Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist fragrance, which debuts in August 2009. Milla continues to shoot with the fashion industry's most sought after photographers, including Peter Lindbergh, Mario Sorrenti, Craig McDean and Inez & Vinoodh.
Milla made her acting debut in the Disney Channel movie The Night Train to Kathmandu (1988) and she made guest appearances on television series including Married... with Children (1987) (in 1989 as a French exchange student), Paradise (1988) and Parker Lewis Can't Lose (1990). In 1988, at age 12, she made her film debut credited as Milla in a supporting role in Two Moon Junction (1988) by writer/director Zalman King. During the 1980s and early 1990s, she played several supporting roles as a teenage actress in film and on television, then starred in Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991). In 1997, she co-starred opposite Bruce Willis in the sci-fi blockbuster The Fifth Element (1997), then she starred as the title character of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999).
In the early 2000s, Milla had a few years of uncertainty in her acting career due to the uneven quality of her films, as well as some hectic events in her private life. She appeared with Mel Gibson in Wim Wenders' The Million Dollar Hotel (2000) which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. She went on to co-star with Wes Bentley and Sarah Polley in The Claim (2000) and in Ben Stiller's spoof of the world of models and high-fashion, Zoolander (2001).
Milla achieved box office success in the U.S. and around the world with the action-packed thriller, Resident Evil (2002), based on the wildly popular video game, Resident Evil. It was written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Milla reprised her role as the zombie slaying heroine, Alice, in Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), Resident Evil: Retribution (2012), and again in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) A seventh resident Evil movie is in pre-production.
She received glowing reviews opposite Oscar-winner Adrien Brody and Illeana Douglas in Dummy (2002) which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. In the spring of 2006, Milla returned to the big screen as action heroine, Violet, in the futuristic film Ultraviolet (2006) directed by Kurt Wimmer.
Focusing on her personal sense of style, her love of fashion led Milla and her friend and business partner, Carmen Hawk, to launch their Jovovich-Hawk clothing line, which achieved instant acclaim in the domestic and international fashion world. The fresh, unique line garnered the attention of red carpet watchers and fashion magazines, including American Vogue, who featured Jovovich-Hawk on their coveted list of "10 Things to Watch Out for in 2005." A student of voice and guitar since she was very young, Milla began writing songs for her first record at the age of 15.
Her first album, "The Divine Comedy", was released by EMI Records in 1994. Informed by her experiences as a child growing up as a Russian emigrant in the Red-bashing Reagan era, the introspective European-folkish debut drew favorable reviews for Milla's songwriting and performing. She continues to write music, and has had songs featured on several film soundtracks. She has been writing music and lyrics to her song-demos, playing her guitar and sampling other sounds from her computer, and allowing free download and remix of her songs from her website.
Charitable work also plays a major part in Milla's life. She has served as Master of Ceremonies and co-chaired with Elizabeth Taylor for the amfAR and Cinema Against AIDS event at the Venice Film Festival, and has been heavily involved with The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, as well as The Wildlands Project.
For many years Milla Jovovich has been maintaining a healthier lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation, trying to avoid junk food, and cooking for herself. Since she was a little girl, Milla has been writing a private diary, a habit she learned from her mother. She has been keeping a record of many good and bad facts of her life, her travels, her relationships, and all important ideas and events in her career, planning eventually to publish an autobiography. After dissolution of her two previous marriages, Milla Jovovich became engaged to film director Paul W.S. Anderson; their daughter, Ever Anderson, was born on November 3, 2007. They got married on August 22, 2009. Their second daughter, Dashiel Edan, was born on April 1, 2015.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: performs many of her own stunts
Best seen in ULTRAVIOLET- Actor
- Producer
Ken Kensei (aka Noboru Kataoka) is a world renowned Kendo teacher as well as a competitive Kendo player. He began the study of Kendo from age of 15 in Kochi, Japan.
He moved to USA from Japan when he was 24 years old. And he started to teach Kendo in New York City. He has been a great practitioner and a competitive player in all parts of the world.
He also began to study Iaido, at the age of 15. His sword style has been preserved for over 4 centuries in Kochi Japan. He is now the 20th generation Menkyo-Kaiden (successor) of the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido.
In 1980 when some casting people saw his Kendo and Iaido, they asked him to be in a movie. Since that year he studied acting and joined the acting business.Kendo (7th Dan; Mumeishi Team, Beikoku All US National & IKC Champion), Iaido
Trivia: is the Kendo coach of the University of Florida and Columbia University in New York City
Best seen in BLOODMOON- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Y.K. Kim was born on 29 November 1956 in Korea. He is a director and actor, known for Miami Connection (1987), Outsider (2017) and Friends for Eternity: The Making of Miami Connection (2012).Tae Kwon Do (Grandmasters' Society Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: is chairman and founder of Martial Arts World schools, as well as the publisher and editor-in-chief of Martial Arts World magazine
Best seen in MIAMI CONNECTION- Actor
- Stunts
Yu-Beng is a familiar face on stage and screen in Singapore. He won Best Actor in 2005 for The Lover, and The Dumb Waiter, Best Supporting Actor in 2004 for Bent, and was in the Best Acting Ensemble in 2002 for Animal Farm, all for the Life! Theatre Awards.
He has played leads in acclaimed Singapore films like Singapore Dreaming, and Solos; and internationally in features like Kung Fu Killers, and The Great Wall (2008); he also had supporting roles in numerous international films, including Anna and the King (20th Century Fox), and HBO Asia's Grace. For Singapore television he has played leads in Identiti, Sephia, Firasat, Do Not Disturb, 9 Lives, The Second Singapore Short Story Project, and The New Home; and all four seasons of the hit series Triple 9.
Asian Theatregoers know him from shows like Lost Cinema, Another Country, Animal Farm, Members Only, Doubt, The Lover and The Dumb Waiter, Bent, Lear, The Blue Room, The Yang Family and As If He Hears.
Yu-Beng has also written and directed It's My Life an original teen musical, as well as 2 Houses, and Pearl of the Eastern & Oriental, both sell-out successes specially commissioned by the Georgetown Festival in Penang. In 2015, he performed an evening of his original songs as part of the Singapore Writers' Festival.
He continues to explore new ground, and works extensively as an actor, director, writer, acting coach, lighting designer, fight choreographer and whatever it takes to get the show up.Judo (brown belt), Northern & Southern Shaolin, Tai Chi, Silat
Trivia: is also a stage actor, having been nominated four times by the Life! Theater Awards
Best seen in KUNG FU KILLER PART 2- Actor
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Grandmaster Lima is the founder of Lima Academy. He's officially certified by the World Tae Kwon do Federation (WTF) as an 8th Degree Black Belt and one of few worldwide to obtain the internationally recognized diploma of the Kukkiwon. He began studying Taekwondo in his hometown of Brasilia, Brazil, over 40 years ago when his father signed him up for lessons as a present for his birthday. A young Andre began studying and competing under the guidance of Masters Soo Myung Choi and Carlos Eduardo Loddo who became his mentor.
At 17, his family moved to Fortaleza, in the north of Brazil. Because there were no Taekwondo schools, he decided to start the first Lima Taekwondo Academy in the 80s. Today he is recognized by the Brazilian Federation as a pioneer of this art in the north of the country. Now, there are several Taekwondo schools in and around Fortaleza and some of those schools are owned by his former students, including former Brazilian national champions. During his time in Fortaleza, he attended medical school for a year before deciding that he'd rather focus on a career as a martial artist.
At 22 he left Brazil, moved to Europe and started to fight in the International Tournament circuit. He competed all over Europe winning numerous medals and expanding his knowledge. During those years he began to be featured in a variety of internationally renowned Martial Arts magazines in Europe. In most of his two years stay in Europe he lived in France, where he worked for French Grandmaster Edouard Branco, teaching Taekwondo in his two schools in Paris.
Grandmaster Andre Lima is also a former competitor in other martial arts, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a style that he began training in Brazil under Grandmaster Francisco Sa in 1986 and got his black belt from Master Rigan Machado in Los Angeles. Grandmaster Lima as well holds a black belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate. Although, he officially retired from formal competition in 1993. Grandmaster Lima competed few times pitting his skill and experience against players in the younger division. In the early 90s, he participated in a few Point Fight Karate tournaments in New York City and in 2001 Grandmaster Lima took 2nd place at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Pan-American Championships in Florida.
In the course of the past three decades Grandmaster Lima has put his knowledge and skills to good use as a fight choreographer and actor in Hollywood movies as well as a writer of best-selling Martial Arts books. He was featured on the cover of the top Fighting magazines in the US, Europe, South America and Australia; made TV appearances, competed, taught and studied Martial Arts in 30 countries, including Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. His vast work is internationally recognized by the Martial Arts community.Tae Kwon Do (7th Dan; Portuguese National Champion; Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry), Karate (Brazilian State Champion; WPKO Champion), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt)
Trivia: has been featured on over 500 magazine covers
Best seen in BEYOND THE RING- Slocki-Ryu & Bipi-Ryu Karate (6th Dan; founder; World Martial Arts Hall of Fame entry), Kickboxing
Trivia: is the director of the PKC and the regional director of the USKA of Canada
Best seen in TIGER CLAWS - Actor
- Stunts
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Wushu, Kajukenbo
Trivia: studied martial arts at the Beijing University of Physical Education
Best seen in FIGHT THE FIGHT- Stunts
- Actor
- Director
Sifu Burton Richardson has had over decades of training with the finest instructors, all over the world. He started training in 1983 and is a full instructor under Dan Inosanto, in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Jun Fan Gung Fu, and Filipino Kali. He also experienced Muay Thai and Pentjak Silat. He is considered one of the better instructors since he masters many arts. He also trained military corps in self defense. He was also an original member of the Dog Brothers. He took his skills to TV in small acting roles and some stunt parts in action movies. He also choreographed in Kickboxer 5. Burton is the author of Jeet Kune Do Unlimited. A must for all JKD practitioners.Jeet Kune Do, Escrima, Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Dlala 'Nduku
Trivia: is the personal trainer of UFC competitor Chris Leben
Best seen in ONE PERCENT FULL- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Yayan Ruhian was born in Tasikmalaya (West Java) on October 19, 1968. He found his passion in Pencak Silat and other martial arts, becoming a professional martial arts instructor. Ruhian is also known as an instructor of an inner breathing technique designed to condition of the body to withstand any impact. In 1988, he began teaching at Perguruan Silat Tenaga Dasar Indonesia (Inner Breathing Technique Silat School in Indonesia). During his term as an instructor he traveled regularly to teach in different cities and abroad.
Ruhian was a member of a demonstration team who performed at Festival des Arts Martiaux de Paris Bercy in Paris, France, while also participating at Institude Judo Paris in France to showcase Silek Minang (West Sumatra - Minang-style Silat.)
In 2008, Ruhian was hired as one of the choreographers for Merantau as a specialist in both Silat Harimau and Silat Minang. While casting the role of Eric, Gareth was unable to find an actor who would handle both the acting and fighting required for the role. Ruhian auditioned and won the co-starring role.Harimau & Pentjak Silat, Judo
Trivia: is an instructor at the Perguruan Silat Tenaga Dasar in Indonesia
Best seen in THE RAID- Stunts
- Actor
- Transportation Department
Bill Ryusaki was born in Kamuela on the big island of Hawaii. He had total of ten siblings, many of whom, as well as his father are martial arts masters. Bill started training in two types of karate at the tender age of 8, and later added Kenpo Karate to his arsenal. His teachers would later include William Chow, Bill Chun Sr., and Marino Tiwanak.
Bill Ryusaki moved to mainland US in late 1950's, after college, and trained with Ed Parker, Ed Tabian, and John Leoning, the first Kajukenbo instructor on the mainland, in 1957. (Kajukenbo is a mixed martial arts from Hawaii, combining Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, kenpo karate, and Chinese Boxing). In 1961, Bill Ryusaki received his black belt in Kajukenbo/Kenpo. Bill Ryusaki incorporated many moves from Kenpo and Judo into his unique Karate system known as Hawaiian Kenpo Karate.
In the 1970's and 1980's, fighters trained by Bill Ryusaki took many top prizes, among them Sensei Dan Guzman, Sensei Otto Schumann, Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, and Cecil Peoples.
In August, 1998, Wesley Snipes hosted a major awards ceremony in New York City called "Masters of the Martial Arts". This special was televised, and included the best-known and highest-ranked Martial Artists from around the world. Bill M. Ryusaki received recognition for Karate at this event.
Bill has appeared in numerous films and TV series as an actor and stuntman.
