Martial Artists In Movies: The Real Deal - Volume 1

1. Mimi Lesseos

Mimi Lesseos was born on February 25, 1964 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. She is an actress and writer, known for Double Duty (2009), Streets of Rage (1993) and Beyond Fear (1993).

Judo, Karate, Kickboxing

Trivia: is a former pro wrestler, having performed in the FMW, AWA, AJPW, and LPWA

Best seen in PUSHED TO THE LIMIT

2. Michelle Lintel

Actress | Black Scorpion

Michelle Lintel was born on August 14, 1969 in the USA. She is an actress, known for Black Scorpion (2001), Sting of the Black Scorpion (2002) and Black Scorpion Returns (2001).

Krav Maga

Trivia: is a 2-time Junior Olympic Bronze medalist in hurdling

Best seen in STING OF THE BLACK SCORPION

Athena Massey has captivated audiences with an array of multifaceted performances in film and television. She made her film debut opposite Don "The Dragon" Wilson in "Virtual Combat." Massey's physically demanding role garnered a lot of attention and respect. Skilled in Martial Arts and Krav Maga, ...

Krav Maga

Trivia: prefers to perform her own stunts

Best seen in VIRTUAL COMBAT

4. Victoria Pratt

Actress | Mutant X

She graduated summa cum laude from York University in Toronto and went on to work at the University in its Human Performance Lab, testing such elite professional athletes as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks. She was also offered a scholarship to the master's program in ...

Kickboxing, Shotokan Karate (blue belt)

Trivia: is a former writer for MuscleMag magazine

Best seen in MUTANT X

5. Rebekah Chaney

Actress | Reach Me

Rebekah Chaney made her directorial and writing debut with the critically-acclaimed short Waste Land, starring noted film actor and Academy Award nominee Ryan O'Neal. Waste Land garnered several awards--in the Boston International Film Festival, Action on Film Festival Long Beach, and the Salento ...

Tae Kwon Do (2nd Dan)

Trivia: is the grandniece of Lon Chaney

Best seen in XTREME FIGHTER

6. Kelly Hu

Actress | The Scorpion King

On February 13th, 1968, a girl of Chinese, English, and Hawaiian ancestry was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father, Herbert, was a salesman and her mother, Juanita, worked many odd jobs to help support the family. She has one older brother, Glenn. She is a former Miss Teen USA, and modeled in Japan...

Karate

Trivia: as a child, her older brother would organize fights between her and neighborhood boys

Best seen in THE TOURNAMENT

7. Ka'imi Kuoha

Actress | Veronica Mars

Ka'imi Kuoha is known for Veronica Mars (2004), Return of the Killer Tomatoes! (1988) and Seers of the Ninth Island (2014).

Kara-Ho Kempo

Trivia: is the daughter of Sam Kuoha, the only grandmaster of Kara-Ho Kempo

Best seen in BLACK BELT ANGELS

8. Kristanna Loken

Actress | Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

Kristanna Sommer Loken was born in Ghent, New York, to Rande (Porath) and Merlin "Chris" Loken. She is of half Norwegian and half German descent. She began her modeling career at the early age of 15. Encouraged by her mother, who was a model prior to her daughter's birth, Kristanna's modeling ...

Krav Maga

Trivia: also practices Bikram yoga

Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: CONQUEST

9. Brenda Song

Actress | Dollface

Brenda Song was born in Carmichael, California. Her father is Hmong and her mother is Thai-American. Brenda, her parents, and her younger brothers Timmy and Nathan now live in a suburb of Los Angeles.

Brenda was named an All-American Scholar in ninth grade and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

She ...

Tae Kwon Do, Wushu, Shaolin Kung Fu

Trivia: was pressured into studying the martial arts by her mother, who wouldn't let her take dance lessons

Best seen in WENDY WU: HOMECOMING WARRIOR

10. Dana Hee

Stunts | Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

Dana Hee is also a television color commentator (local, national, and int'l Taekwondo events). A master of ceremonies (U.S.O.C. Olympic Academy, Olympic Sports Festival, San Francisco-Seoul Sister City Fund raiser, National Educational seminars for CAPHERD and AAHPERD. A motivational speaker (over ...

Tae Kwon Do (US Olympic Team member; Olympic Gold medalist; 2-time US National Silver medalist), Shotokan Karate (brown belt), Capoeira, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Schui-Jow

Trivia: was a Master of Ceremonies at the 1988 Olympics, in which she also competed

Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: CONQUEST

11. Angela Meryl

Stunts | Skyfall

Veteran stunt woman and actor. Year after year, Meryl reaps rewards of acknowledgment including a historical two-time, Taurus Award nomination for her performance in the opening scene of Quentin Turentino's blockbuster-- Kill Bill; A Taurus Award for "Best Overall Stunt By A Woman," for the movie ...

