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Steven Seagal

Seagal at the Pollstar Awards, February 2006
Born April 10, 1951 (1951-04-10) (age 57)
Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
Other name(s) Chungdrag Dorje, Takeshigemichi
Spouse(s) Miyako Fujitani (1975–1986)
Adrienne La Russa (1984–1987)
Kelly LeBrock (1987–1996)
Official website

Steven Seagal (born April 10, 1951) is an American action movie actor, producer, writer, director, martial artist, "singer"-songwriter, spiritualist and activist. Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Action movies are a Film genre where action sequences such as fights, Shootouts Stunts Car chases or explosions either take precedence An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. A film director, or filmmaker, is a person who directs the making of a Film. Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for Combat. A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both He belongs to a generation of movie action hero actors (including Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Bruce Willis) who were featured in many of the Hollywood blockbuster action films of the late 1980s and 1990s. This is a list of action heroes who appear in a number of genres including Action films Adventure films Swashbuckler films, Television Westerns Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone (born July 6 1946 is an American Actor, director, producer and Screenwriter. Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger ( German ˌaɐnɔlt aloʏs ˈʃvaɐtsənɛɡɐ born July 30 1947 is an Austrian American Bodybuilder, Actor Dolph Lundgren (born Hans Lundgren on November 3, 1957 in Stockholm, Sweden is a Swedish Actor, director Walter Bruce Willis (March 19 1955 is an American actor and Singer-songwriter.

A 6' 4" (193 cm) 7th-dan black belt in aikido, Seagal began his adult life as an aikido instructor in Japan, and became the first foreigner to ever own and operate an aikido dojo in Japan in Osaka. The term Black belt has become widely known as way to describe an expert in Martial arts where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies philosophy and religious beliefs For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. is a city in Japan, located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, in the Kansai region of the main island of Honshū [1] He later moved to the Los Angeles, California area where he made his film debut in 1988 in Above the Law. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Above the Law (also known as Nico Above The Law, or simply Nico) is a 1988 Action film directed by Since then, Seagal has become a well recognized action star, mainly due to his action films of the 1990s such as Under Siege (1992) and Under Siege 2 (1995) where he played Navy SEALs counter-terrorist expert Casey Ryback. For the video game see Under Siege (video game. Under Siege is also a book by Stephen Coonts Under Siege is a 1992 Under Siege 2 Dark Territory is a 1995 Action film set on board a train traveling through the Rocky Mountains from Denver to Casey Ryback is a fictional character and Action hero from the Under Siege films of the 1990s In total his movies have earned in excess of $600 million worldwide. [2]

Seagal is also a recording artist and guitarist and the founder of Steven Seagal Enterprises. A musician is a person who plays or writes Music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music An instrumentalist plays a A guitarist is a Musician who plays the Guitar. Guitarists may perform solo pieces or play with ensembles and bands of a wide variety of genres Steven Seagal Enterprises is a company founded by actor Steven Seagal in 2004 in order for Seagal to 'share his wisdom and experience of energy with the world' In addition to his professional achievements, he is also known as an environmentalist, an animal rights activist and, like other actors such as Richard Gere, is a supporter of Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibetan independence. Environmentalism is a broad philosophy and Social movement centered on a concern for the conservation and improvement of the environment. "Animal liberation" redirects here for other uses see Animal liberation (disambiguation. Richard Tiffany Gere (born August 31, 1949) is a Golden Globe - and Screen Actors Guild Award -winning American Actor. Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub ( 6 July 1935 in Qinghai) He is the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people according to Tibetan Buddhism. Spiritualism and Buddhism play an important role in Seagal's life and he has been recognized by Tibetan lama Penor Rinpoche as a reincarnated Tulku (Chungdrag Dorje). Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Lama ( is a title for a Tibetan teacher Kyabjé Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche (1932- is the 11th throne holder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, and is said to be an incarnation A tulku ( also tülku, trulku) is a Tibetan Buddhist Lama who has through Phowa and Siddhi, consciously [3] According to Seagal in a November 2006 interview "I was born very different, clairvoyant and a healer". Clairvoyance (from 17th century French with clair meaning "clear" and voyance meaning "visibility" is the apparent ability to gain

Contents

Early years

Youth

Seagal was born in Lansing, Michigan, where he lived until he was five years old. Michigan ( is a Midwestern state of the United States of America. His mother, Patrizia, was a medical technician, and his father a high school math teacher. High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution [4] The family relocated to Fullerton, California, where Seagal attended the Buena Park High School in Buena Park, California. Fullerton is a City located in northern Orange County, California, United States. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Buena Park is a city located in northwestern Orange County California. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Following his graduation, Seagal held one of his first jobs at the local Burger King. Burger King ( often abbreviated to