His daughter, Kimberly L. Ryusaki, is also an actress and stuntwoman, and has appeared in various films, including two of the Star Trek movies.Kenpo, Karate, Judo (5th Dan), Aikido, Kajukenbo
Trivia: is the founder of Hawaiian Kenpo Karate
Best seen in DEADLY TARGET- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Shorin-Ryu Karate (6th Dan; UKA Champion), Kobudo, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: owns the Togisala Karate & Fitness school in Torrance, California
Best seen in FIREPOWER- Actress
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Producer
Jhoanna Trias was born on 9 February 1975. She is an actress and producer, known for Constantine (2005), Tiger Heart (1996) and L.A. Heat (1996).Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Escrima
Trivia: studied the martial arts under Ron Balicki, Larry Lam, Dewey Cooper, Jun Chong, and Bong Soo Han, among others
Best seen in TIGER HEART- Actor
- Stunts
Born in (Ponce) Puerto Rico, Raised in Burke Virginia, Edwin Villa has traveled a long way to the west shores of California in pursuit of his God given dreams. He is a master of the martial arts, holding 15 years of experience.
Thanks to his talents he was given the opportuninty to work first as a stuntmen in films and gradually worked himself as a fight coordinator.
Within time he worked with some of the hottest stars in the industry, such as Viggo Mortensen, Mark Wahlberg, Esai Morales and more. Now he is climbing the ladder to being an actor.
As he develops his craft in the acting world he coordinates independent films, screenwrites and is heavily in producing his own material.Capoeira
Trivia: has studied the martial arts for over 15 years
Best seen in TKO- Stunts
- Actor
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Garrett Warren is an Ex-Stuntman turned Writer/Director who has been responsible for creating the action in such movies as Avatar, Logan, Alice In Wonderland, Divergent, Real Steel, Alita Battle Angel and the Avatar Sequels. He is an Ex-World Champion Martial Artist and taught fight work to such actors as Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, Kate Hudson, Jeffery Dean Morgan and many more. His writing career began with a project he created and partnered with Zoe Saldana and now includes the comic book world with the introduction of "Blanket."Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: survived being shot four times by a burglar
Best seen in BEST OF THE BEST 4- Actor
- Producer
- Cinematographer
Christopher Wolf is known for Tango & Cash (1989), Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989) and Liberation (2013).Karate
Trivia: is a former member of the US Junior Wrestling Team
Best seen in KARATE WARS- Actor
- Stunts
Wun Hop Kuen (3rd Dan), Capoeira, Arnis
Trivia: trained Marjean Holden in the martial arts
Best seen in HEATSEEKER- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Born in Bangor, North Wales and raised in Brighton, on the South coast of England, Ian Whyte was 7'1" tall by the time he was 17 years old. Ian always stood out from the crowd. Tall, slim and athletic, little did he know of his future career in the limelight. Ian discovered basketball in his teens, and quickly caught the attention of national team scouts who saw his physical attributes and determination as valuable assets. He quickly progressed to the junior national team ranks, but uninspired by school at the time, Ian was keen to escape at the earliest possible opportunity. He spent a year at Henry Hudson High School in New Jersey, where he again attracted the attention of basketball scouts, earning sports scholarships to Iona College in New York and Clarion University in Pennsylvania.
Ian returned to England in 1994 to play for the London Towers, a new franchise owned by the music promoter Barry Marshall. Still eager to find himself Ian only stayed a season with the Towers, transferring to their crosstown rivals, The London Leopards, but again, only for one season.
in 1995, Europe freely opened its doors to sportsmen and women from across the continent. Ian played for teams right across Europe. In France, Belgium, Greece and Portugal, where he won the domestic treble; League, cup and playoff championships with F.C. Porto in 1997 and went to the ¼ finals of the European cup.
Ian returned to England soon after to play for the Newcastle Eagles, a place that would become his home until his retirement from the game in 2003. Throughout his career Ian tirelessly distinguished himself, representing his country 80 times.
In 2003 Ian received a phone call that would change the whole course of his life. By his own admission he was keen to retire from basketball on his terms rather than through injury or old age, so he responded to a casting call for the new film Alien Vs Predator. His success in gaining the role is a matter of history, but personally it was a tremendous victory for him to finally find an outlet for his emotional creativity.
Ian was fortunate to work alongside such luminaries as the Oscar winning special effects duo of Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr as well as Oscar winning VFX supervisor John Bruno. He also met soon to be double Oscar winning makeup effects artist Mark Coulier who encouraged him to get in touch with Nick Dudman, the creature effects supervisor for the Harry Potter franchise. Upon completion of filming on AVP Ian travelled back to England and straight into the world of Harry Potter. Not credited as an actor this time, Ian was hired to help bring to life the character of Madame Maxime played by the sublime Francis De La Tour. Ian worked full time for an entire year on the film, faithfully doubling The character who stood a glorious 8'6" tall.
During this time Ian found himself in great demand, but had to turn down roles on such exciting projects as The Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy and a worldwide tour with Cirque du Soleil.
Soon after the release of Harry Potter, the AVP sequel went into production. Shot entirely in Vancouver Canada, Ian had to re-audition for the part of the Predator, (in reality an entirely new character) however, through his own personal discipline and foresight he had been preparing for it ever since the release of the first film. Ian was of course successful in giving the directors exactly what they wanted and AVP Requiem was shot in 2006. Ian's dedicated self imposed preparation involved a great deal of martial arts training and Ian based the characteristics of the Warrior loosely on the Chinese martial art known as Ba Gua. The shooting schedule for requiem was extremely intense. Half the time as AVP with twice the action! During production Ian found time to very quickly travel to New Zealand to meet with the visionary director Neil Blomkamp to discuss the role of the Master Chief in his new film based on the Halo video game franchise. The trip from Vancouver to New Zealand took 4 days and Ian spent less than 18 hours in the country, so a meeting quickly turned into an audition, a costume fitting and negotiations with the producers before returning to Vancouver. Sadly, after being in Pre-production for six months the film never went into full production.
The 2009 remake of Clash of the Titans followed soon after. Directed by Louis Leterrier the character of Sheikh Suliman gave Ian a golden opportunity to perform with a glittering ensemble cast once again.
Ian extended his dramatic credentials alongside Steven Tompkinson in the gritty 1970's Northern police drama, Harrigan.
Prometheus followed soon after when multi Oscar winning director Sir Ridley Scott brought to life the enigmatic myth of the space jockey, last seen in the original Alien film.
In 2010 Ian auditioned for the role of "The Mountain" in the upcoming TV smash Game of thrones. Ian was not cast, but was invited to fill the role of "The White Walker" for season one. Thus began a period of great creativity which saw Ian play roles in every season of the multi award winning show. Different prosthetic make ups allowed Ian to deliver multiple characters including the giant "Wun Wun" who featured in the two top rated, (according to IMDb) battle episodes of the franchise in series 5 and 6.
Never one to shy away from the responsibilities of a global franchise, Ian became involved with Star Wars in 2013 after Disney took over film production. Ian would have been an obvious choice to play the Wookie Chewbacca, but did not audition for the part. The casting brief was so specific and despite his experience and skill, Ian's deep dark brown eyes excluded him from the role. However, he went back to his action creature roots, as he was asked to be Peter Mayhew's stunt double as well as to bring to life other creatures of the Star Wars universe, which he subsequently reprised for Rogue One, Solo and most recently the Disney+ series, Andor.
In 2020, Ian had the honour and pleasure of working with the multi award winning director Robert Eggers in his Hamlet inspired, Viking epic The Northman, starring Alexander Skarsgard.
Ian continues to transform himself for screens big and small.Sanshou, Tai Chi
Trivia: is a former professional basketball player for the Newcastle Eagles
Best seen in ALIENS VS PREDATOR- Actor
- Executive
- Writer
Shaolin Kung Fu, Hung Gar, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Wushu (10-time Liban Free Fight & Taolu Champion)
Trivia: is a member of the Z Team - the first foreign martial arts troupe to be based in China
Best seen in LEGEND OF BRUCE LEE- Actor
- Stunts
- Director
Dick Wei was born in 1953 in Pingdong, Taiwan. He is an actor and director, known for Project A (1983), Sheng si yi xian (1994) and Sha ru di yu (1991).Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: is a veteran of the Taiwanese army
Best seen in DRAGON FIGHT- Karl Yune portrays Maseo Yamashiro (mentor and friend to Oliver Queen) on the hit show Arrow. Karl's character Maseo is a DC Comics character who has had a strong presence throughout season 3 in the flashback story line, as well as in the present day story as Maseo's alter ego Sarab (2nd in command of the League of Assassins and ally to DC character Ras Al Ghul). Karl was born and raised in Washington D.C. and was accepted to Columbia University as a business major. His study and love of Shakespeare during a literature course influenced him to switch his major to theater at the University's School of the Arts. While at Columbia, Yune won the role of Romeo in an off Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet and was later signed to a talent manager. Karl continued to work as a theater actor in New York City and won critical and rave reviews for his performance as Gloucester in a contemporary rendition of Shakespeare's Richard the III. While casting The Last Samurai, director Edward Zwick was impressed with Yune's audition tape and Karl went to Los Angeles for the first time to meet with the famed director. Zwick later informed Karl that the studio was to cast the film out of Japan, but encouraged Karl to move to Los Angeles as he saw promise in the young actor's talent. Inspired, Karl moved to Los Angeles, only to learn that he was offered a five year contract back in New York, on the popular daytime TV drama All My Children. Yune passed on the offer and soon booked his first lead role in the cult film Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid. The following year Karl was picked by producer Steven Spielberg to play the memorable role of Koichi, the secret lover to Li Gong's Geisha Hatsumomo, in Memoirs of a Geisha, based on the international best selling novel. Karl continued to work in lead and supporting roles in award winning independent, foreign, and Hollywood films. In 2010, Karl was again chosen by producer Steven Spielberg and director Shawn Levy to star as Tak Mashido, the reclusive legend of the robot fighting world in the scifi drama Real Steel. Karl now resides in Los Angeles, California.Karate, Kendo, Jujitsu, Muay Thai, Judo
Trivia: is the brother of Rick Yune
Best seen in FORBIDDEN WARRIOR - Stunts
- Actor
- Special Effects
Phi-Long Nguyen is known for Captain America: Civil War (2016), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) and Battleship (2012).Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate
Trivia: is the founder of the Greatest Hits Martial Arts Action and Stunts organization in Orlando, Florida
Best seen in LOS BRAVOS- Stunts
- Actress
Kaizen-Ryu & Shotokan Karate (WSKAC Gold medalist; Shotokan Cup Gold & Silver medalist)
Trivia: is a member of the Makenki Shotokan Karate Club
Best seen in THE ELIMINATOR- Actor
- Director
Eiji Ezaki was born on 29 November 1968 in Japan. He was an actor and director, known for FMW: The Flying Assassin (2001), Overtone (2004) and FMW: Legend Dawns (2000). He was married to Harumi. He died on 3 March 2016 in Tokyo, Japan.HONORARY ENTRY
Judo
Trivia: successfully recovered from paraplegic paralysis following a pro wrestling accident in 2001- Writer
- Actor
- Music Department
Steve Irwin was born in 1962 to parents Lyn and Bob Irwin, who were animal naturalists. He shared the love for animals all his life, stemming from being raised at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park. There, he partook in daily duties of animal feeding and care. He quickly established himself with the Queenland's government on the process of the country's Crocodile Relocation Program, in which the reptiles could be transferred and relocated to proper localties in the most absolute humane, non-tranquilizing manner. He frequently implements the non-tranquilizing factor in his televison show The Crocodile Hunter's Croc Files (1999). Steve married fellow naturalist, Terri Irwin (Baines) in 1992. She joined him in his adventures and efforts in almost every episode of his show. They had one daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, who was born July 24, 1998. He died in September 2006 following an attack by a stingray, off the Great Barrier Reef.Gaidojutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: trained under Greg Jackson and Rorion Gracie
Best seen in THE CROCODILE HUNTER: COLLISION COURSE- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson (no relation to Joe Jackson, also a musician), had been a guitarist, but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Michael's mother Katherine Jackson (née Katherine Esther Scruse). Together, they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in.
A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of the Jackson 5. An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop / soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon.
Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos.
In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. His passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman were unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his troubled adult life.Goju-Ryu Karate (5th Dan [honorary]), Shaolin Kung Fu
Trivia: was granted honorary chairmanship of the United World Karate Association by Master Daikaku Chodoin
Best seen in YOU ROCK MY WORLD- Actor
- Producer
- Editorial Department
Christian Charles Philip Bale was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK on January 30, 1974, to English parents Jennifer "Jenny" (James) and David Bale. His mother was a circus performer and his father, who was born in South Africa, was a commercial pilot. The family lived in different countries throughout Bale's childhood, including England, Portugal, and the United States. Bale acknowledges the constant change was one of the influences on his career choice.