Karate

Trivia: trained under Marcus Salgado

Best seen in KILL BILL VOL. 1

12. Anna Ranoso

Stunts | NCIS: Los Angeles

Anna Ranoso is known for NCIS: Los Angeles (2009), The Great Wall (2016) and Criminal Minds (2005).

Wushu, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Kobudo

Trivia: trained in XMA under Mike Chat

Best seen in SLUG STREET SCRAPPERS

13. Jessie Graff

Stunts | Wonder Woman

One of the top competitors on American Ninja Warriors, Jessie Graff is quickly becoming known as a modern day Wonder Woman, breaking stereotypes as she continues to break records. Graff made national headlines in June 2016 during the Los Angeles qualifier when she became the first woman to make it ...

Capoeira, Tae Kwon Do, Wushu, Muay Thai, Kobudo

Trivia: is an NCAA scholarship athlete

Best seen in CHUCK

14. Cynthia Rothrock

Actress | The Martial Arts Kid

Cynthia Rothrock is a martial arts expert and athlete, who went on to become a film actress, starring in a number of highly successful martial arts action movies. She first made a name as an action actress in Hong Kong before going on to wow audiences in her home turf. At the time of her popularity...

Tang Soo Do (8th Dan), Tae Kwon Do (4th Dan), Kenpo, Eagle Claw, Wushu, Northern Shaolin, Pai Lum (5-time World Karate Champion; AKA & NKC Champion; Long Beach International, Battle of Atlanta, Diamond Nationals, Fort Worth Pro Am & California Superstars Nationals/Internationals Champion; Black Belt & Kung Fu Hall of Fame entry)

Trivia: is the only world champion in weapons & forms competition to win the title five times consecutively

Best seen in RIGHTING WRONGS

15. Karen Sheperd

Actress | Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Karen Sheperd is an American actress with numerous credits in film, television and theatre. Her fascination with acting began in high school where she appeared on stage in various plays. Sheperd Is also a World-Class #1 Champion Martial Artist and is in the Black Belt Hall of Fame, alongside icons ...

Shotokan Karate, Kajukenbo, Wun Hop Kuen (7th Dan; 2-time US Open Karate Champion; 2-time Diamond Nationals Champion; 2-time West Coast Nationals Champion; Battle of Atlanta, AKA Grand Nationals & US Black Belt Champion; WKC Gold medalist; Black Belt & Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame entry)

Trivia: was the first female Grand Champion of the US Open Karate tournament

Best seen in MISSION OF JUSTICE

16. Elodie Yung

Actress | Gods of Egypt

Elodie Yung was born in Paris, France, of Cambodian and French descent. She grew up in Seine-saint-Denis, in Le Bourget, where she practiced karate and obtained her black belt. She graduated from University of La Sorbonne in Paris and has a law degree. She then decided to study acting at London ...

Karate, Wushu

Trivia: is also trained in swordplay

Best seen in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION

17. Tamiko Brownlee

Stunts | Avengers: Endgame

Born and raised in San Antonio, TX to a Canadian Japanese mother and South African father. Tamiko grew up the youngest of three (with two older brothers) participating in Taekwondo and various sports - volleyball, track & field, softball, and dance. She always had a love for martial arts and ...

Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Northern Shaolin, Wushu

Trivia: also practices boxing

Best seen in SUPERHERO FIGHT CLUB

18. Noomi Rapace

Actress | Män som hatar kvinnor

Swedish actress Noomi Rapace was born in Hudiksvall, Gävleborgs län, Sweden to Swedish actress Nina Norén and Spanish Flamenco singer Rogelio de Badajoz (Rogelio Durán). Her parents did not stay together, and when she was five she moved to Iceland with her mother and stepfather, where she lived for...

Kickboxing, Muay Thai

Trivia: trained in martial arts for seven months in preparation for the "Millennium" trilogy

Best seen in THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE

19. Zoë Bell

Actress | The Hateful Eight

As an established and extremely talented stunt double and actress, Zoe Bell has made a name for herself through her unparalleled dedication, skills, and focus.

Zoe Bell was born on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, to Tish, a nurse, and Andrew Bell, a doctor. She has a background in gymnastics and martial...