It was at the age of seven that Seagal first began allegedly studying the martial arts under the direction of renowned Shito-ryu karate master Fumio Demura and Aikido under Rod Kobayashi, the President of the Western States Aikido Federation. Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for Combat. is a form of Karate that was founded in 1931 by. History Kenwa Mabuni was born in Shuri, a district of Naha, Okinawa in 1889 ( or is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands from indigenous fighting methods and Chinese Kenpō. Fumio Demura (born in Yokohama, Japan in 1938 is a Japanese Martial artist and martial arts teacher is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies philosophy and religious beliefs He earned belts in aikido, karate, judo, and kendo and in his late teens, Seagal became part of Demura's Karate Demonstration Team and performed daily demonstrations in the former Japanese Village and Deer Park, in Southern California. Southern California, or So Cal, is defined as the southern portion of the U In 1974, he was promoted by Kobayashi-sensei to shodan in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (a fact disputed by his now ex-wife, below). literally meaning "first degree" is the lowest black belt rank in Japanese martial arts. is the style of Aikido (a modern Japanese martial art) developed by Koichi Tohei.

Japan

After finishing college, Seagal moved to Japan with then-girlfriend Miyako Fujitani, native of Japan whom he later married, and lived with her parents, who owned an aikido school; allegations surfaced that he left to avoid the Vietnam draft at the time, and married Ms. Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially Fujitani to provide reasonable evidence to his remaining there in spite of a possible draft-call. The Draft redirects here For other uses see Draft. Conscription in the United States has been employed several times usually during [5]

During this time in Japan, Seagal changed affiliation from Koichi Tohei's Ki Society and Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido to the Aikikai. (born January 1920 is a 10th Dan Aikidoka and founder of the Ki Society and its style of Aikido, officially Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (literally The Ki no Kenkyukai (氣の研究会 often called Ki Society, is an Aikido organization founded by Koichi Tohei in 1971 while he was the chief instructor is the original organisation for the Japanese martial art Aikido, officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940 Under the title Master Take Shigemichi, Seagal was reputedly the first foreigner ever to own and operate an aikido dojo in Japan (though his in-laws, and not himself, were the actual owners): the Aikido Tenshin Dojo in the city of Osaka. A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the Way" is a city in Japan, located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, in the Kansai region of the main island of Honshū Seagal claims that he battled the yakuza (Japanese mafia) over the rights to the Aikido Tenshin Dojo, which he claims that his wife's father lost in a gambling game; however, his former wife Miyako Fujitani, claims "it's a lie", and that he "yelled at some drunks, but never fought anyone". History Origins Despite their notoriety in modern Japan the precise origin of the Yakuza is still somewhat the subject of debate [5]

Fujitani likewise claims that Seagal never properly earned his aikido titles-- a claim supported by the fact that Seagal, despite claiming world-class fighting skills, has never once competed in any match-up of note-- while likewise either losing or surrendering to all physical confrontations. However, advancing rank in Aikido does not rely on "match ups" but rather examinations given by superior teachers. Meanwhile in 1988 he was offered the title of Above The Law, because of his Master 6th Degree Black Belt in Aikido. He also impressed many hollywood actors and actresses by his Martial Arts. The main fact that gives Steven Seagal the advantage is that he claims that he was trained by the founder of Aikido, Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba. Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, December 14, 1883 &ndash April 26, 1969) was a famous Martial artist

Return to the US

Seagal initially returned to Taos, New Mexico with senior student and later stuntman Craig Dunn. Taos (ˈtaʊs is a town in Taos County in the north-central region of New Mexico. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. There, they opened a dojo, but Seagal spent much of his time pursuing a film career and other ventures. Dunn stayed in New Mexico and is there to this day, still running the dojo. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. After another period spent in Japan, Seagal returned to the U.S. with senior student Haruo Matsuoka in 1983. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The two opened an aikido dojo, initially located in Burbank, California, but later moved to the city of West Hollywood. Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County California, United States. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. West Hollywood, a city in Los Angeles County California, was incorporated on November 29, 1984. Seagal left Matsuoka in charge of the dojo, which he ran until the two parted ways in 1997. It was during this period that Seagal first found himself in contact with Hollywood. Initially he worked as martial arts coordinator on the films The Challenge (1982) starring Toshirô Mifune and Never Say Never Again (1983) starring Sean Connery. The Challenge is a 1982 action film directed by John Frankenheimer and written by by John Sayles. Toshirō Mifune (ja 三船 敏郎 Mifune Toshirō toɕiɺoː 1 April, 1920 – 24 December, 1997) was a Japanese Never Say Never Again, released in 1983, is the second screen adaptation of Ian Fleming 's novel Thunderball and a non- EON Productions Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born August 25 1930) is an Academy Award - Golden Globe - and BAFTA Award -winning Scottish Seagal then became a bodyguard to celebrities such as future wife Kelly Le Brock and Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz. It was Ovitz who, impressed with Seagal's martial arts abilities, personally financed a screen test in front of Warner Bros. executives. Warner Bros Entertainment Inc (or Warner Bros, Warner Bros Pictures) is one of the world's largest producers of Film and They too were impressed and Seagal was signed for his first film.