His first acting job was a cereal commercial in 1983; amazingly, the next year, he debuted on the West End stage in "The Nerd". A role in the 1986 NBC mini-series Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna (1986) caught Steven Spielberg's eye, leading to Bale's well-documented role in Empire of the Sun (1987). For the range of emotions he displayed as the star of the war epic, he earned a special award by the National Board of Review for Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor.
Adjusting to fame and his difficulties with attention (he thought about quitting acting early on), Bale appeared in Kenneth Branagh's 1989 adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry V (1989) and starred as Jim Hawkins in a TV movie version of Treasure Island (1990). Bale worked consistently through the 1990s, acting and singing in Newsies (1992), Swing Kids (1993), Little Women (1994), The Portrait of a Lady (1996), The Secret Agent (1996), Metroland (1997), Velvet Goldmine (1998), All the Little Animals (1998), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999). Toward the end of the decade, with the rise of the Internet, Bale found himself becoming one of the most popular online celebrities around, though he, with a couple notable exceptions, maintained a private, tabloid-free mystique.
Bale roared into the next decade with a lead role in American Psycho (2000), director Mary Harron's adaptation of the controversial Bret Easton Ellis novel. In the film, Bale played a murderous Wall Street executive obsessed with his own physicality - a trait for which Bale would become a specialist. Subsequently, the 10th Anniversary issue for "Entertainment Weekly" crowned Bale one of the "Top 8 Most Powerful Cult Figures" of the past decade, citing his cult status on the Internet. EW also called Bale one of the "Most Creative People in Entertainment", and "Premiere" lauded him as one of the "Hottest Leading Men Under 30".
Bale was truly on the Hollywood radar at this time, and he turned in a range of performances in the remake Shaft (2000), Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001), the balmy Laurel Canyon (2002), and Reign of Fire (2002), a dragons-and-magic commercial misfire that has its share of defenders.
Two more cult films followed: Equilibrium (2002) and The Machinist (2004), the latter of which gained attention mainly due to Bale's physical transformation - he dropped a reported 60+ pounds for the role of a lathe operator with a secret that causes him to suffer from insomnia for over a year.
Bale's abilities to transform his body and to disappear into a character influenced the decision to cast him in Batman Begins (2005), the first chapter in Christopher Nolan's definitive trilogy that proved a dark-themed narrative could resonate with audiences worldwide. The film also resurrected a character that had been shelved by Warner Bros. after a series of demising returns, capped off by the commercial and critical failure of Batman & Robin (1997). A quiet, personal victory for Bale: he accepted the role after the passing of his father in late 2003, an event that caused him to question whether he would continue performing.
Bale segued into two indie features in the wake of Batman's phenomenal success: The New World (2005) and Harsh Times (2005). He continued working with respected independent directors in 2006's Rescue Dawn (2006), Werner Herzog's feature version of his earlier, Emmy-nominated documentary, Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997). Leading up to the second Batman film, Bale starred in The Prestige (2006), the remake of 3:10 to Yuma (2007), and a reunion with director Todd Haynes in the experimental Bob Dylan biography, I'm Not There (2007).
Anticipation for The Dark Knight (2008) was spun into unexpected heights with the tragic passing of Heath Ledger, whose performance as The Joker became the highlight of the sequel. Bale's graceful statements to the press reminded us of the days of the refined Hollywood star as the second installment exceeded the box-office performance of its predecessor.
Bale's next role was the eyebrow-raising decision to take over the role of John Connor in the Schwarzenegger-less Terminator Salvation (2009), followed by a turn as federal agent Melvin Purvis in Michael Mann's Public Enemies (2009). Both films were hits but not the blockbusters they were expected to be.
For all his acclaim and box-office triumphs, Bale would earn his first Oscar in 2011 in the wake of The Fighter (2010)'s critical and commercial success. Bale earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of Dicky Eklund, brother to and trainer of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg. Bale again showed his ability to reshape his body with another gaunt, skeletal transformation.
Bale then turned to another auteur, Yimou Zhang, for the epic The Flowers of War (2011), in which Bale portrayed a priest trapped in the midst of the Rape of Nanking. Bale earned headlines for his attempt to visit with Chinese civil-rights activist Chen Guangcheng, which was blocked by the Chinese government.
Bale capped his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Dark Knight Rises (2012); in the wake of the Aurora, Colorado tragedy, Bale made a quiet pilgrimage to the state to visit with survivors of the attack that left theatergoers dead and injured. He also starred in the thriller Out of the Furnace (2013) with Crazy Heart (2009) writer/director Scott Cooper, and the drama-comedy American Hustle (2013), reuniting with David O. Russell.
Bale will re-team with The New World (2005) director Terrence Malick for two upcoming projects: Knight of Cups (2015) and an as-yet-untitled drama.
In his personal life, he devotes time to charities including Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Foundation. He lives with his wife, Sibi Blazic, and their two children.Wing Chun, Krav Maga
Trivia: was trained in the martial arts under Sifu Eric Oram
Best seen in BATMAN BEGINS- Producer
- Actor
- Writer
Matthew Paige Damon was born on October 8, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Kent Damon, a stockbroker, realtor and tax preparer, and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, an early childhood education professor at Lesley University. Matt has an older brother, Kyle, a sculptor. His father was of English and Scottish descent, and his mother is of Finnish and Swedish ancestry. The family lived in Newton until his parents divorced in 1973, when Damon and his brother moved with his mother to Cambridge. He grew up in a stable community, and was raised near actor Ben Affleck.
Damon attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and he performed in a number of theater productions during his time there. He attended Harvard University as an English major. While in Harvard, he kept on skipping classes to pursue acting projects, which included the TNT original film, Rising Son (1990), and prep-school drama, School Ties (1992). It was until his film, Geronimo: An American Legend (1993), was expected to be a big success that he decided to drop out of university completely. Arriving in Hollywood, Matt managed to get his first break with a part in the romantic comedy, Mystic Pizza (1988). However, the film did not do too well and his film career failed to take off. Not letting failure discourage him from acting, he went for another audition, and managed to get a starring role in School Ties (1992). Up next for Matt was a role as a soldier who had problems with drug-addiction in the movie, Courage Under Fire (1996). Matt had, in fact, lost forty pounds for his role which resulted in health problems.
The following year, he garnered accolades for Good Will Hunting (1997), a screenplay he had originally written for an English class at Harvard University. Good Will Hunting (1997) was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, one of which, Matt won for Best Original Screenplay along with Ben Affleck. In the year 1998, Matt played the title role in Steven Spielberg's film, Saving Private Ryan (1998), which was one of the most acclaimed films in that year. Matt had the opportunity of working with Tom Hanks and Vin Diesel while filming that movie. That same year, he starred as an earnest law student and reformed poker player in Rounders (1998), starring opposite Edward Norton and John Malkovich. The next year, Matt rejoined his childhood friend, Ben Affleck and fellow comedian, Chris Rock, in the comedy Dogma (1999).
Towards the end of 1999, Matt played "Tom Ripley", a working-class young man who tastes the good life and will do anything to live it. Both Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow also starred in the movie. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) earned mixed reviews from critics, but even so, Matt earned praise for his performance. Matt lent his voice to the animated movie, Titan A.E. (2000) in the year 2000, which also earned mixed reviews from the public. He also starred in two other movies, All the Pretty Horses (2000) and the golf comedy-drama, The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), starring alongside Will Smith. In the year 2003, he signed on to star in The Informant! (2009) by Steven Soderbergh and the Farrelly Brothers' Stuck on You (2003). He also starred in Gerry (2002), a film he co-wrote with his friends, Gus Van Sant and Casey Affleck. One of Matt's most recognizable work to date is his role in the "Bourne" movie franchise. He plays an amnesiac assassin, "Jason Bourne", in The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Another praised role is that as "Linus Caldwell" in the "Ocean's" movie franchise. He had the opportunity to star opposite George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Don Cheadle in Ocean's Eleven (2001). The successful crime comedy-drama eventually had two other sequels, Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007). Among other highly acclaimed movies that Matt has been a part of are Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm (2005), George Clooney's Syriana (2005), Martin Scorsese's The Departed (2006) and Robert De Niro's The Good Shepherd (2006).
In his personal life, Matt is now happily married to Argentine-born Luciana Barroso, whom he met in Miami, where she was working as a bartender. They married in a private civil ceremony on December 9, 2005, at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. The couple have four daughters Alexia, Luciana's daughter from a previous relationship, as well as Isabella, Gia and Stella. Matt is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox and he tries to attend their games whenever possible. He has also formed great friendships with his Ocean's co-stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, whom he works on charity projects with. He and actor Ben Affleck have remained lifelong friends and collaborators.Krav Maga, Shotokan Karate, Escrima
Trivia: was trained in Escrima by Jeff Imada
Best seen in THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM- Stunts
- Actor
- Special Effects
Sam Del Rio is known for The Healing Garden (2021), Gathering of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords (2018) and Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine (2017).Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan), Ninjutsu (1st Dan)
Trivia: is a certified firearm instructor
Best seen in DRAGON AND THE HAWK- Actor
- Writer
- Composer
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs better known by his stage name the RZA, is an American rapper, actor, filmmaker, and record producer. He is the DE factor leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most albums for the group and its respective members. He is a cousin of two other original Wu-Tang Clan members: GZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard. He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, along with executive producing credits for side projects. After forming the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA was a founding member of the horror-core group Gravediggaz, where he went by the name The RZArector.Shaolin Kung Fu
Trivia: trained under Master Shi Yan Ming
Best seen in THE PROTECTOR 2- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Robert Downey Jr. has evolved into one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. With an amazing list of credits to his name, he has managed to stay new and fresh even after over four decades in the business.
Downey was born April 4, 1965 in Manhattan, New York, the son of writer, director and filmographer Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey (née Elsie Ann Ford). Robert's father is of half Lithuanian Jewish, one quarter Hungarian Jewish, and one quarter Irish, descent, while Robert's mother was of English, Scottish, German, and Swiss-German ancestry. Robert and his sister, Allyson Downey, were immersed in film and the performing arts from a very young age, leading Downey Jr. to study at the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center in upstate New York, before moving to California with his father following his parents' 1978 divorce. In 1982, he dropped out of Santa Monica High School to pursue acting full time. Downey Sr., himself a drug addict, exposed his son to drugs at a very early age, and Downey Jr. would go on to struggle with abuse for decades.
Downey Jr. made his debut as an actor at the age of five in the film Pound (1970), written and directed by his father, Robert Downey Sr.. He built his film repertoire throughout the 1980s and 1990s with roles in Tuff Turf (1985), Weird Science (1985), True Believer (1989), and Wonder Boys (2000) among many others. In 1992, Downey received an Academy Award nomination and won the BAFTA (British Academy Award) for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of Chaplin (1992).
In Robert Altman's Short Cuts (1993), he appeared as an aspiring film make-up artist whose best friend commits murder. In Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers (1994), with Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, Downey starred as a tabloid TV journalist who exploits a murderous couple's killing spree to boost his ratings. For the comedy Heart and Souls (1993), Downey starred as a young man with a special relationship with four ghosts. In 1995, Downey starred in Restoration (1995), with Hugh Grant, Meg Ryan and Ian McKellen, directed by Michael Hoffman. Also that year, he starred in Richard III (1995), in which he appears opposite his Restoration (1995) co-star McKellen.
In 1997, Downey was seen in Robert Altman's The Gingerbread Man (1998), alongside Kenneth Branagh, Daryl Hannah and Embeth Davidtz; in One Night Stand (1997), directed by Mike Figgis and starring Wesley Snipes and Nastassja Kinski; and in Hugo Pool (1997), directed by his father, Robert Downey Sr. and starring Sean Penn and Patrick Dempsey. In September of 1999, Downey appeared in Black & White (1999), written and directed by James Toback, along with Ben Stiller, Elijah Wood, Gaby Hoffmann, Brooke Shields and Claudia Schiffer. In January of 1999, he starred with Annette Bening and Aidan Quinn in In Dreams (1999), directed by Neil Jordan.
In 2000, Downey co-starred with Michael Douglas and Tobey Maguire in Wonder Boys (2000), directed by Curtis Hanson. In this dramatic comedy, Downey played the role of a bisexual literary agent. In 2001, Downey made his prime-time television debut when he joined the cast of the Fox-TV series Ally McBeal (1997) as attorney "Larry Paul". For this role, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, as well as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Comedy Series. In addition, Downey was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
The actor's drug-related problems escalated from 1996 to 2001, leading to arrests, rehab visits and incarcerations, and he was eventually fired from Ally McBeal (1997). Emerging clean and sober in 2003, Downey Jr. began to rebuild his career.