Tae Kwon Do, Wushu

Trivia: began her stunt career after she acquired the phone number of an injured stuntman being treated at her father's emergency room

Best seen in ANGEL OF DEATH

20. Sophia Crawford

Stunts | Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Sophia Crawford was born in Hammersmith, London, and is one of Triplets. She left England in 1986 and took an incredible journey on a bus overland from London to India. After spending some time in India and Nepal, Sophia headed to Thailand, where she began her movie career. At first she was an ...

Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Trivia: has doubled over 45 different actresses during her stunt career

Best seen in US SEALS 2

21. Summer Glau

Actress | Serenity

Summer is a native of San Antonio, Texas. She's been a ballerina most of her life. Her debut was in various commercials and a guest appearance on the WB's Angel (1999). She has gone on to star on the TV series Firefly (2002) as well as its follow-up movie Serenity (2005) and the TV series ...

Wushu, Kickboxing

Trivia: was formerly a dancer, until an ankle injury began her acting career

Best seen in SERENITY

22. Diana Lee Inosanto

Actress | Ahsoka

For Diana Lee Inosanto, joining the cast of the new Star Wars series, Ahsoka and becoming part of the iconic Star Wars franchise may seem like a dream, but it is very much the real-life culmination of 30 years of dedication and hard work. Originally, Diana was featured in The Mandalorian for the ...

Jeet Kune Do, Wushu, Escrima, Muay Thai, Pentjak Silat, Savate

Trivia: is the goddaughter of Bruce Lee and childhood friend of Brandon Lee

Best seen in THE SENSEI

23. Nia Peeples

Actress | Fame

FYI: I've written my own BIO. To be honest it felt more sincere than pretending like I hired some journalist to do a ton of research and come up with a non biased presentation. So here it goes.

Nia Peeples- What others have said: is an American actress, singer, dancer. For more than 30 years Nia has...

Tang Soo Do, Shito-Ryu Karate, Wushu

Trivia: has studied the martial arts under Bruce Fontaine, Fumio Demura, and Chuck Norris, among others

Best seen in HALF PAST DEAD

24. Marjean Holden

Actress | Mortal Kombat: Annihilation

Actress, stunt woman, and martial artist Marjean Holden was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in Vail, Colorado. She started acting from the age of 9, well being from the family of entertainers, she already knew her profession. As a youngster, she showed multiple skills in her school plays,...

Wun Hop Kuen

Trivia: prefers to do her own stunts

Best seen in BALLISTIC

25. Lauren Mary Kim

Stunts | The Mandalorian

Lauren Mary Kim is the faceless action hero that brings adrenaline to films, television and video games. As a child she trained in acrobatics and dance and originally moved to Los Angeles to become a dancer where she landed her first job as a Laker girl. Soon after she trained in acting, martial ...

Tae Kwon Do, Wushu, Muay Thai

Trivia: is a former NBA dancer

Best seen in BACKLASH

26. Kristin Kreuk

Actress | EuroTrip

Kristin Kreuk was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Deanna Che, who is of Chinese ancestry, and Peter Kreuk, who is of Dutch descent. Her parents are landscape architects. She attended and graduated from Eric Hamber Secondary School. Although she did some stage work in school, she ...

Karate (purple belt)

Trivia: also practices gymnastics

Best seen in STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN LI

27. Catya Sassoon

Actress | Tuff Turf

Daughter of English hair stylist Vidal Sassoon and American actress Beverly Adams, she was born and lived her tender years in Manhattan, New York, then in Los Angeles, California.

At 14, she dropped out of Beverly Hills High School to pursue a modeling career in New York, due to the persuasion of ...

Karate (WKA Champion)

Trivia: was also a model and a rock singer

Best seen in ANGELFIST

28. Jillian Kesner

Actress | Firecracker

Sunny, dynamic and beautiful slender blonde actress Jillian Kesner was born on August 9, 1949 in Portsmouth, Virginia and grew up primarily in Denver, Colorado. Her father was a Navy officer. Jillian received a B.A. in business from a Colorado university in 1967. In 1969 Kesner moved to Los Angeles...

Karate

Trivia: she and her husband pieced together footage the latter shot for Orson Welles' unfinished film THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND, which they intended to eventually release

Best seen in OPERATION COBRA

29. Kim Penn

Actress | The Ultimate Warrior

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, she is a former undefeated kumite fighter and 1988 World Karate Champion. She participated in state, national, and international tournaments, receiving the Most Outstanding Competitor Award at the World Karate Championships in Japan. Her martial arts skills also ...

Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Wushu, Shaolin Eagle Claw (WKC Champion)

Trivia: is the director of Signal 8 Security in China and Hong Kong

Best seen in FUN AND FURY

30. Bobbie Phillips

Actress | Solar Eclipse: Depth of Darkness

Bobbie Phillips is an actress, animal advocate, and a true Chameleon (1998); both on screen and off. Bobbie has portrayed a variety of characters in various genres throughout her career. Widely recognized for her award winning role as the insect loving entomologist, Dr. Bambi Berenbaum on The ...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: was trained in martial arts by Billy Blanks while filming TC 2000

Best seen in CHAMELEON 3

31. Françoise Yip

Actress | AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem

At an early age Francoise passed on an opportunity to study in music and chose to persue a degree in Political Science. It was during those years, Francoise started with modeling. That career didn't last long, but she did get the opportunity to star with Jackie Chan in Rumble in the Bronx. For her ...

Wushu

Trivia: is a student of Bruce Fontaine

Best seen in ROMEO MUST DIE

32. Andrea VanEpps

Fall

Andrea VanEpps was born in Salem, Oregon, but as a toddler she moved with her family to a small town in Montana where she was first introduced to the stage and all of the physical activities that shaped her future in entertainment.

As small as the town may have been it had a lot to offer. She ...

Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Judo

Trivia: trained under Geo Corvera, Arnold Chon, Chad Stahelski, Koby Azarly, and Esteban Cueto

Best seen in SHADOWS IN PARADISE

33. Kimberly Estrada

Actress | Hawaii Five-0

Kimberly Estrada is an American actress known for playing a wide range of roles, from professional boxer to vixen. Estrada is an ethnic blend of primarily Chinese, Spanish and Native descent and has an extensive background in martial arts and combat including Shaolin Kempo, Jeet Kun Do Kung Fu, ...

Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kun Do, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shaolin Kenpo

Trivia: studied under Dave Lea and Ed Monaghan

Best seen in DISTURBANCE

34. Lucy Liu

Actress | Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Born to immigrants in New York City, Lucy Liu has always tried to balance an interest in her cultural heritage with a desire to move beyond a strictly Asian-American experience. Her mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, is from Beijing & her father, Tom Liu, a civil engineer, is from Shanghai. Once ...

Silat, Escrima

Trivia: studied martial arts under Dan Inosanto

Best seen in CHARLIE'S ANGELS

35. Debra Ann Miceli

Actress | WCW Monday Nitro

is a retired American professional wrestler. She is best known under her ring names Madusa (shorthand for Made in the USA) or Alundra Blayze. Her early career was spent in the American Wrestling Association, where she held the AWA World Women's Championship one time. In 1988, Miceli was also the ...

Muay Thai

Trivia: is a former pro wrestler and 3-time WWF Women's Champion

Best seen in SHOOTFIGHTER II

36. Laura Niles

Actress | Californication

Laura Niles is an actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and director from Los Angeles, California.

Laura made her start in entertainment as a model and actress, and joined Screen Actors Guild in 1997. She has been cast in numerous TV and film roles, notably as the boxing instructor in Californication.

...

Shaolin Kung Fu

Trivia: is also an amateur boxer

Best seen in TAI CHI WARRIORS

37. Katheryn Winnick

Actress | Vikings

Award-winning actress, director, producer, Katheryn Winnick, is best known for starring and directing the critically acclaimed, Emmy award-winning television series "Vikings." Winnick made her directorial debut in sixth and final season which earned her "Best Director" at the 2020 WIN Awards. She ...

Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan), Karate (2nd Dan)

Trivia: had opened three martial arts schools by age 21

Best seen in KILLERS

38. Patricia Ja Lee

Actress | Biohazard 5

She enjoys snow-boarding, reading, eating veggie-burgers, drinking smoothies, hanging out with her friends, acting, and making creative works such as beading jewelry, painting, writing poetry, sewing funky dresses, and photographing interesting images. Her heritage is Korean, and she speaks some ...

Karate

Trivia: trained under California's Japanese Karate Association chapter

Best seen in POWER RANGERS IN SPACE

39. Tanit Phoenix

Actress | Gallowwalkers

Tanit Phoenix was born on September 24, 1980 in Durban, Natal, South Africa. She is an actress, known for Gallowwalkers (2012), Death Race 2 (2010) and Hardcore Henry (2015). She has been married to Sharlto Copley since February 15, 2016. They have one child.

Muay Thai, Tai Chi

Trivia: also enjoys skydiving, scuba diving, bungee jumping, mountain biking, ballet, and horseback riding

Best seen in DEATH RACE 2

40. Nikki Berwick

Stunts | Die Another Day

Nikki Berwick was born on December 24, 1978 in Rochford, Essex, England, UK. She is an actress, known for Die Another Day (2002), Skyfall (2012) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).