Hollywood career

1990s: the action hero years

In 1988 Seagal began work on his first film, Above the Law (also known as Nico in Europe), with director Andrew Davis. Above the Law (also known as Nico Above The Law, or simply Nico) is a 1988 Action film directed by Andrew Davis (born November 21, 1947) is an American Film director, producer and Cinematographer, noted for They transformed an average police thriller adding both exhilarating action scenes and sharp characterization. Following its success, Seagal made three more pictures (Hard to Kill, Marked for Death, and Out for Justice) that were decent box office hits, marking him as an action hero. Hard to Kill, a 1990 Action film directed by Bruce Malmuth and starring Steven Seagal, Kelly LeBrock, Frederick Marked for Death is a 1990 Action film directed by Dwight H Little. Out for Justice is a 1991 Action film directed by John Flynn and starring Steven Seagal. This is a list of action heroes who appear in a number of genres including Action films Adventure films Swashbuckler films, Television Westerns Seagal found wider mainstream success in 1992 with the release of Under Siege. For the video game see Under Siege (video game. Under Siege is also a book by Stephen Coonts Under Siege is a 1992 The film reunited Seagal with the director Andrew Davis and was a blockbuster in America and abroad, grossing $156. Andrew Davis or Andy Davis may refer to Andrew Davis (conductor (born 1944 British conductor Andrew Davis (film director (born 4 million worldwide. [6]

After the success of Under Siege, Seagal made his directorial debut with On Deadly Ground (1994) in which he also starred, alongside Michael Caine. On Deadly Ground is a 1994 environmental Action-adventure Film, co-produced directed by and starring Steven Seagal, and co-starring Sir Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr, CBE (born 14 March 1933 better known by his screen name Michael Caine, is an Oscar - and BAFTA The movie was a failure with both audiences and critics, and made a financial loss, costing an estimated $50 million to make and grossing less than $39 million in the United States. [7]

To try to recoup popularity, Seagal filmed a sequel to his most successful film Under Siege titled Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) and a cop drama (The Glimmer Man) (1996). Under Siege 2 Dark Territory is a 1995 Action film set on board a train traveling through the Rocky Mountains from Denver to The Glimmer Man is a 1996 American Action film directed by John Gray. In 1996, Seagal also had his first supporting role, in the Kurt Russell film Executive Decision, in which Seagal was billed as having a starring role to keep his character's fate secret. Kurt Vogel Russell (born March 17 1951 is an Emmy Award - and Golden Globe -nominated American Actor. Executive Decision is a 1996 Action film, directed by Stuart Baird and starring Kurt Russell, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo He then tried again to make an environmentally-conscious film. In Fire Down Below (1997), Seagal played an EPA agent fighting industrialists dumping toxic waste in the Kentucky hills region, but the movie was not a commercial success. The Commonwealth of Kentucky ( is a state located in the East Central United States of America. This film marked the end of Seagal's original multi-picture deal with Warner Bros. and due to its failure at the box office, his contract was not renewed. Warner Bros Entertainment Inc (or Warner Bros, Warner Bros Pictures) is one of the world's largest producers of Film and

Retreat to video

The next year, Seagal made The Patriot, another environmental thriller which was his first direct-to-video release in the United States (though it was released theatrically in most of the world). The Patriot is a 1998 Action film based on the Novel, The Last Canadian by William C Seagal produced this film with his own money, and the film was shot on-location on and near his farm in Montana. Montana ( is a state in the Western United States. One-third of the state in the western part contains numerous mountain ranges (approximately 77 named of the northern