He marked his debut into music with his debut album, titled "The Futurist", on the Sony Classics Label on November 23rd, 2004. The album's eight original songs, that Downey wrote, and his two musical numbers debuting as cover songs revealed his sultry singing voice and his musical talents. Downey displayed his versatility in two different films in October 2003: the musical/drama The Singing Detective (2003), a remake of the BBC hit of the same name, and the thriller Gothika (2003) starring Halle Berry and Penélope Cruz. Downey starred in powerful yet humbling roles inspired by real-life accounts of some of history's most precious kept secrets, including Richard Linklater's A Scanner Darkly (2006) in 2006 co-starring Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Woody Harrelson, and Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006) co-starring Nicole Kidman, a film inspired by the life of Diane Arbus, the revered photographer whose images captured attention in the early 1960s. These roles exhibited Downey's momentum from the previous year of 2005, in which he starred in the Academy Award®-nominated feature film Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005), directed by George Clooney and in Shane Black's action comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) co-starring Val Kilmer. In 2007, he co-starred in David Fincher's suspenseful Zodiac (2007), alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo, about the notorious serial killer who haunted San Francisco during the 1970s.
In May 2008, Downey achieved critical acclaim and worldwide box office success for his starring role in Iron Man (2008), Jon Favreau's big-screen rendering of the Marvel comic book superhero. The film co-starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrence Howard. In August of 2008, Downey starred with Ben Stiller and Jack Black in the comedy Tropic Thunder (2008), and went on to receive an Academy Award®-nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his, Kirk Lazarus.
In December 2009, Downey starred in the action-adventure Sherlock Holmes (2009). The film, directed by Guy Ritchie, co-starred Jude Law and Rachel McAdams and earned Downey a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical in January of 2010. In early Summer 2010, Downey re-teamed with director Jon Favreau and reprised his role as "Tony Stark/Iron Man" in the hugely successful sequel to the original film, Iron Man 2 (2010), starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Mickey Rourke.
Downey next starred in Due Date (2010), a comedy directed by Todd Phillips, in which he plays the role of an expectant father on a road trip racing to get back in time for the birth of his first child. Due Date (2010), starring The Hangover (2009)'s Zach Galifianakis, was released in November 2010.
Downey was honored by Time Magazine's "Time 100" in 2008, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. His laurels include two Academy Award nominations, three Golden Globe wins, numerous other award nominations and wins, and tremendous popular and commercial success, particularly in his roles as Sherlock Holmes and Tony Stark (the latter of which he has so far played in Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). For three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2015, Downey has topped the Forbes list of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, making an estimated $80 million in earnings between June 2014 and June 2015.
In 2005, Downey Jr. married Susan Downey, with whom he has two children. Downey also has another son, Indio Falconer Downey, born 1993, from his first marriage to Deborah Falconer, from whom he was officially divorced in 2004.
Robert has jump-started the Team Downey Production Company with wife Susan Downey.Wing Chun
Trivia: studies the martial arts at the LA Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy in West Los Angeles
Best seen in SHERLOCK HOLMES- Actress
- Producer
- Editorial Department
Emmy Award-winning Sarah Michelle Gellar was born on April 14, 1977 in New York City, the daughter of Rosellen (Greenfield), who taught at a nursery school, and Arthur Gellar, who worked in the garment industry. She is of Russian Jewish and Hungarian Jewish descent.
Eating in a local restaurant, Sarah was discovered by an agent when she was four years old. Soon after, she was making her first movie An Invasion of Privacy (1983). Besides a long list of movies, she has also appeared in many TV commercials and on the stage. Her breakthrough came with the television series Swans Crossing (1992). In 1997, she became known to the cinema audience when she appeared in two movies: I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Scream 2 (1997). But she is most commonly known for her title role in the long-running television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997). She also won an Emmy Award for her performance as Kendall Hart on the soap opera All My Children (1970).
Sarah has since starred in many films, including Simply Irresistible (1999), Cruel Intentions (1999), and the live-action Scooby-Doo (2002) movies as the lovable Daphne Blake. She also provided her voice to several movies, including Small Soldiers (1998), Happily N'Ever After (2006) and TMNT (2007), starred in the box office hit The Grudge (2004), and co-starred with Robin Williams and James Wolk in the television series The Crazy Ones (2013).
She resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr.. They have been married since 2002, and have two children.Tae Kwon Do (1st Dan), Kickboxing
Trivia: earned her black belt within five years of training
Best seen in BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER- Director
- Stunts
- Special Effects
Mark Steven Grove is a professional filmmaker and martial artist who lives in Denver, Colorado. A lifelong practitioner of Ninjutsu, Mark used his martial arts prowess to enter the film industry as an actor and stuntman. Since that time he has worked as a fight choreographer, stunt coordinator, special fx supervisor, pyrotechnician, firearms handler, special fx makeup artist, and historical consultant on over 120 projects. Mark owns and operates two businesses, Fusion Factory Films, LLC, which develops and produces cross-genre feature films and Rocky Mountain Stunts, LLC, which provides stunt and practical effects services as well as a full time training facility focused on teaching aspiring stunt performers.Ninjutsu (Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors entry), Kenjutsu, Kurai Kotori (founder)
Trivia: is the founder of the Chambara Action FX Team
Best seen in MY SAMURAI- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress who rose to fame after her role in Girl, Interrupted (1999), playing the title role in the "Lara Croft" blockbuster movies, as well as Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Wanted (2008), Salt (2010) and Maleficent (2014). Off-screen, Jolie has become prominently involved in international charity projects, especially those involving refugees. She often appears on many "most beautiful women" lists, and she has a personal life that is avidly covered by the tabloid press.
Jolie was born Angelina Jolie Voight in Los Angeles, California. In her earliest years, Angelina began absorbing the acting craft from her actor parents, Jon Voight, an Oscar-winner, and Marcheline Bertrand, who had studied with Lee Strasberg. Her good looks may derive from her ancestry, which is German and Slovak on her father's side, and French-Canadian, Dutch, Polish, and remote Huron, on her mother's side. At age eleven, Angelina began studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, where she was seen in several stage productions. She undertook some film studies at New York University and later joined the renowned Met Theatre Group in Los Angeles. At age 16, she took up a career in modeling and appeared in some music videos.
In the mid-1990s, Jolie appeared in various small films where she got good notices, including Hackers (1995) and Foxfire (1996). Her critical acclaim increased when she played strong roles in the made-for-TV movies True Women (1997), and in George Wallace (1997) which won her a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. Jolie's acclaim increased even further when she played the lead role in the HBO production Gia (1998). This was the true life story of supermodel Gia Carangi, a sensitive wild child who was both brazen and needy and who had a difficult time handling professional success and the deaths of people who were close to her. Carangi became involved with drugs and because of her needle-using habits she became, at the tender age of 26, one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS. Jolie's performance in Gia (1998) again garnered a Golden Globe Award and another Emmy nomination, and she additionally earned a SAG Award.
Angelina got a major break in 1999 when she won a leading role in the successful feature The Bone Collector (1999), starring alongside Denzel Washington. In that same year, Jolie gave a tour de force performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999) playing opposite Winona Ryder. The movie was a true story of women who spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Jolie's role was reminiscent of Jack Nicholson's character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), the role which won Nicholson his first Oscar. Unlike "Cuckoo", "Girl" was a small film that received mixed reviews and barely made money at the box office. But when it came time to give out awards, Jolie won the triple crown -- "Girl" propelled her to win the Golden Globe Award, the SAG Award and the Academy Award for best leading actress in a supporting role.
With her newfound prominence, Jolie began to get in-depth attention from the press. Numerous aspects of her controversial personal life became news. At her wedding to her Hackers (1995) co-star Jonny Lee Miller, she had displayed her husband's name on the back of her shirt painted in her own blood. Jolie and Miller divorced, and in 2000, she married her Pushing Tin (1999) co-star Billy Bob Thornton. Jolie had become the fifth wife of a man twenty years her senior. During her marriage to Thornton, the spouses each wore a vial of the other's blood around their necks. That marriage came apart in 2002 and ended in divorce. In addition, Jolie was estranged from her famous father, Jon Voight.
In 2000, Jolie was asked to star in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). At first, she expressed disinterest, but then decided that the required training for the athletic role was intriguing. The eponymous character was drawn from a popular video game. Lara Croft was a female cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. When the movie was released, critics were unimpressed with the final product, but critical acclaim wasn't the point of the movie. The public paid $275 million for theater tickets to see a buffed up Jolie portray the adventuresome Lara Croft. Jolie's father Jon Voight appeared in the movie, and during filming there was a brief rapprochement between father and daughter.
One of the Lara Croft movie's filming locations was Cambodia. While there, Jolie witnessed the natural beauty, culture and poverty of that country. She considered this an eye opening experience, and so began the humanitarian chapter of her life. Jolie began visiting refugee camps around the world and came to be formally appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Some of her experiences were written and published in her popular book "Notes from My Travels" whose profits go to UNHCR.
Jolie has stated that she now plans to spend most of her time in humanitarian efforts, to be financed by her actress salary. She devotes one third of her income to savings, one third to living expenses and one third to charity. In 2002, Angelina adopted a Cambodian refugee boy named Maddox, and in 2005, adopted an Ethiopian refugee girl named Zahara. Jolie's dramatic feature film Beyond Borders (2003) parallels some of her real life humanitarian experiences although, despite the inclusion of a romance between two westerners, many of the movie's images were too depressingly realistic -- the movie was not popular among critics or at the box office.
In 2004, Jolie began filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) with co-star Brad Pitt. The movie became a major box office success. There were rumors that Pitt and Jolie had an affair while filming Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Jolie insisted that because her mother had been hurt by adultery, she herself could never participate in an affair with a married man, therefore there had been no affair with Pitt at that time. Nonetheless, Pitt separated from his wife Jennifer Aniston in January 2005 and, in the months that followed, he was frequently seen in public with Jolie, apparently as a couple. Pitt's divorce was finalized later in 2005.
Jolie and Pitt announced in early 2006 that they would have a child together, and Jolie gave birth to daughter Shiloh that May. They also adopted a three-year-old Vietnamese boy named Pax. The couple, who married in 2014 and divorced in 2019, continue to pursue movie and humanitarian projects, and now have a total of six children. She was appointed Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George at the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours for her services to United Kingdom foreign policy and the campaign to end warzone sexual violence.Krav Maga
Trivia: is among the highest-paid film performers in the world, earning up to $15 million per role
Best seen in LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER- Music Artist
- Producer
- Actress
Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born on July 24, 1969 in The Bronx, New York City, New York to teacher Lupe López and computer specialist David López. The two Puerto Ricans were brought to the continental United States during their childhoods and eventually met while living in New York City. Their daughters would have a stable, middle-class upbringing.
Jennifer always dreamed of being a multi-tasking superstar. As a child, she enjoyed a variety of musical genres, mainly Afro-Caribbean rhythms like salsa, merengue, and bachata, and mainstream music like pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Although she loved music, the film industry also intrigued her. Her biggest influence was the Rita Moreno musical, West Side Story (1961). At 5, Jennifer began taking singing and dancing lessons. Aside from being a budding entertainer, Jennifer was also a Catholic schoolgirl, attending eight years at a Catholic elementary school named Holy Family, located in The Bronx, before graduating from all-girls prep school Preston High School after a four-year stay. At school, Jennifer was an amazing athlete and participated in track and field and tennis. She spent most of her upbringing in a two-story house in the Castle Hill neighborhood.
At 18, Jennifer moved out of her parents' home. After high school, she briefly worked in a law office and took dance classes at night. During this time, she continued dance classes at night. Her big break came when she was offered a job as a fly girl on Fox's hit comedy In Living Color (1990). After a two-year stay at In Living Color (1990) where actress Rosie Perez served as choreographer, Lopez then went on to dance for famed singer-actress Janet Jackson. Her first major film was Gregory Nava's My Family/Mi familia (1995), and her career went into overdrive when she portrayed late Tejana singer Selena in Selena (1997).Krav Maga
Trivia: trained in the martial arts by Master Wade Allen
Best seen in ENOUGH- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Since he suffered from Bronchial Asthma, his mother was told by the doctor to get her three sons, including Rae, into sports that teach proper breathing. At 6 years old, Rae started training in Boxing with his father and shortly thereafter began Aikido. He trained and studied Filipino Knife Fighting and Kali (Iron Stick) martial arts from his father, who has influenced him to train 100% in both Boxing and Filipino Martial Arts. In addition he is also trained in Northern Shaolin (Sil Lum) Kung Fu, Won Hop Kuen Do, Wing Chun, Lima Lama, Chin Na (Grab and Lock), Jeet Kune Do, Chinese Weaponry and Thai Kick Boxing.