Tang Soo Do (WAKO & WKA Champion)

Trivia: also enjoys gymnastics and horseback riding

Best seen in EXTREME CHALLENGE

41. Stephanie Cheeva

Stunts | Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Stefi was born and raised in Bulgaria by her parents, Bulgarian Figure-skating Champion Maria Vulkova, and Mathematics Professor Veselin Georchev. Stefi changed her name to Stephanie Cheeva when she came to LA in 1996. She had to learn how to speak English, before she could join and graduate from ...

Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan; 8-time Bulgarian National Champion), Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Trivia: began training in the martial arts at age 9

Best seen in THE ULTIMATE GAME

42. Christina Cox

Actress | The Chronicles of Riddick

The youngest of three girls, Christina was born just outside Toronto. She carried a double major of theater and dance at the prestigious Arts York at Unionville High School. She went on to further her training at the Ryerson Theatre School of Toronto, among such alumni as Eric McCormack and David ...

Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Kickboxing

Trivia: while filming a movie, stunt coordinator Steve McMichael urged Cox to kick him in the ribs without padded protection; she kicked him so hard that he retains bone spurs on his side

Best seen in BLOOD TIES

43. Daniella Deutscher

Actress | Aquaman

Daniella Deutscher was born on October 4, 1975 in Bozeman, Montana, USA. She is an actress, known for Aquaman (2006), Hang Time (1995) and Drifting School (1995). She has been married to Jay Hernandez since 2006.

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: formerly worked as a model in Japan

Best seen in SPECIAL FORCES

44. Mickey Facchinello

Stunts | Wonder Woman

Mickey Facchinello is known for Wonder Woman (2017), Black Widow (2021) and Wonder Woman 1984 (2020).

Shorei-Ryu & Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kobudo

Trivia: is also proficient with the bullwhip

Best seen in SLUG STREET SCRAPPERS

45. Soon Hee Newbold

Actress | Bounty Killer

Soon Hee Newbold was adopted as an infant by the Newbold family and grew up, with two sisters, in Frederick, Maryland. She began playing piano at age five and violin at age seven winning many prestigious competitions and performing as a concert artist at an early age. As a soloist and in ...

Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan), Hapkido (2nd Dan), Kig Mu Do

Trivia: is also a concert violinist

Best seen in WARRIOR OR ASSASSIN

46. Missi Pyle

Actress | Captain Fantastic

Missi Pyle was born Andrea Kay Pyle on November 16, 1972 in Houston, Texas, and was raised in Memphis, Tennessee. The daughter of Linda and Frank Pyle, she has four older siblings, sisters Debbie and Julie, and brothers Sam and Paul. Pyle attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and graduated...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: is also a standup comedian

Best seen in BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

47. Chloé Bruce

Stunts | Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

Chloe began her training at the age of 8 after watching her brother training. She began with Tang Soo Do and at the age of 9 she was told that she was better than average. Ath the age of 10 she was already competing and won her first WKA British title at the age of 12. She was also selected to ...

Tang Soo Do (4th Dan, 2-time WKA Champion; WAKO & FSK Champion; Irish, US, Swiss, Quebec, New England & Ocean States Open Champion), Kickboxing

Trivia: holds the Guinness World Record of "most kicks delivered in one minute" - 212

Best seen in THE PURIFIERS

48. Rachel Grant

Actress | Die Another Day

Actress Rachel Louise Grant De Longueuil was born on the Island of Luzon in the Philippines. Her mother is Filipino and her father, British. Rachel is the middle of three sisters and grew up in the English town of Nottingham where she and her sisters performed on stage for many years. She attended ...

Silat, Escrima

Trivia: is distantly related to the Royal Family of Great Britain

Best seen in THE PURIFIERS

49. Samantha Win

Stunts | Army of the Dead

Samantha Win Tjhia (formerly Samantha Jo) was born in Barrie, Ontario, Canada to a Chinese father and Caucasian/Canadian mother, Charles and Leslie. She has two older brothers who reside in Toronto with the rest of her family. Samantha started acted at the age of 10, appearing in several toy ...

Wushu (WWC Bronze medalist; 2-time Pan-American Gold medalist; Canadian National Team member), Jujitsu, Tai Chi

Trivia: trains at the Sunny Tang Martial Arts Center of Toronto, ON

Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY

50. Milla Jovovich

Actress | Le Cinquième Élément

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...