After taking a couple years to produce Prince of Central Park, Seagal returned to cinema screens with the release of Exit Wounds in March 2001. Prince of Central Park is a 2000 Family movie. The cast included Frank Nasso, Kathleen Turner, Danny Aiello, Harvey Exit Wounds is a 2001 Action film based on the book of the same name by John Westermann. The film had fewer martial arts scenes than Seagal's previous films, but it was a commercial success, taking almost $80 million woldwide. However, he was unable to capitalise on this success and his next two projects were both critical and commercial failures. Ticker co-starring Tom Sizemore and Dennis Hopper, and filmed in San Francisco before Exit Wounds, went straight to DVD while Half Past Dead, starring rap star Ja Rule, made less than $20 million worldwide. Ticker is an Action film, directed by Albert Pyun. Plot It begins with a SWAT team going into the house of a Thomas Edward "Tom" Sizemore Jr (born September 29, 1964) Dennis Lee Hopper (born May 17, 1936) is an Academy Award -nominated American Actor and Film -maker The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city Exit Wounds is a 2001 Action film based on the book of the same name by John Westermann. Half Past Dead is a 2002 Action movie in which a criminal infiltrates a prison to interrogate a prisoner about the location of a fortune in gold while an undercover Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with Jeffrey Atkins (born February 29 1976 Music career Atkins began his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click

As of May 2008, all of the films Seagal has made since 2003 have been released direct-to-video (DTV) in North America, with only limited theatrical releases in the rest of the world. International holidays May 1 - Labour Day ( Pakistan) May 1 - Labour Day ( Singapore) Though Seagal is credited as a producer (and sometimes a writer) on many of these DTV movies, it is unclear how deeply involved he was in their production--his voice is often dubbed in by another actor and a double is used in almost any scene where his face is not shown clearly.

His latest direct-to-video films include Urban Justice (2007) and Pistol Whipped (2008). Urban Justice, is a 2007 action film starring Steven Seagal and Eddie Griffin that was released on November 13, 2007 in the Pistol Whipped is a 2008 Action film starring Steven Seagal, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Blanchard Ryan and Lance Henriksen Another DTV film, Kill Switch, is due out in 2008, he is currently filming Ruslan for a projected 2009 release, and a self directed project, Prince of Pistols is also in the works. Killswitch is a Video game developed by Namco in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC. Steven F Seagal (born April 10 1951 is an American Action movie Actor, producer, writer director, Martial artist

Work as filmmaker

Seagal as director and star of the 1994 environmental thriller, On Deadly Ground
Seagal as director and star of the 1994 environmental thriller, On Deadly Ground

Seagal intends to have his films remembered; "I am hoping that I can be known as a great writer and actor some day, rather than a sex symbol. On Deadly Ground is a 1994 environmental Action-adventure Film, co-produced directed by and starring Steven Seagal, and co-starring "[8] Seagal has clarified the purpose of his films: "Above the Law was a politically conscientious movie. On Deadly Ground was environmentally conscientious so I want to keep making movies like that which are more geared with a certain entertainment value but also bring people forward into contemplation. "[9]

Seagal has produced many of the movies that he stars in, and has also participated in writing and directing. Seagal's roles do not fit the standard action hero archetype; instead, Seagal's characters are usually "born perfect", displaying no limitations, character flaws, or character development (as is typically included in the story arc for most action heroes). A character flaw is a limitation imperfection problem Phobia, or deficiency present in a character who may be otherwise very functional His characters are often associated with attributes given to action movie antagonists or villains, such as clandestine government associations (Under Siege), great wealth and high-level corporate ties (On Deadly Ground), high-level biochemical research skill (The Patriot). Seagal's characters are normally nigh-on invincible and are unable to be beaten or even slowed down. Reports state that Seagal insists on such roles, even allegedly becoming hysterical when his character was scripted to die a heroic death in the movie Executive Decision, when director Stuart Baird insisted he must do it as scripted. Seagal held up filming for a few days, and finally acted the death scene as scripted after threat of contractual breach.

While his acting performance in Above The Law gained praise from the likes of Roger Ebert,[10] Seagal has repeatedly faced criticism from both actors and fans who accuse him of playing the same character in many of his movies, as well as displaying a lack of emotional range. Roger Joseph Ebert (iːbɝt born June 18, 1942) is an American film critic and Screenwriter.