Rae Manzon created a eclectic style of martial arts "Fut Sau Kune Do" which also means Fut (wise/Guarding) Sau (hands) Kune (Fighting/Protecting) Do (Style/Way). He enjoys teaching young and old, when they see something new and useful it appeases Rae to train more. Now Rae has been involved in the Drunken Style Boxing, because the children are constantly laughing and having fun with the style while he performs it at tournaments and demonstrations. Rae has placed first at major national tournaments throughout the United States.
He placed first for 3 consecutive years at the "World Championship Competition" in Las Vegas, Nevada, earning him the well-deserved title of World Champion. Rae Manzon has also worked in the Executive Protection Agency (Bodyguard) for Chuck Norris, other Celebrities and Political Officials. He also trained Navy Seals, L.A. Sheriffs, Glendale P.D. and LAPD in hand to hand combat.
Rae is now overseeing the Security (personal body guard) for Pastor Che Ahn, formerly called Harvest Rock Church now called HRock Church in Pasadena, Ca. In addition, he teaches and trains both children and adults in martial arts, self defense, and cardio-Kickboxing.Zui Quan (Black Belt Hall of Fame entry)
Trivia: is a student of Eric Lee
Best seen in DRAGON FIRE- Judo (7th Dan; 3-time US Division Champion; AAU Champion; Pan-American Gold medalist; British-Columbian Champion), Shotokan Karate (1st Dan)
Trivia: is the chairperson of the Teacher’s Institute Committee for the United States Judo Federation
Best seen in DEADLY BET - Actor
- Producer
- Director
With over 30 films and 200 hours of television experience, versatility, discipline and a solid work ethic have been the underpinnings of Adrian's very successful 30-year acting career. Internationally recognized for his role as Duncan Macleod, in Highlander-The Series", Adrian has also produced and directed both film and television projects.
Born and raised in London, England, Adrian arrived in the United States in 1984, working as a choreographer and a model. After a year of taking acting classes with acting coaches, Ivana Chubbuck and Roy London, his first series role came on the ABC television show, The Colbys. This led to a role in the Broadway play, "Bouncers", in 1987, a guest role on the television show, Beauty and the Beast (1987) and his first film role in the film Last Rites (1988), with Tom Berenger.
After a starring role in "Masque of the Red Death"(1989), he became a series regular in the second season of the television series "War of the Worlds"(1988), followed by four episode arc on the MGM, "Dark Shadows" series. Fast becoming known for his solid work ethic, CBS cast him as the lead in the television pilot, "The Owl" (1990). Although the series wasn't picked up, Adrian didn't stop working, guest starring on Angela Lansbury's "Murder She Wrote", and co starring opposite the up-and-coming Sandra Bullock in, "Love Potion Number 9". But it would be his next role that would bring him international recognition...that of "Duncan MacLeod" in the syndicated series, Highlander (1991-1997). During the 6 year run, Adrian directed four of the series' episodes, including the epic 100th episode, shot in Bordeaux France. Three of these episodes were voted in the top ten best of series for the 119 episode run.
Although he was in demand when the series ended in 1997, Paul wanted to go back to his acting roots. After studying with renowned acting coach Larry Moss, he worked on John Landis' romantic comedy, "Susan's Plan", the action thriller, "Dead Men Can't Dance", and helped found Actors in Process, a theater group, where actors could meet weekly to showcase current work and receive positive critique from their peers. After two years, a production of an original play, "Things Just Change", was showcased at the Odyssey theater in Los Angeles, with Paul in the lead role.
The success of the Highlander series however, was still current, leading Paul to be offered to star opposite Christopher Lambert in "Highlander : Endgame"(2000), to take over the franchise's lead position. Other films followed, including the now cult classic "The Breed" (2001), shot in Budapest, Hungary where Adrian met his future wife, Alexandra.
In 2001, Lionsgate signed Adrian to a 3 picture deal, as well as to star in and executive produce the Sci Fi action thriller, "Tracker" (created by Gil Grant) for Lionsgate Television. With the advent of so many new media outlets however, the syndicated series was not renewed for a second season. Adrian continued to work on films such as "Nemesis Game" (Lionsgate) and "Tides of War", along with the Spelling Television and Paramount Pictures' hit TV series, "Charmed". This was the first time in thirteen years that Adrian had actually filmed again on US soil.
In 2006 the Highlander Franchise was back again, this time filming in Lithuania, with Adrian starring in and Executive Producing, what would become his last sortie as Duncan Macleod, in "Highlander :The Source". After that came, "The Legend of Roanoke"(2007) and the Sci Fi Action Comedy "The Immortal Voyages of Captain Drake"(2009), a film in which Paul choreographed all the fight scenes.
Always looking for interesting roles, Adrian found himself in Hungary and Tunisia, filming the Seven Arts production, "Nine Miles Down"(2009), that he now considers one of his most emotionally challenging roles. Next, he was off to London, in an out of character role, as a Conservative member of Parliament in the thriller, "The Heavy "(2010), with Gary Stretch, Stephen Rea and Christopher Lee. Also in 2010, Adrian co-founded his first production company Filmblips Inc.
Since 2010, while working as an actor on several other films and TV movies, Adrian also wrote three screenplays, developed financial and artistic presentation packages for film and television, along with spearheading his charity, The Peace Fund, that he founded in 1997. Peace stands for Protect. Educate. Aid. Children. Everywhere. Over the past 17 years, Adrian has overseen the work of the fund in countries such as Romania, Bellarus, Niger, Hungary, Haiti, Cambodia, Thailand and the United States. In 2012, Adrian launched Peace Fund Radio that he co hosts with Ethan Dettanmaeir, with an estimated audience of between 1.8 and 2 million listeners a month. The innovative radio show, has been host to many celebrities with causes of their own and is the catalyst behind the Peace Fund's partnership and donation to bring computers into LAUSD schools. Through the radio shows influence the fund has also partnered with Kimberly Moore's," Adopt a Letter" program to fulfill children's wishes at Christmas, brought books for libraries and lights for homes in El Salvador, along with connecting like minded charities to fulfill their initiatives.
In 2015, Adrian helped launch his second production company, Radical Road, aimed at lower budget films, some of which Adrian is set to direct and act in. In 2016 Adrian has two movies, "The Secret of Emily Blair" and "Stormageddon", releasing and he is getting ready to direct his first feature, "Chemical Influence", a screenplay he wrote from an original script. Adrian also launched, "The Sword Experience" in 2016. Half day seminars of sword training, that include stage and real life combat and safety tips aimed at individuals, corporations, film, stage, re-enactment societies, martial artists and role playing groups.
He is still married to Alexandra and they have two children together, Angelisa and Royce.Choy Lay Fut, Hung Gar, Tai Chi
Trivia: is a student of Master Vernon Rieta
Best seen in HIGHLANDER- Producer
- Actor
- Executive
William Bradley "Brad" Pitt was born on December 18, 1963 in Shawnee, Oklahoma and raised in Springfield, Missouri to Jane Etta Pitt (née Hillhouse), a school counselor & William Alvin "Bill" Pitt, a truck company manager. At Kickapoo High School, Pitt was involved in sports, debating, student government and school musicals. Pitt attended the University of Missouri, where he majored in journalism with a focus on advertising. He occasionally acted in fraternity shows. He left college two credits short of graduating to move to California. Before he became successful at acting, Pitt supported himself by driving strippers in limos, moving refrigerators and dressing as a giant chicken while working for El Pollo Loco.
Pitt's earliest credited roles were in television, starting on the daytime soap opera Another World (1964) before appearing in the recurring role of Randy on the legendary prime time soap opera Dallas (1978). Following a string of guest appearances on various television series through the 1980s, Pitt gained widespread attention with a small part in Thelma & Louise (1991), in which he played a sexy criminal who romanced and conned Geena Davis. This led to starring roles in badly received films such as Johnny Suede (1991) & Cool World (1992).
But Pitt's career hit an upswing with his casting in A River Runs Through It (1992), which cemented his status as an multi-layered actor as opposed to just a pretty face. Pitt's subsequent projects were as quirky and varied in tone as his performances, ranging from his unforgettably comic cameo as stoner roommate Floyd in True Romance (1993) to romantic roles in such visually lavish films as Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994) and Legends of the Fall (1994), to an emotionally tortured detective in the horror-thriller Se7en (1995). His portrayal of frenetic oddball Jeffrey Goines in 12 Monkeys (1995) won him a Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
Pitt's portrayal of Achilles in the big-budget period drama Troy (2004) helped establish his appeal as an action star and was closely followed by a co-starring role in the stylish spy-versus-spy flick Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). It was on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith that Pitt, who married Jennifer Aniston in a highly publicized ceremony in 2000, met Angelina Jolie. Pitt left Aniston for Jolie in 2005, a break-up that continues to fuel tabloid stories years after its occurrence.
He continues to wildly vary his film choices, appearing in everything from high-concept popcorn flicks such as Megamind (2010) to adventurous critic-bait like Inglourious Basterds (2009) and The Tree of Life (2011). He has received two Best Actor Oscar nominations, for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and Moneyball (2011). In 2014, he starred in the war film Fury (2014), opposite Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Peña.
Pitt and Jolie have 6 children, 3 adopted & 3 biological.Krav Maga
Trivia: sold the rights to the first photographs of his children for a record $14 million
Best seen in FIGHT CLUB- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Rieta started his Kung Fu training as a young boy in Hawaii in the Jing Mo Association. Rieta studied many styles of Kung Fu, Hung Gar and Tai Chi under many Masters. Over 3 decades ago Sifu Rieta came over to Mainland and started a school in Hollywood, CA. As an addition to be a popular teacher to youngsters and adults at many schools Sifu Rieta also worked over 17 years in the acting industry as an actor and stuntman.Choy Lay Fut, Hung Gar
Trivia: was uncredited as a fight choreographer in HIGHLANDER: THE SOURCE
Best seen in KICKBOXER 4- Actor
- Director
John Saxon appeared in nearly 200 roles in the movies and on television in a more-than half-century-long career that has stretched over seven decades since he made his big screen debut in 1954 in uncredited small roles in It Should Happen to You (1954) and George Cukor's A Star Is Born (1954). Born Carmine Orrico on August 5, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Italian-American parents, Antonio Orrico and Anna (née Protettore), he studied acting with Stella Adler after graduating from New Utrecht High School.
He was discovered by talent agent Henry Willson, the man most famous for creating and representing Rock Hudson (as well as a stable of "beefcake" male stars and starlets), who signed him up after he saw Saxon's picture on the cover of a magazine. Willson brought the 16-year-old to Southern California, changed his name to John Saxon, and launched his career. Saxon made his television debut on Richard Boone's series Medic (1954) in 1955 and got his first substantial (and credited) role in Running Wild (1955), playing a juvenile delinquent. In the Esther Williams vehicle The Unguarded Moment (1956) (one of her rare dramatic roles), the film's marketing campaign spotlighted him, trumpeting the movie as "Co-starring the exciting new personality John Saxon.".
By 1958, he seemed to have established himself as a supporting player in A-List pictures, being featured in Blake Edwards's comedy This Happy Feeling (1958) headlined by Debbie Reynolds and Vincente Minnelli's The Reluctant Debutante (1958) with Rex Harrison and Sandra Dee. In the next five years, he worked steadily, including supporting roles in John Huston's The Unforgiven (1960), the James Stewart comedy Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962) and Otto Preminger's The Cardinal (1963) while having first billing in the B-movies Cry Tough (1959) and War Hunt (1962). Fluent in Italian, he made his first pictures in Italy in the period, Agostino (1962) and Mario Bava's The Evil Eye (1963). Despite his good work with major directors, he failed to succeed as a star.
By 1965, he was appearing in the likes of Blood Beast from Outer Space (1965), albeit, top-billed. A more emblematic picture was Sidney J. Furie's The Appaloosa (1966), in which he appeared in Mexican bandito drag as the man who steals the horse of Marlon Brando, another Stella Adler student. Saxon would reprise the role, of sorts, in John Sturges Joe Kidd (1972) in support of superstar Clint Eastwood. In those less politically correct times, many an Italian-American with a dark complexion would be relied on to play Mexicans, Native Americans and other "exotic" types like Mongols. Saxon played everything from an Indian chief on Bonanza (1959) to Marco Polo on The Time Tunnel (1966).