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Trivia: performs many of her own stunts

Best seen in ULTRAVIOLET

51. Jhoanna Trias

Actress | Constantine

Jhoanna Trias was born on February 9, 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

52. Hilary Swank

Actress | Million Dollar Baby

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 ...

Krav Maga

Trivia: has also studied boxing

Best seen in THE NEXT KARATE KID

53. Crystal Santos

Self | Man at Arms: Art of War

Crystal Santos was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are Antonio Santos and Cynthia Davis, her father is from Mexico and her mother is Mexican American. The first style Crystal was introduced to was boxing, her father Antonio Santos was a boxer. At the age of 18-19 she briefly...

Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Trivia: is a member of the Devil Dog Tactical Weaponry Team

Best seen in BARE KNUCKLES

54. Zara Phythian

Actress | Tribal Get Out Alive

Zara Phythian was born on May 10, 1984 in England. She is an actress and producer, known for Tribal Get Out Alive (2020), Doctor Strange (2016) and Morgan (2016). She has been married to Victor Marke since 2015.

Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing (IKKF Hall of Fame entry)

Trivia: holds Guinness World Records for "Highest Female Martial Art Kick" and "Most Items Kicked off Peoples' Heads in One Minute"

Best seen in HE WHO DARES

55. Taryn Manning

Actress | Orange Is the New Black

Taryn Manning was born in Falls Church, Virginia, to Bill Manning, a musician, and his wife Sharyn. At two months old, Manning's parents separated, and she moved with her mother and brother to Tucson, Arizona, where she was raised. Manning was active in dance, karate, and acting as a child. At age ...

Karate (3rd Dan; Arizona State Champion), Kickboxing

Trivia: is also a musician and member of the band BoomKAT

Best seen in ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

56. Cecily Fay

Actress | Warrioress

Cecily Fay was born on April 6, 1978 in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK. She is an actress and composer, known for Warrioress (2013), Babes with Blades (2018) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).

Melayu & Pentjak Silat (2-time EPSF Gold medalist), Tai Chi

Trivia: is the only woman to attain official mastership in both her styles of Silat

Best seen in WARRIORESS

57. Susie Park

Actress | Spider-Man 2

Susie Park is known for Spider-Man 2 (2004), Blade (1998) and Level 9 (2000).

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: is also a stage combat instructor

Best seen in THE CHAOS FACTOR

58. Danielle Burgio

Stunts | The Matrix Reloaded

Triple threat Danielle Burgio transitioned from Broadway dancer, to Hollywood stuntwoman, and now, successful actress / producer. Born in Andrews Airforce Base, Burgio booked her first job only two weeks after moving two New York City, making her Big White Way debut in Starlight Express.

After ...

Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Wushu

Trivia: is a former member of Broadway's Starlight Express

Best seen in THE ELIMINATOR

59. Eve Torres

Actress | Jue di tao wang

is an American actress, dancer, model, martial arts instructor, and former professional wrestler. She is best known for her time with WWE, where she is a former three-time WWE Divas Champion.

Torres began her career as a model and dancer. She danced for The Southern California Summer Pro League and ...

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing

Trivia: is a spokesperson and head instructor for the Gracie Women Empowered Self-defense program

Best seen in THE SCORPION KING 4

60. Vanessa Motta

Stunts | Logan

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, but grew up in Miami, Florida. Danced ballet her whole life and professionally, but moved out to Los Angeles to act and do stunts. After a few years in the stunt industry, Vanessa was nominated for Best Fire at the Taurus Awards 2010 for the Film Friday the 13th. In ...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: studied the martial arts under Simon Rhee

Best seen in BARE KNUCKLES

61. Ashley Becciani

Stunts | Sorry to Bother You

Ashley Becciani is known for Sorry to Bother You (2018), The Black Wasp Strikes and The Return of the Panther (2018).

Karate, Wushu

Trivia: also practices with the sword, spear, chain whip, and staff

Best seen in ROPE-A-DOPE 2

62. Michelle Lee

Actress | Black Widow

Michelle Charlene Lee is an Asian American actress that has a series role named Violet in Blood and Treasure 2, Mileena in Mortal Kombat Legacy, a role on Black Widow and Venom to name a few. She's also appeared in many films and television series as a stunt woman in Pirates of the Caribbean 3, ...

Wushu (Berkeley Collegiate Silver medalist), Eagle Claw, Kickboxing

Trivia: studied the martial arts under Eric Chen and Chad Stahelski

Best seen in MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY

63. Tayah Kansik

Actress | B.R.I

Tayah Kansik is known for B.R.I (2023), The Siege (2023) and The Bouncer.

Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Mixed Martial Arts

Trivia: taught self-defense and weapons usage to the Staffordshire Police Department

Best seen in BITCHFIGHT

64. Jeanette Roxborough

Actress | The Wonderful World of Disney

Jeanette Roxborough is a versatile actress with over 20 years in the entertainment industry, known for diverse roles in media including Disney's Angels in the Infield, Suits, Heroes Reborn, Mutant X, and stunt/fight doubling for Melissa George on Thieves, Denise Richards on Undercover Brother, and ...

Shotokan Karate (3rd Dan)

Trivia: formerly competed in provincial figure skating in Canada

Best seen in BARE KNUCKLES

65. Marilyn Cortez

Stunts | R.I.P.D.

Marilyn practices Martial Arts. She has traveled around the world, her favorite places to visit are Israel, Turkey, Alaska, Argentina, and Greece. Her parents are Feliciano and Marina. She loves horseback riding as well as training in Boxing, Bikram Yoga, Crossfit, and jogging. She has a major in ...

Shotokan Karate

Trivia: prefers performing in action movies and comedies

Best seen in THE SKY HAS FALLEN

66. Spice Williams-Crosby

Actress | Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Born on a ranch in North Hollywood, California, Spice Williams-Crosby rode her horse to kindergarten, grew up playing in her father's medical offices, eventually hitting the road as a musician, singer, and dancer under contract to 20th Century-Fox Records.

Overcoming a seven-year drug and alcohol ...

Arjukanpo (3rd Dan), Kickboxing, Kapap, Escrima

Trivia: is the only US woman to be granted a Level B rank in Kapap by the Israeli Ministry of Education

Best seen in THE DEAD UNDEAD

67. Melissa R. Stubbs

Stunts | Inception

Melissa R. Stubbs was born in 1970 in Canada. She is an assistant director and actress, known for Inception (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and The Host (2013).

Karate, Kickboxing, Escrima

Trivia: also practices with the bo staff and bokken

Best seen in BATMAN & ROBIN

68. Rebecca Ferratti

Actress | Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Rebecca Ferratti was born in the "Big Sky Country," Montana. She is an active sports enthusiast and has been involved in many professional sports, including the arena of competitive martial arts, and has developed her talents as a weapons, sparring and forms champion. She attributes her positive ...

Kickboxing

Trivia: competed in fighting, weapons, forms, and board-breaking during her competitive career

Best seen in GOR

69. Jacqueline Moore

Actress | WWE SmackDown

Retired African-American female professional wrestler best known for her work in the USWA as Miss Texas and under her own first name for WCW in 1997 and for WWE from 1998 to 2004. After training under legendary heel manager General Skandor Akbar, she debuted for World Class Championship Wrestling ...

HONORARY ENTRY

Tae Kwon Do (3rd Dan), Kickboxing

Trivia: is the only woman to hold the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

70. Marissa Labog

Stunts | Logan

Marissa Labog, nicknamed "Mighty" by her peers, is committed to her strong belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Indicated by her nickname, as an actor, dancer, and stunt woman, Marissa is fearless and powerful in her pursuit for creative adventure earning her awards such as the ...

Wushu, Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira, Karate

Trivia: is also a stage actress, having won the Lester Horton Award in 2010

Best seen in RAZE

71. Linda Jewell

Stunts | True Lies

Linda Jewell is known for True Lies (2023), First Wives Club (2019) and L.A.'s Finest (2019).

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeira, Northern Shaolin, Kickboxing, Kobudo

Trivia: is a former competitive swimmer

Best seen in MASK OF THE NINJA

72. Maja Aro

Stunts | War for the Planet of the Apes

Maja Aro was born on January 1, 1984 in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada. She is an actress and producer, known for War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), Good Boys (2019) and Last Stand to Nowhere (2019). She has been married to Jeffery Aro since July 13, 2013.

Tae Kwon Do (red belt), Budo Taijutsu (red belt), Escrima

Trivia: finished in second place at the 2002 Women's Big Air Competition

Best seen in TRUE JUSTICE

73. Carrie-Anne Moss

Actress | The Matrix

Carrie-Anne Moss was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. At age 20, after studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she moved to Europe to pursue a career in modeling. While in Spain she was cast in the TV show Dark Justice which was produced in Barcelona for its first season and Los ...