Others have surmised that Seagal's unorthodox approach to film is actually an elaborate joke. [11] This is supported by Seagal's statement regarding humor: "I’m a very funny guy, if you’ll forgive me for saying so. When I did The Glimmer Man with Keenan Ivory Wayans, he and I were talking about who was funniest, and. Keenen Ivory Wayans (born June 8, 1958) is an American Actor, Comedian, director and writer known as the . . I kicked his ass every day. "[12] In addition, some of Seagal's own self-parody supports this view. In at least one commercial for Orange SA[13], Seagal pokes fun at his action star archetype. Orange is the brand used by France Telecom for its Mobile network operator and Internet service provider subsidiaries


Other career areas

Music

In addition to acting and aikido, Seagal also plays the guitar, and his songs have been featured in several of his movies (such as Fire Down Below and Ticker). In 2005, he released his first album, Songs from the Crystal Cave, which has a mix of pop, world, and blues music. Songs from the Crystal Cave is a 2005 album by Steven Seagal, his first Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure The term world music includes Traditional music (sometimes called Folk music or roots music of any culture that are created and played by indigenous musicians The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression It features duets with Tony Rebel, Lt. Tony Rebel (born Patrick George Anthony Barrett on January 15, 1962 in Manchester Parish Jamaica) is a Jamaican Reggae Stichie, Lady Saw, and Stevie Wonder. Lady Saw (born Marion Hall, 12 July 1972, Saint Mary, Jamaica) is a Jamaican Reggae Singer, known as "the Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13 1950 name later changed to Stevland Hardaway Morris) is an The soundtrack to Seagal's 2005 film Into the Sun features several songs from the album. Into the Sun is a 2005 Action film modeled after the American Yakuza films The Yakuza and Black One of his album tracks, "Girl It's Alright", was also released as a single in parts of the world alongside an accompanying music video created for it.

Seagal's second album, titled Mojo Priest, was released in April 2006. Mojo Priest is the second Steven Seagal album following Songs from the Crystal Cave. Subsequently, he spent summer 2006 touring the United States and Europe with his band, Thunderbox, in support of the album. Having received good support from UK audiences, the tour continues through early 2007.

Seagal uses a blend of Blues, Country, and World Music in his unique compositions, reflecting the eclectic mosaic style of his martial arts and film work, both of which combine different styles (aikido/gunfire and action/lecture are respective examples). The Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of Music based on the use of the Blue notes It emerged as an accessible form of self-expression Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. The term world music includes Traditional music (sometimes called Folk music or roots music of any culture that are created and played by indigenous musicians is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies philosophy and religious beliefs A gun is a particular Weapon that propels Projectiles The projectile is generally fired through a hollow tube known as the gun's barrel. Action movies are a Film genre where action sequences such as fights, Shootouts Stunts Car chases or explosions either take precedence A lecture is an oral Presentation intended to present information or teach people about a particular subject for example by a University or College Seagal is also known for his live cover versions including seminal works like Don Macleans' 'American Pie' and Hot Gossips' 'I Fell In Love With a Starship Trooper'. Don Maclean (born 11 March, 1944 in Birmingham) is an English Actor and Comedian, who hosted the BBC Television " American Pie " is a Folk rock song by Singer-songwriter Don McLean. Hot Gossip were a British Dance Troupe most notable for their appearance on the TV series The Kenny Everett Video Show, which

Work as a Deputy Sheriff

According to Seagal himself, while appearing as the guest host in episode 6 of the fourth series of The Friday Night Project on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom,[14] he is currently an active police officer of his home community of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Channel 4 is a public-service Television and Radio broadcaster in the United Kingdom centred around a television channel of the same name which began The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located In fact, he is a member of their SWAT team and is responsible for their training, according to Sheriff Lee during an interview on MSNBC during the Katrina crisis and was filmed by CNN's Anderson Cooper on 2005-09-13 riding around with the SWAT team from Jefferson Parish in the streets of New Orleans. SWAT ( Special Weapons And Tactics) is an elite special operations tactical unit in American Police departments similar to the Taiwan Thunder Squad Cable News Network, usually referred to by its Initialism CNN, is a major English language Television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner Anderson Hays Cooper (born June 3 1967 is an American Emmy Award -winning Journalist, author and television personality Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana [15][16]

Desmond Tutu Body Guard

On the same show, "The Friday Night Project", Steven claimed that during the days of Apartheid in South Africa he was a bodyguard for Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa A bodyguard (or "close protection officer" is a type of Security guard or government agent who protects a person—usually a famous wealthy or politically In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated Bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and others this means that they lead Desmond Mpilo Tutu (born 7 October 1931) is a South African Cleric and activist who rose to Worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent

Business ventures

Seagal Enterprises markets an energy drink known as Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, as well as an herbal oil product line. Energy drinks are Soft drinks advertised as providing more Energy than a typical drink Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt is a brand of Energy drink that is produced by Steven Seagal Enterprises. Herbalism is a traditional Medicinal or Folk medicine practice based on the use of Plants and Plant extracts Herbalism is also known as [17] Seagal personally endorses this drink, "I have traveled the world creating this drink; there is none better that I know. "[18] He also has his own aftershave called Scent of Action. Seagal has his own imprint of Kershaw Knives. The "Steven Seagal Edition" knives feature 4" blades with his signature etched in, and no auto-assisted opening mechanism.