From 1969 to 1972 season, he was a star of the television series The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (1969), playing the brilliant surgeon Theodore Stuart. When the series ended, he took one of his most famous roles when Bruce Lee demurred over casting Rod Taylor as he was too tall. A black belt in karate, Saxon appeared as Roper in Enter the Dragon (1973). He continued to play a wide variety of roles on television and in motion pictures, with key roles in 1974's classic slasher Black Christmas (1974), 1984's groundbreaking A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and the 1990s self-referential horror films New Nightmare (1994) and From Dusk Till Dawn (1996).
John Saxon died of pneumonia on July 25, 2020, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was 83.Shotokan Karate, Judo, Tai Chi
Trivia: performed with such vigor during his first fight scene in ENTER THE DRAGON that he tore his hamstring
Best seen in ENTER THE DRAGON- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
As an actor/stuntman/athlete, Todd is a man of many talents. He always dreamed of being in movies. With his drive and persistence he was hired on the film Sudden Death in 1994 to be Jean-Claude Van Damme's stand-in/photo double. After a few films he also became Van Damme's stunt double. A military veteran (Army), he achieved the physical fitness patch for performing 125 push-ups in two minutes and 85 sit-ups in two minutes and ran the two mile in 12:34. He landed his first acting role as Letov in Fist Of Legends 2: Iron Bodyguards. His end fight scene is beautifully choreographed. He landed his second role as Jean-Fraud Croissant in the hilarious martial arts comedy Kung Phooey. A few independent films Todd has worked on include Turbulent Skies, Super Shark, A Reason To Live and The Deepest Dream. Todd is also a world traveler and a huge animal lover. Todd is now gaining fame for his acting abilities as well as being one of the best athletic actors in the business. He has excelled in sports such as: football, baseball, basketball, tennis, bowling, golf, archery, just to name a few. With his innate ability, the sky is the limit for Todd.Tang Soo Do, Sambo
Trivia: served in the military for six years, earning the Physical Fitness Patch for doing 124 push-ups in 2 minutes, 85 sit-ups in two minutes, and running 2 miles in 12:34 minutes
Best seen in FIST OF LEGEND II- Actor
- Stunts
- Director
Desi Singh grew up in a showbiz family. His mother, known as Jean Brazil, was a descendant of renowned New Orleans voodoo queen, Marie LaVeau, and was a member of the Katherine Dunham dance company, and later became a well known psychic on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. Desi's father, Desragh C. Singh, known as Jackie Singh, was a nightclub singer in some of the most famous Chicago, Illinois nightclubs on the south side of the city, and also appeared as "the desiccated man" in one of the opening scenes of the movie "Water World", with Kevin Kostner, in which Desragh tries to barter his long white hair and beard for hydro.
Desi spent most of his time growing up on the streets of Chicago, Illinois, where as a youngster he was a loner with few friends and a reputation for being able to handle himself in a fight and getting into trouble with the law more than once.
He began making movies on Super-8 film with his two best childhood friends, Ernesto Aviles, and Luis Gonzales, at an early age and later attended Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, where he sought to refine his film making skills by studying film making and directing under Gaylon Emerzian, and acting for the stage under Dale McFadden. Without having finished high school, he had to promise that he would get his GED before graduating from Columbia. Unable to afford the high tuition fees, Desi eventually left Columbia College before graduating, believing he had learned all that he needed, but wishing he could learn more. Though he did go on to attain his GED as promised.
His varied work history has ranged from truck driver, restaurant manager, Chicago fire fighter, U.S. Marine, nightclub bouncer and eventually led to Desi working in the Rowdy Herrington film, "Gladiator," where he gained his much coveted sag card and met one of his martial arts idols, Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez.
Desi decided it was time to change his life and pooled all his savings from working three jobs at the time, jumped on his motorcycle and left Chicago in 1991 on a five and a half day journey to Hollywood to pursue his life long goal of becoming an actor and filmmaker in Hollywood, and has been there ever since, making those goals come to fruition.Ukidokan Karate, Kickboxing
Trivia: is a former member of the Jet Away stunt team
Best seen in THE CIRCUIT- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Christian Michael Leonard Slater was born on August 18, 1969 in New York City, to Michael Hawkins, a well-known soap actor, and Mary Jo Slater (née Lawton), a casting agent. Christian started in show business early, appearing on the soap opera The Edge of Night (1956) in 1976 at the age of 7. He went on to star in many Broadway shows in the early-1980s. He rose to fame in Hollywood after landing the role of Binx Davey in The Legend of Billie Jean (1985). He moved to Los Angeles in 1987 to pursue a further acting career after dropping out of high school. After having a starring role in the cult classic Heathers (1988), he became somewhat known as the Hollywood bad-boy, having many run-ins with the law. He is also well-known for having dated stars such as Winona Ryder, Christina Applegate, Samantha Mathis and was at one time engaged to actress/model Nina Huang. In 2000, he married Ryan Haddon, the daughter of 1970s model Dayle Haddon. The couple have two children, Jaden Christopher (b. 1999) and Eliana Sophia (b. 2001). As of early 2005, they separated and later divorced, but remain dedicated to bring up their children.Kenpo (green belt), Krav Maga
Trivia: began acting professionally at age 9
Best seen in ALONE IN THE DARK- Actor
- Talent Agent
- Producer
A lifelong martial artist, Smoorenburg was given the opportunity to break into movie making with an audition for Jackie Chan's 'Who Am I?" (1998), taking on Chan in the final fight at the end of the movie. The movie's action was nominated for the Best Fight Choreography & Action Design at both the Hong Kong Film Awards and Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards in 1998.
Over the course of his career, Ron has been able to work with many of the biggest names in martial arts cinema from Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donnie Yen, Iko Uwais, Michael Jai-White, Gary Daniels, Marko Zaror, Steven Seagal, Kane Kosugi and Scott Adkins.
Based in Thailand since 2005, Smoorenburg is known for numerous TV appearances there as well as his fights with Tony Jaa in both 'Tom Yum Goong/The Protector" (2005) and "Triple Threat" which saw him battling Jaa once more.
Among Ron's other recognizable roles are appearances in the German TV series 'Der Puma" choreographed by Donnie Yen and his team, Akshay Kumar's "Brothers' (2016) , "The Avenging Fist" where he battles "Into the Badlands' Stephen Fung, "Crazy Alien', "Lost in Thailand" where his character has a memorable scene with a lady boy and gives Smoorenburg the chance to show a lighter side to his character than his regular bad guy roles, he can also be seen in Luc Besson's "Warriors Gate" and the Scott Adkins movie 'Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear" .
Ron plays the character 'Dutch" and served as the fight choreographer for the independent movie 'English Dogs".Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Aikido, Mixed Martial Arts
Trivia: set a record for the world's highest standing kick, at 11 feet
Best seen in WHO AM I?- Actor
- Editor
- Director
Cristian Solimeno was born on 27 April 1975 in London, England, UK. He is an actor and editor, known for Love (2008), Footballers' Wives (2002) and The Glass Man (2011).Jeet Kune Do
Trivia: also studies ballet and modern dance
Best seen in HIGHLANDER: THE SOURCE- Jiankui Sun is known for Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011), Tai Chi Master (1993) and The New Legend of Shaolin (1994).Wushu (Chinese National Team member)
Trivia: despite a recurring character quirk, he is not cross-eyed
Best seen in TAI CHI MASTER - Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Hilary was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Judith Kay (Clough), a secretary, and Stephen Michael Swank, who served in the National Guard and was also a traveling salesman. Her maternal grandmother, Frances Martha Dominguez, was of Mexican descent, and her other roots include German, English, and Scottish. During her early childhood, her family moved to Spokane, Washington, and when she was six, to Bellingham, Washington.
Hilary was discovered as a child by producer Suzy Sachs, who coached her in acting. When she was nine years old, she starred in her first play as "Mowgli" in "The Jungle Book". She began to appear regularly in local theater and school plays. She went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with her family, until she was 16. She competed in the Junior Olympics and Washington State championships in swimming; she ranked 5th in the state in all-around gymnastics (which would come in handy for starring in The Next Karate Kid (1994) years later). In 1990, Hilary and her mother moved to Los Angeles, where she enrolled in South Pasadena High School, and started acting professionally. She appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) but The Next Karate Kid (1994), where she got the part competing against hundreds of other actresses, was her breakout role. Ever since then, she has been much in demand and has worked non-stop in movies. She won the Best Actress Oscar for playing "Brandon Teena" in Boys Don't Cry (1999). In addition to the Oscar, Hilary won the Golden Globe Award for "Best Actress in a Drama" and "Best Actress" prizes from The New York Film Critics, The Los Angeles Film Critics, The Chicago Film Critics and The Broadcast Film Critics Association. She also won the "Breakthrough Performance" prize from The National Board of Review.
Hilary then appeared in supporting roles opposite Cate Blanchett and Keanu Reeves in Sam Raimi's The Gift (2000) and opposite Al Pacino and Robin Williams in Christopher Nolan's Insomnia (2002). Hilary then starred as "Alice Paul" in HBO's Iron Jawed Angels (2004), which told the story of the women's suffragist movement and she was honored with both SAG and Golden Globe nominations for her performance in this film. In 2004, Hilary starred opposite Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman as the title character in Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby (2004); the story of a young woman's quest to realize her dream of becoming a professional boxer. For this performance, she was honored with her second Academy Award for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role" and has garnered "Best Actress" prizes from the National Society of Film Critics, the Screen Actors Guild, The Broadcast Film Critics, and a Golden Globe for "Best Lead Actress in a Drama".
Hilary Swank is the third youngest woman in history to win two Academy Awards for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role".
She subsequently had a supporting role opposite Scarlett Johansson and Josh Hartnett in Brian De Palma's The Black Dahlia (2006), starred in Freedom Writers (2007), the true story of Long Beach schoolteacher, Erin Gruwell, The Reaping (2007) for Warner Brothers, and reunited with her Freedom Writers (2007) writer/director, Richard LaGravenese, starring in the film adaptation of Cecelia Ahern's novel, P.S. I Love You (2007).
An aficionado for anything that involves the outdoors, she enjoys: sky diving, river rafting and skiing.Krav Maga
Trivia: has also studied boxing
Best seen in THE NEXT KARATE KID- Actor
- Additional Crew
Vincent Sze was born on 24 October 1974 in Hong Kong. He is an actor, known for Kill Zone (2005), Chinese Zodiac (2012) and Vengeance (2009).Shido-Ryu & Kyokushin Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai
Trivia: also performs international martial arts exhibitions
Best seen in KILLZONE- Actor
- Stunts
Ron Thomas was born on 15 November 1961 in Reno, Nevada, USA. He is an actor, known for Cobra Kai (2018), The Karate Kid (1984) and The Big Bet (1987).Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu (6th Dan)
Trivia: was allowed by fight choreographer Pat Johnson to choreograph his own fights in THE KARATE KID because of his experience
Best seen in THE KARATE KID- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Bruce Wen whose Chinese name Wen Xiao Long grew up in the holy monastery of Shaolin. As a child, he started martial arts training at the age of three under his father, uncle, and many other martial arts masters in Fujian South Shaolin Temple. Later, Long was taken to Northern Shaolin Temple in Henan to further his study in martial arts by his father and uncle. He was taught directly under the instructions of Shaolin monk Shi Heng Jun, Shi Su Gang, Shi De Hui, Shi De Cheng, and Shi Yong Chan, and Shi Xing Du. Through Years of training, Bruce has achieved perfections in his martial arts. His been featured in various martial arts performance, newspapers, radio and magazine. He also performed for the First Annual Hollywood Chinese Film Festival in front of Hong Kong Star Eric Hsiang, Jackie Chan, and many more. In 2005, with his masters approval from Shaolin, he started the United States Shaolin Martial Arts Academy, to promote and spread the arts of Kung Fu. Currently Bruce is studying at University of California at Santa Barbara in the Drama Departments. His goals is to pursue a career in the entertainment industry where he can shows his cultural to the public.Southern Shaolin
Trivia: is the grandson of a legitimate Shaolin monk
Best seen in THE FORGOTTEN JEWEL- Actor
- Stunts
Réal Andrews is a Husband, Father, Motivational Speaker and Success Coach who loves to fish, a lot. Born and Raised in North Vancouver , B. C. Réal now resides in Valencia , California. Réal attacked the elements of Hawaii and can proudly say he is a 2X'S Hawaii Ironman Finisher As a kid his 1st dream was to make the 84 Olympics as a sprinter. He Trained for the 1984 Olympics Team as a Sprinter until he had a hamstring injury which ended that dream and he quickly started pursuing his new passion of acting. His acting career started when he combined his athleticism and acting talents and became a stuntman in Canada.
He is also very passionate about the state of our Country and has owned 3 of his own gyms. He is also skilled in
Crossfit Football Certified Certified Personal Trainer Youth and High School Football Coach Boxing Coach
Motivational Speaker Success Coach Radio Host "Getting Real' on your Hometown Station AM 1220 KHTSTae Kwon Do
Trivia: studies the martial arts under Billy Blanks
Best seen in SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, INC.- Actor
- Production Manager
- Editorial Department
Dean is a Past President of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association and current Co-Sector Chief of InfraGard (overseeing the Entertainment division) working with the FBI and law enforcement to protect critical infrastructure. He is the Executive Director of Post Production for New Regency Productions, personally Supervising Post Production for many of Regency's films. Originally from New Orleans he holds black belts in both Kung Fu and Kenpo along with many competitive championship belts. He is a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in Theatre, moving to Los Angeles to pursue a dual career in acting and production. He has an extensive theatre background playing Hamlet (Hamlet), Macbeth (MacDuff), Burn This (Burton), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Brick) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley). His television and film roles have had him acting alongside many recognizable stars including Colin Farrell, Eva Mendes, Chuck Norris, and George Clooney. He has been with New Regency Productions for many years overseeing post production on Academy Award winning films 12 Years a Slave and Birdman, and films such as The Revenant, Ad Astra, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Creator, The Bikeriders, and many others. Dean is married to former Miss Teen USA and Miss USA Brandi Sherwood.Kenpo, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi
Trivia: also practices axe-throwing, fencing, and wrestling
Best seen in AIR MARSHAL- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Kristopher van Varenberg (aka "Kris Van Damme") is the first son of martial arts/action superstar, Belgian-born actor Jean-Claude Van Damme with fitness expert/actress Gladys Portugues. Kristopher has a younger sister, Bianca Van Damme and another brother with Van Damme's ex-wife Darcy LaPier, named Nicolas. Kristopher first faced the camera in Universal Soldier (1992) as Young Luc Deveraux followed by The Quest (1996) -first film directed by Van Damme- in which he portrayed the character of Young Chris. He got his first acting role in Derailed (2002) then resumed his acting career in Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009) and The Eagle Path (2010) -directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme. In an exclusive interview with Kristopher by the Int'l JCVD Forum, he said that he also has passion for writing and directing besides his career as an actor. He was credited as a writer for the first time in Van Damme's martial arts epic movie known as The Tower (2010).Tae Kwon Do, Karate
Trivia: began practicing the martial arts at age 5
Best seen in ENEMIES CLOSER- Karate
Trivia: is of Mexican-Japanese descent
Best seen in HIGH KICK GIRL - Actress
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
Kaitlin Howard was born on 13 October 1980 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK. She is an actress, known for Chronicles of Syntax (2013), Intergalactic Combat (2007) and Born of Hope (2009).Aikido (4th Kyu), Lau Gar, Kickboxing, Kobudo, Bartitsu
Trivia: also practices various forms of European swordplay
Best seen in INTERGALACTIC COMBAT- Stunts
- Actor
- Writer
Ninjutsu, Jujitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Shotokan Karate, Kickboxing, Chin Woo
Trivia: is a member of the Extreme Horse Riding Association
Best seen in INTERGALACTIC COMBAT- Mil Máscaras was born on 15 July 1942 in San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He is an actor and writer, known for El robo de las momias de Guanajuato (1972), The Mummies of San Angel (1975) and Los canallas (1968). He has been married to Linda Bello since 11 December 2006. He was previously married to Mara Davis, Ariel Roderick and Anita Sanchez.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kendo, Vale Tudo
Trivia: began studying the martial arts as a means of countering attempts by aggressive wrestlers to injure him during professional matches
Best seen in MIL MASCARAS VS THE AZTEC MUMMY - Stunts
- Actor
Kun Ju was born on 11 November 1982 in Beijing, China. He was an actor, known for The Expendables (2010), Fearless (2006) and The Grandmaster (2013). He died on 8 March 2014 in Indian Ocean, off the coast of Australia.Wushu, Wing Chun, Baguazhang
Trivia: was set to work on MARCO POLO at the time of his disappearance
Best seen in MAN OF TAI CHI- Actor
- Additional Crew
Phillip Jack Brooks, better known by the ring name CM Punk, is an American Professional wrestler, comic book writer and former mixed martial artist.
Punk began his professional wrestling career on the American independent circuit, primarily with Ring of Honor (ROH) until 2005, when he signed with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He went on to become world champion throughout multiple organizations. Punk won the WWE Championship twice, WWE's World Heavyweight Championship three times and the ECW and ROH World Championships once each. In WWE, he was also a one-time World Tag Team Champion (with Kofi Kingston) and one-time Intercontinental Champion, making him the 19th Triple Crown Champion and the fastest man in WWE history to achieve this feat, doing so in 203 days. In addition, he was the 2011 WWE Superstar of the Year and the first two-time Money in the Bank winner. During the peak of his career, Punk was considered by many as the best professional wrestler in the world. Pro Wrestling Illustrated named him Wrestler of the Year in both 2011 and 2012 during which he had one of the longest WWE Championship title reigns in history at 434 days.
Brooks used the CM Punk moniker his entire career in every organization he worked. Punk consistently portrayed the character of an outspoken, sharp-tongued, anti-establishment, straight edge iconoclast. Most of the straight edge principles he portrayed, such as not drinking alcohol or not taking recreational drugs, are his real life views. Depending on his alignment as a hero or villain, he emphasized different aspects of the straight edge culture to garner the desired audience reaction.
After becoming disgruntled in WWE, Punk retired from professional wrestling in 2014. He then pursued a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) and was signed by the UFC in December of that year. On August 20, Punk made his debut for AEW at The First Dance event on Rampage, marking his return to professional wrestling after a seven-year retirement. On May 29th, 2022 Punk won AEW World title which makes him the first man in history to hold the WWE, AEW and Ring of Honor World Championships.HONORARY ENTRY
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (record: 0-2)
Trivia: is a long-distance student of Rener Gracie- Actor
- Stunts
- Writer
Richard A. Buswell was born on 4 April 1965 in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for Order 86 (2020), Godeye: Inter-Dimensional Hero for Hire and Shadow Falls Memorial (2009).Capoeira, Dlala 'Nduku
Trivia: has also studied quarterstaff- and sword-fighting
Best seen in FIGHT NIGHT- Stunts
- Actor
Olivier Bisback was born in 1973 in Aalst, Belgium. He is an actor, known for The Loft (2014), Vivarium (2019) and The Danish Girl (2015).Tae Kwon Do (5th Dan; 3-time Belgian National Champion; Belgian National Team member), Hapkido (1st Dan), Jujitsu, Kickboxing, Kobudo
Trivia: is a former fitness instructor to the Flemish parliament
Best seen in ROX- Actor
- Stunts
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
Throughout the years as a Medieval enthusiast and action Junkie, Max dedicated himself to experience several activities including, other Martial Art Disciplines, Traditional Fencing in Foil- Epee and Saber, Sky Diving, volunteer Search and Rescue, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Hang Gliding, Firearms Training, Archery, volunteer Firefighter, Snowboarding, Horseback riding and many more activities and skills to enhance his opportunity to take a chance in the TV and movie industry once more. After acquiring a local talent agent in the late 80's and other freelance submissions Max had the chance to be an extra in several productions including several tourism and TV series for local theme parks and other TV commercials. From 2005 to present Max was cast in several local productions including the TV series "The In Betweeners", Hillbillies for Hire and other local student projects. In early 2013 He was cast as principal as Martial Arts Trained Priest, Ji Moon for the TV series Pilot "Shadowglade". Max is also a producer and director fight choreographer and Wardrobe Designer which has lead him to provide wardrobe and props for several local productions.Capoeira
Trivia: also practices archery
Best seen in THE MARTIAL ARTS KID- Stunts
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Kyle Rowling was born on 6 September 1970 in Australia. He is an actor, known for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) and Wanted (2008).Judo, Goshin-Ryu Jujitsu, Yau Kung Mun, Tai Chi, Jow Ga, Kobudo
Trivia: was uncredited as the motion actor for the characters General Grievous and Magnaguard in STAR WARS: EPISODE III
Best seen in STAR WARS: EPISODE II- Producer
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Aikido
Trivia: is a student of Steven Seagal
Best seen in MISSION OF JUSTICE- Kelli Fleming is known for Fighting with Anger (2007) and Fernando (2017).Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: is also a jazz musician and dancer
Best seen in FIGHTING WITH ANGER - Tammy Lauren was born on 16 November 1968 in San Diego, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Wishmaster (1997), Mork & Mindy (1978) and Homefront (1991). She has been married to Guri Weinberg since 31 January 1997.Gosuku-Ryu Karate
Trivia: is a student of Master Tak Kubota
Best seen in MARTIAL LAW - Actor
- Director
- Producer
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt), Muay Thai
Trivia: trains under Renzo Gracie and Nestor Marte
Best seen in AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Bokeem Woodbine grew up in Harlem, New York. At the age of 19, he secured the lead role in the HBO production of Forest Whitaker's directorial debut Strapped (1993). Bokeem moved to Los Angeles shortly after completing the film Jason's Lyric (1994), and has pursued his dream of becoming a noteworthy film actor while balancing a passion for musical expression. Along the way he has appeared alongside Oscar- wining actors and worked with many of today's top directors, producers, and networks. To date he has appeared in biographical movies, like "Ray," comedies like "Life," horror, "Devil," and most recently science fiction, in the much anticipated film, In the Shadow of the Moon (2019). Bokeem respects the responsibilities inherent in taking on any role, and enjoys the process.Shaolin Kung Fu
Trivia: studies the martial arts under Master Shi Yan Ming at the USA Shaolin Temple
Best seen in THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Kristy Swanson is an American actress from California. She has had an active acting career since the 1980s. Her most memorable role was playing the original version of Buffy Summers in the horror comedy "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1992).
Swanson was born in Mission Viejo, California, a planned community in Orange County. It is located in a hilly region, 49 miles (79 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles. Swanson developed an interest in acting in early childhood. She started pursuing roles in television commercials at the age of 9, and first appeared in a commercial for doll houses. She continued to regularly appear in commercials for a few years.
Swanson received acting lessons from "The Actors Workshop", an acting school developed by Canadian actor R. J. Adams (1942 -2015). In 1984, Swanson started appearing in one-shot roles in television. She gained attention for playing Stephanie Brandon in the episode "On the Street" (1985) of the police procedural "Cagney & Lacey". Her character was a teenage prostitute who was considered a key witness in a murder trial. For this role Swanson was nominated for a Young performer award, the "Best Young Actress - Guest in a Television Series". The award was instead won by rival actress Jaclyn Bernstein.
In 1986, Swanson had the supporting role of Jennifer Davis in the television film "Mr. Boogedy", a ghost story about a haunted house in New England. She had a minor role in the teen comedy-drama film "Pretty in Pink" (1986). as the new love interest of the character Duckie Dale (played by Jon Cryer). She had her first speaking role in a film in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", as a girl who announces a convoluted excuse to explain the main character's absence. Swanson had her co-starring role in a film in "Deadly Friend" (1986), a science fiction horror film by famed director Wes Craven. It gained a cult following over the following decades.
Swanson's next starring role was in the psychological horror film "Flowers in the Attic" (1987), concerning children held captive by their abusive family. She played Cathy Dollanganger, the elder sister among the captives. The film earned about 15,2 million dollars at the domestic box office. There were plans for a sequel film, but it ended in development hell. In 1987, Swanson joined the cast of the soap opera Knots Landing (1979-1993), in the recurring role of Jody Campbell. She appeared in a total of 8 episodes, leaving the series in 1988.
Swanson had her first main role in a television series in the short-lived medical drama "Nightingales" (1989), where she played student nurse Rebecca "Becky" Granger. The series was controversial at the time for its overly sexualized depiction of nurses. It inspired a protest campaign by the American Nurses Association, causing several sponsors to withdraw their support from their series. The series was canceled after a single season and 13 episodes, plus a television film. There was later a revival of the series' concept under the title "University Hospital" (1995), but Swanson was not involved with the revival series.
Swanson had her first film role in years in the romantic comedy "Dream Trap" (1990). The film depicted the romantic fantasies two teenagers have about each other. Her co-star for this film was Sasha Jenson (1964-). Swanson's next notable film role was in the fantasy comedy "Mannequin Two: On the Move" (1991). She played Jessie, a 14th-century peasant girl who was turned into a statue by a sorcerer. She is revived in the late 20th century, and falls in love with a descendant of her original lover. The film only earned 4 million dollars at the box office, failing to recover its production costs. It was marketed as a sequel to the hit film "Mannequin" (1987), while featuring none of its main characters.