Personal life

An only son, he has three sisters, one older and two younger. He now keeps a ranch in Colorado and a home in the Mandeville Canyon section of Brentwood, a wealthy suburb of Los Angeles. The State of Colorado ( or chiefly by nonresidents) is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. Mandeville Canyon is a small community in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Brentwood is an affluent district in western Los Angeles, California, United States; it is not to be confused with Brentwood California, in He has adopted many animals from shelters, including the cats "Sylvester" and "Gap", and the dogs "Gruff", "Cole", "Tyson", "Hamlet", and "Chaos". [19]

Marriages

  1. Miyako Fujitani (1975–1986) (divorced) 2 children
  2. Adrienne La Russa (1984-1987) (annulled)
  3. Kelly LeBrock (1987–1996) (divorced) 3 children

Seagal has gained some notoriety for being a bigamist. Adrienne La Russa (born May 15, 1948) is a New York City -born Italian-American actress, most known for her role as Brooke Hamilton Kelly LeBrock (born March 24, 1960) is an American -born English Actress and model (measurements 34-24-34 in 1982 The term polygamy (a Greek word meaning "the practice of multiple marriage" is used in related ways in Social anthropology, Sociobiology, and When he left his first wife Miyako Fujitani to go back to America (reportedly, Steven's last words to her were, "You are crazy; I want a divorce"),[20][21] he married former Days of Our Lives actress Adrienne La Russa, despite his divorce to Fujitani not yet being finalized. Days of Our Lives is an American Soap opera, which has aired nearly every weekday since November 8 1965 on the NBC network in the United During his marriage to La Russa he met actress/model Kelly LeBrock, with whom he began a relationship and who eventually became pregnant with his child. When news of this emerged, Seagal's marriage to La Russa was annulled and he then married LeBrock on 5th September 1987. In 1994, LeBrock filed divorce papers citing "irreconciable differences". During this time it emerged that Seagal was having an affair with Arissa Wolf, who was hired to be a nanny to Seagal and Lebrock's children. [22]

Children

Seagal has six known children from three relationships in which he has been involved. With Fujitani, he had a son, model and actor Kentaro Seagal (b. October 3, 1975), and a daughter, writer and actress, Ayako Fujitani (b. Events 42 BC - First Battle of Philippi: Triumvirs Mark Antony and Octavian fight an indecisive battle with Caesar's Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Ayako Fujitani (藤谷文子 Fujitani Ayako; b 7 December 1979 in Osaka, Japan) December 5, 1979). Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) His three children with LeBrock are daughters Annaliza (b. 1987) and Arissa (b. 1993), and son Dominic (b. 1990). Seagal and Arissa Wolf have one daughter, Savannah (b. 1996).

In addition to his biological children, Seagal's Tibetan Buddhist beliefs have also placed him in the role of guardian to a Tibetan child, Yabshi Pan Rinzinwangmo. Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including A legal guardian is a person who has the legal authority (and the corresponding duty to care for the personal and Property interests of another person called a ward Yabshi Pan Rinzinwangmo (尧西·班·仁吉旺姆 born 1983) is the only child of the 10th Panchen Lama of Tibet and Li Jie a Han Chinese Rinzinwangmo, or "Renji", is the only child of the 10th Panchen Lama of Tibet. Definitions of Tibet See also Definitions of Tibet Name In English The English word Tibet, like the word for Tibet in most European Renji studied in the United States at American University, and Seagal was her guardian and bodyguard. [23]

Views and activism

Animal rights work

Seagal has been an outspoken opponent of animal cruelty which can be seen in a scene in the movie Out for Justice. Cruelty to animals refers to the infliction of unnecessary Suffering or Harm to animals Out for Justice is a 1991 Action film directed by John Flynn and starring Steven Seagal. This is consistent with his views on spirituality, as well as his environmentalist views (as showcased in On Deadly Ground). Spirituality, in a narrow sense concerns itself with matters of the Spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and Faith, a transcendent reality Seagal is also a vegetarian. Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes Meat (including game and slaughter by-products Fish (including Shellfish and other sea Seagal believes in reincarnation: "When I walk into a room some people see a dog, some people see a cow. I am all of what they see. It is their perception. "[24]