Swanson had a supporting role in the comedy film "Hot Shots!" (1991). She played Kowalski, a female pilot of the United States Navy who is regarded as male by her peers and superiors. The film earned 180 million dollars worldwide, the highest earning film in Swanson's career at that time. Swanson had the co-starring role of Rachel Clark in the horror comedy "Highway to Hell" (1991). In the film, Rachel is kidnapped by a demon and taken to hell. She is about to be married to Satan, but her boyfriend Charlie Sykes (played by Chad Lowe) attempts to rescue her. The film only had a limited theatrical release, but was relatively popular in the home video market.
In 1992, Swanson had the leading role of Buffy in the horror comedy film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1992). In the film, Buffy is a high school cheerleader with an ordinary life, who discovers that she is the latest in a long line of female vampire slayers. She has to stop a vampire army from taking over Los Angeles, at the cost of alienating her friends and losing her boyfriend. The film was modestly successful at the box office, earning about 17 million dollars. It was more successful in the home video market, and inspired the spin-off television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). Swanson had no involvement with this series, replaced in the title role by Sarah Michelle Gellar (1977-).
Swanson had a supporting role in the sports drama film "The Program" (1993), as tennis player Camille Shafer. The character was the love interest of one of the main characters, American football player Joe Kane (played Craig Sheffer). Swanson shared the female lead status in this film with Halle Berry (1966-). The film highlighted the use of steroids in college football. The film earned about 23 million dollars at the box office, a modest hit for its time.
Swanson played the role of heiress Natalie Voss in the action comedy "The Chase" (1994). In the film, Natalie is kidnapped by escaped convict Jack Hammond (played by Charlie Sheen), because he wanted a hostage. It was commended for its satirical look at tabloid journalism, and at the obsession of television news shows with car chases. Swanson had a supporting role in the black comedy "Getting In" (1994). In the film, there are serial murders of students who are on the top of the list for admission to medical school. A student is trying to eliminate his competitors to get ahead on the list. It is remembered as the directorial debut for Doug Liman.
In 1995, Swanson had a co-starring role in the university-themed drama film "Higher Learning". She played Kristen Connor, an initially shy student who proceeds to explore her bisexual tendencies by pursuing two different romantic relationships at the same time. The film earned about 38 million dollars at the domestic box office, becoming the 44th highest-grossing film of its year. It was also successful at the home video market. From Swanson's perspective, it was the highest-grossing film of her career since 1991.
In 1996, Swanson appeared in the superhero adaptation "The Phantom". It was based on the character Phantom/Kit Walker, created by Lee Falk (1911 - 1999) in 1936. Swanson played Diana Palmer, the Phantom's love interest. The film earned about 23.5 million dollars at the domestic box office, but was a major hit in the home video market.
In 1997, Swanson had a co-starring role in the Mafia-themed black comedy "8 Heads in a Duffel Bag". In the film, mobster Tommy Spinelli (played by Joe Pesci) has to deliver a cargo of severed heads to a crime boss, as proof for recent deaths. His duffel bag is mixed up with the luggage of an American tourist, causing much trouble for everyone involved in the case. The film under-performed at the box office, only earning 4 million dollars.
In 1998, Swanson was part of the cast in the disaster film "Ground Control". The film concerned the efforts of air traffic controller to perform their duties during a severe storm and a power outage. Swanson was reduced to a supporting role in the comedy film "Big Daddy" (1999), playing an ex-girlfriend of the film's main character, slacker Sonny Koufax (played by Adam Sandler). In 2000, Swanson had a supporting role in the stoner comedy "Dude, Where's My Car?". She played one of several eccentric characters which the film's protagonists encounter in their search for a missing automobile. The film was a surprise box office hit, earning 73.2 million dollars at the worldwide box office. It was Swanson's highest grossing film in nearly a decade.
In 2001, Swanson played Interpol agent Tessa Jansen in the thriller film "Soul Assassin". The film depicted assassinations connected to a multinational banking firm. It was one of Swanson'ts last appearances in a feature film during the 2000s. Her career declined considerably during this decade. She was reduced to playing infrequent guest-star roles in then-popular television series, such as "Just Shoot Me!", "CSI: Miami", and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent".
In 2009, Swanson married her boyfriend Lloyd Eisler (1963-), a Canadian pairs skater who had won two Olympic medals. They have a son. In 2010, Swanson appeared in the Christian film "What If...", making her first appearance in a theatrical film in several years. She played Wendy Walker, the original girlfriend of businessman Ben Walker (played by Kevin Sorbo).
During the 2010s, Swanson appeared frequently in television films and direct-to-video films. She was part of the main cast in "Beethoven's Treasure Tail" (2014), the 8th and (so far) last film in the long-running film series "Beethoven" (1992-2014). In the early 2020s, Swanson continues to regularly appear in films. By 2021, Swanson was 52-years-old. She he has no intention to retire yet. Several of her older films remain popular, and she still has a fan following.Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing
Trivia: was a child actress, having appeared in over 30 commercials by age 13
Best seen in BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER- Actor
- Producer
- Additional Crew
Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas, to Patsy Swayze (née Yvonne Helen Karnes), a choreographer, and Jesse Wayne Swayze, a chemical plant engineer draftsman. His mother owned a dance school in Houston, where Patrick was also a student. His father passed away in 1982. He graduated from Waltrip High School in Houston, and attended San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas. He married actress/dancer Lisa Niemi on June 12, 1975, whom he had known when she was 15 and a student at his mother's dance school. His New York City dance training included the Harkness Ballet School and Joffrey Ballet School. He first danced professionally as "Prince Charming" in "Disney on Parade". After a stint as "Danny Zuko" in the original Broadway production of "Grease", he made his film debut with a small role in Skatetown U.S.A. (1979). He made his television debut in 1981 on M*A*S*H (1972), as a soldier diagnosed with leukemia.
After many supporting roles in films and a lead role in the TV mini-series North & South: Book 1, North & South (1985), he landed his breakthrough role as dance instructor "Johnny Castle" in the hit film Dirty Dancing (1987), for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He received a second nomination for his portrayal of "Sam Wheat" in the blockbuster Ghost (1990). Ghost (1990) was the highest-grossing film of 1990, and at one point, the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Unfortunately, he did not capitalize on its success. His subsequent films like City of Joy (1992), Tall Tale (1995), Black Dog (1998), and Waking Up in Reno (2002) did not fare well with critics or audiences. In December 2003, he returned to Broadway as a replacement for the lead role of "Billy Flynn" in the acclaimed revival of John Kander & Fred Ebb's musical, "Chicago". The production also went on tour in several cities of the United States, including Los Angeles. In January 2008, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought the illness for well over a year and was able to continue working, but died on September 14, 2009.Kickboxing
Trivia: trained in the martial arts under Benny Urquidez
Best seen in ROAD HOUSE- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
Kylie Ann Minogue was born on 28 May, 1968. The eldest of three children, Kylie's acting career began early, but it was her role as "Charlene" in the Australian soap, Neighbours (1985), which established Kylie as an international star. Her singing career began, purely by accident, when a record company executive heard Kylie's rendition of Little Eva's 1962 hit, "The Loco-Motion". She signed with PWL Records and hit-makers Stock/Aitken/Waterman in 1987. Five albums and a greatest hits compilation followed, and she made history by having more than 20 consecutive top ten hits in the UK. Her motion picture debut came with the starring role of "Lola" in The Delinquents (1989). She left PWL Records in 1992 to head in a decidedly more mature musical direction, and her self-titled debut on deconstruction records was released in 1994, spawning chart hits like "Confide In Me" and "Put Yourself In My Place". Kylie's doings were always a favorite subject of the press, but she really made waves with her controversial 1995 duet with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, "Where the Wild Roses Grow". 1997 saw the release of Kylie's first single in more than 3 years, "Some Kind of Bliss", co-written and produced by James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore of The Manic Street Preachers.Tae Kwon Do
Trivia: is a survivor of breast cancer
Best seen in STREET FIGHTER: THE MOVIE- Peter Mensah has been doing martial arts since he was 6 years old, growing up in St. Albans, England, just north of London. A former engineer, Mensah came to Canada 11 years ago. He'd worked for British Gas developing gas fields at Morecambe Bay and had done theatre in school. He comes from an academic family. His father, an architect, relocated with his mother to their native Ghana. He only has two younger sisters. Mensah emigrated from Britain to see the world and it was a toss up whether his destination would be Canada or Australia. The paperwork for Canada came through first.Judo, Wushu
Trivia: has studied the martial arts since age 6
Best seen in SPARTACUS: WAR OF THE DAMNED - Actor
- Producer
- Composer
The legendary gangsta hip-hop emcee Ice-T was born Tracy Marrow on February 16, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey. He moved to Los Angeles, California, to live with his paternal aunt after the death of his father while he was in the sixth grade; his mother had died earlier when he was in the third grade. His aunt lived in the South Los Angeles district of Crenshaw, colloquially referred to as South Central. He became immersed in the street life of the inner-city and eventually became a member of the West Side Rollin 30s Original Harlem Crips.
In 1979, Marrow joined the Army after leaving Crenshaw High School, but his 4-year hitch was enough for him, as he was a leader, not a follower. "I didn't like total submission to a leader other than myself," he said. After ETSing from the Army in 1983, he returned to South Central with the intention of becoming a hip-hop musician. More than music, his life got caught up in street life as as a jewel thief and as a pimp. (His nomme de guerre, Ice T, is an homage to the fabled pimp and raconteur Iceberg Slim (Robert Beck). He committed himself totally to his music after a 1985 car crash.
As a musician, Ice-T played a major role in the creation of the gangsta incarnation of hip-hop music and was a colossus of the West Coast hip-hop scene, despite his East Coast, greater New York, origins. Though his music displays a political consciousness, like the indictments of racism that were a hallmark of seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy, it also is nihilistic as befits a chronicler of street life. His most infamous song, the heavy metal "Cop Killer," was one of the major battle in the cultural wars of the 1990s, in which cultural conservatives enlisted the Moses of the right wing, Charlton Heston, to get Ice-T dropped from his then-label, Sire/Warner Bros.
The charismatic Ice-T has also achieved success as an actor in movies and on TV. He plays Detective Odafin Tutuola on the TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), which is ironic for someone famous for "Cop Killer" and his feud with the L.A.P.D. Ice-T currently resides in North Bergen, New Jersey, with his wife, Coco Austin.Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Trivia: also practices boxing
Best seen in SURVIVING THE GAME- Actress
- Producer
- Director
Halle Maria Berry was born Maria Halle Berry on August 14, 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Oakwood, Ohio to Judith Ann Berry (née Hawkins), a psychiatric nurse & Jerome Jesse Berry, a hospital attendant. Her father was African-American and her mother is of mostly English and German descent. Halle first came into the spotlight at seventeen years when she won the Miss Teen All-American Pageant, representing the state of Ohio in 1985 and, a year later in 1986, when she was the first runner-up in the Miss U.S.A. Pageant. After participating in the pageant, Halle became a model. It eventually led to her first weekly TV series, 1989's Living Dolls (1989), where she soon gained a reputation for her on-set tenacity, preferring to "live" her roles and remaining in character even when the cameras stopped rolling. It paid off though when she reportedly refused to bathe for several days before starting work on her role as a crack addict in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever (1991) because the role provided her big screen breakthrough. The following year, she was cast as Eddie Murphy's love interest in Boomerang (1992), one of the few times that Murphy was evenly matched on screen. In 1994, Berry gained a youthful following for her performance as sexy secretary "Sharon Stone" in The Flintstones (1994). She next had a highly publicized starring role with Jessica Lange in the adoption drama Losing Isaiah (1995). Though the movie received mixed reviews, Berry didn't let that slow her down, and continued down her path to super-stardom.
In 1998, she received critical success when she starred as a street smart young woman who takes up with a struggling politician in Warren Beatty's Bulworth (1998). The following year, she won even greater acclaim for her role as actress Dorothy Dandridge in made-for-cable's Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999), for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series. In 2000, she received box office success in X-Men (2000) in which she played "Storm", a mutant who has the ability to control the weather. In 2001, she starred in the thriller Swordfish (2001), and became the first African-American to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards, for her role as a grieving mother in the drama Monster's Ball (2001).Capoeira
Trivia: is also trained in use of the bullwhip
Best seen in CATWOMAN