Steven has described his activism method as "shaming companies into changing," a theme that is visible in such films as On Deadly Ground and Fire Down Below. On Deadly Ground is a 1994 environmental Action-adventure Film, co-produced directed by and starring Steven Seagal, and co-starring He has worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to discourage the fur trade, and has written to the Prime Minister of India to seek increased legal protection for cows. The fur trade is a worldwide industry dealing in the acquisition and sale of animal Fur. The Prime Minister of India is head of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The term sacred cow has passed into the English language to mean an object or practice which is considered immune from criticism especially unreasonably so Seagal worked effectively towards saving dogs destined to drown in Taiwan; he successfully sought the Premier of Taiwan to sign legislation limiting animal cruelty. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. The President of the Executive Yuan ( commonly known in English as the Premier of Taiwan ( is the head of the Executive Yuan, the Executive Legislation (or " Statutory law " is law which has been promulgated (or " Enacted quot by a Legislature or other Governing [25]

This activism has not diminished in recent years. Activism, in a general sense can be described as intentional action to bring about social or political change For these and other efforts, Seagal was awarded a PETA Humanitarian Award in 1999. [26] In 2003, Seagal wrote an open letter to the leadership of Thailand, urging them to enact law to prevent the torture of baby elephants. An open letter is a letter that is intended to be read by a wide audience or a letter intended for an individual but that is nonetheless widely distributed intentionally The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj Torture, according to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, is "any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental is intentionally [27]

Mystical dog incident

While being interviewed by PETA, Seagal was asked to provide an example of a special interaction with an animal. To lend context and meaning to his animal rights work, Seagal offered the story about a dog which approached him during his early aikido years in Japan. Seagal described feeling as if he had known this white dog forever. After keeping the dog for a few days, the dog (by barking) warned Seagal that his dojo was on fire. Seagal quickly summoned help to put out the conflagration. Seagal never saw the dog again. [28]

Solar power

Seagal is an advocate for solar power, consistent with his views on oil, as showcased in 1994's On Deadly Ground. On Deadly Ground is a 1994 environmental Action-adventure Film, co-produced directed by and starring Steven Seagal, and co-starring Upon spotting another Caucasian in Thailand in 2004, Seagal was pleased to find this man was a manufacturer of solar-powered bicycles. Seagal promptly purchased a number of solar electric utility and transport vehicles to bring feed to his animal partners at his ranch in California. [29]

Native American issues

Seagal is a concerned advocate for the rights and interests of Native Americans. Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States In his film On Deadly Ground, Seagal depicted himself as The Chosen One, sent to save the Inuit people from the evils of "Big Oil". On Deadly Ground is a 1994 environmental Action-adventure Film, co-produced directed by and starring Steven Seagal, and co-starring Chosen One is the second Hillsong Music album in the Youth Alive series by the Hillsong Church. The term supermajor illustrates the six largest non state-owned energy companies as seen in popular financial mediums around the world

Outside of his film work, Seagal has volunteered, lending his powerful voice as a narrator for an activist film project, Medicine Lake Video, which seeks to protect sacred tribal ground near his ranch in Siskiyou County. [30]

Tesla Coils

Seagal is a great admirer of Tesla Coils and has even collected a few. Seagal has also donated 3 Tesla Coils to California State Universities.

Parody portrayals

Seagal has become the target of Internet-based criticism. However, the line between Seagal's own work and a parody portrayal of Seagal is becoming increasingly blurry. The above-mentioned commercials for Orange SA and Mountain Dew poke fun at his action aikido style. Orange is the brand used by France Telecom for its Mobile network operator and Internet service provider subsidiaries Mountain Dew is a popular drink distributed and manufactured by PepsiCo. Seagal is sometimes considered to be in on the joke. [31]

In the TV show, madTV, Seagal was portrayed by Will Sasso. MADtv, is an American Sketch comedy television series based on the humor magazine Mad. Will Sasso (born May 24, 1975) is a Canadian Comedian and Actor. In various skits involving the actor, Seagal was portrayed to be an unintelligent, disrespectful, and egotistical actor for comedic effect. The trademark slapstick humor ranges from attempting to do stunts, but failing miserably, to random attacks on other characters in the scene (most notably, random chops or snapping necks. )

A scene in an episode of Family Guy portrays Seagal in the Arctic fighting a group of seals for killing a village's fish. Family Guy is an animated American television sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane that airs on Fox and regularly on other The Arctic is the Region around the Earth 's North Pole, opposite the Antarctic region around the South Pole.

Filmography

Discography

References

  1. ^ Britishaikido.com, Retrieved on January 27, 2008
  2. ^ Bruce Nash. Songs from the Crystal Cave is a 2005 album by Steven Seagal, his first Mojo Priest is the second Steven Seagal album following Songs from the Crystal Cave. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common "The Numbers - People: Steven Seagal", The Numbers, 2005. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  3. ^ Statement by H.H. Penor Rinpoche Regarding the Recognition of Steven Seagal as a Reincarnation of the Treasure Revealer Chungdrag Dorje of Palyul Monastery
  4. ^ http://www.filmreference.com/film/44/Steven-Seagal.html
  5. ^ a b Steven Seagal Biography & Description Woo Factor, Retrieved on 2007-06-05. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem
  6. ^ "Under Siege" "IMDb Business Data for Under Siege (1992).
  7. ^ "On Deadly Ground" "IMDb Business Data for On Deadly Ground (1994).
  8. ^ Thinkexist. com. "Steven Seagal quotes", Thinkexist. com, ???. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  9. ^ IMDB. "Steven Seagal IMDB biography", imdb. com, ???. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  10. ^ Roger Ebert. "Rogerebert.com Reviews- Above the Law", Rogerebert. com, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-05-08. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen  
  11. ^ Steven Seagal: Under Closer Scrutiny by Tom Dooley
  12. ^ Ed Condran. "The Steven Seagal interview", The Steven Seagal interview, 2006-06-13. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for Retrieved on 2006-06-13. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for  
  13. ^ visit4info. "Steven Seagal cellphone advertisement", visit4info. com, 2005-07-20 - 2006. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1304 - Wars of Scottish Independence: Fall of Stirling Castle - King Edward I of England takes the last rebel stronghold Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  14. ^ Wikipedia Community. "The Friday Night Project", wikipedia. org, ???. Retrieved on 2007-09-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde.  
  15. ^ Last Night in Little Rock. "FEMA Keeps Wal-Mart Closed; Sheriff Commanderes Stores", talkleft. com, 2005-09-12. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Retrieved on 2006-06-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians  
  16. ^ CNN. "Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees", edition. cnn. com, 2005-09-13. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Retrieved on 2007-02-10. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1355 - The St Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead  
  17. ^ Larry Carroll. "Steven Seagal's Next Target? The Nap - Action star creates energy drink called Lightning Bolt", MTV. com, 2005-08-22. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 392 - Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  18. ^ Larry Carroll. "Steven Seagal's Next Target? The Nap - Action star creates energy drink called Lightning Bolt", MTV. com, 2005-08-22. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 392 - Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  19. ^ Dan Mathews. "Getting tough with Steven Seagal", PETA: Animal Times, 2001. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  20. ^ Paul Smith. "E! TV- "E! True Hollywood Story" - Steven Seagal", E!, unknown. E! Entertainment Television (or simply E!) is an American Cable television and Direct broadcast satellite network Retrieved on 2006-06-25. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians  
  21. ^ "Mini Facts". Retrieved on 2007-01-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva.  
  22. ^ "Spiritually Retreat With Steven Seagal", Luke Ford. Retrieved on 2007-01-27. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva.  
  23. ^ Isabel Hilton. "Buddha's daughter: A young Tibetan-Chinese woman", The New Yorker, 2003-04-02. The New Yorker is an American Magazine that publishes reportage commentary criticism essays fiction satire cartoons and poetry Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  24. ^ Charles Carreon. "Steven Seagal Comes Out of the Buddhist Closet", American Buddha Online Library, ???. Retrieved on 2007-05-24. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1218 - The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt. 1276 - Magnus Ladulås is crowned  
  25. ^ Dan Mathews. "Getting tough with Steven Seagal", PETA: Animal Times, 2001. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  26. ^ Julian C. Dunn. "Paul McCartney's World Exclusive Performance at PETA's Party Of The Century and Humanitarian Awards", The Sea of Waking Dreams, 1999-09-18. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 96 - Nerva is proclaimed Roman Emperor after Domitian is assassinated Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  27. ^ Steven Seagal. "Letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand by Steven Seagal", 2003-02-07. (ทักษิณ ชินวัตร IPA tɕʰinnawát Chinese: 丘[[wikt 達|達]] 新, Qiū Dáxīn nicknamed by the media as แม้ว The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  28. ^ Dan Mathews. "Getting tough with Steven Seagal", PETA: Animal Times, 2001. Retrieved on 2006-05-07. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses  
  29. ^ "Seagal and solar bicycles", 2004. Retrieved on 2007-01-07. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental  
  30. ^ "Medicine Lake Video", 2001. Retrieved on 2007-01-07. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental  
  31. ^ Steven Seagal: Under Closer Scrutiny by Tom Dooley

External links

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