Shaolin Kung Fu

Trivia: trained in screen fighting under Yuen Woo-Ping for four months

Best seen in THE MATRIX

74. Caitlin Dechelle

Stunts | The Mandalorian

Caitlin Dechelle was born in Miami, FL and is based in Atlanta, GA. She began her martial arts training at 6 years old and was competing by age 8. She enjoyed the exhilaration of competition and went on to win 94 NASKA & World Titles, making her the most decorated female martial artist in the world...

Karate (60-time NASKA Champion; 12-time ISKA Champion; 5-time WSKF Champion; 2-time WAKO Champion; 3-time AKA Champion), Kendo

Trivia: was personally cast by Jackie Chan in the below-mentioned film after he saw her compete on television

Best seen in CHINESE ZODIAC

75. Nicole Bilderback

Actress | Cruel Summer

Nicole "Nikki" Bilderback grew up in Dallas, Texas as an all-American girl. She was born in Seoul, Korea but is a mix of Korean, Japanese and Chinese, giving her a versatile Asian-American look. Nikki was adopted as a newborn by Jim and Lois Bilderback. Being the youngest child and only daughter, ...

Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts

Trivia: performs her own stunts

Best seen in DARK ANGEL

76. Amy Dumas

Actress | ECW Hardcore TV

Amy Dumas was born on April 14, 1975 in Florida. Not much is known about her past except that she and her family did a lot of moving around. Her parents divorced before she graduated from high school. She graduated 6 months early and became a roadie for 5 years and became interested in wrestling ...

Judo, Kickboxing

Trivia: is the survivor of three cracked vertebrae, sustained while filming the below-mentioned program

Best seen in DARK ANGEL

77. Selina Lo

Actress | The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Selina Lo is known for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022), Hellraiser (2022) and Boss Level (2020).

Sanshou

Trivia: is also proficient in swordplay

Best seen in THE SCORPION KING 3

78. Barbara Gehring

Actress | Dragon and the Hawk

Barbara Gehring (born Barbara Melnyk) is a Canadian born actress and playwright originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba. A veteran of improv, sketch comedy and theatre, she is also the co-creator, playwright and star of the national hit show, The Secret Comedy of Women- Girls Only.® Gehring's ...

Goju-Ryu Karate, Kobudo

Trivia: is also a martial arts instructor of the Boulder Kodokan studio in Colorado

Best seen in DRAGON AND THE HAWK

79. Gina Carano

Actress | The Mandalorian

From pioneering women's MMA to blazing a trail in movies, GINA CARANO is one of Hollywood's most unique rising stars. Carano began her training with Muay Thai to competitive MMA, where she competed in Strikeforce and EliteXC. Her popularity led to her being called the "Face of Women's MMA" and she ...

Kickboxing, Muay Thai (record: 12-1-1), Mixed Martial Arts (record: 7-1)

Trivia: is the recipient of the first-ever Chick Norris award from ActionFest film festival

Best seen in HAYWIRE

80. Maggie Q

Actress | Divergent

Margaret Denise Quigley was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a father of Polish and Irish descent (originally based in New York) and a Vietnamese mother. Her parents met during the Vietnam War. Maggie has two older half-siblings from her mother's previous marriage, and two older sisters. The family ...

Wing Chun, Wushu

Trivia: also practices qi gong

Best seen in NIKITA

81. Helen Steinway Bailey

Stunts | Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Helen Steinway Bailey is known for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Les Misérables (2012) and Robin Hood (2010).

Wushu (British National Champion), Okinawa-Te Karate

Trivia: is a member of the Babes with Blades martial arts team

Best seen in WARRIORESS

82. Jesse-Jane McParland

Actress | Into the Badlands

Jesse-Jane McParland is known for Into the Badlands (2015), The Martial Arts Kid (2015) and Robyn Hoodie (2017).

Karate (9-time WOMAA Champion; WKC Champion)

Trivia: is the youngest WKC champion in history

Best seen in THE MARTIAL ARTS KID

83. Juliana Potter

Stunts | Daddy's Home 2

Juliana Potter is a professional stuntwoman and actress, local to Hollywood. Known for her work as the Seraphim in AMC's Preacher, and for her stunt work on features and television shows. From Acton Massachusetts, Potter's background consists of musical theater performance, competitive gymnastics &...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: also practices fencing

Best seen in THE SHADOW BOXER

84. Karin Justman

Stunts | The Guardian

Karin Justman was born on March 13, 1970 in Morristown, New Jersey, USA. She is an actress, known for The Guardian (2006), Ford v Ferrari (2019) and Baby Driver (2017).

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: studied the martial arts under Simon Rhee

Best seen in SUPAH NINJAS

85. Christina Rose

Actress | Rage 2

Christina Rose was born in Naples, Italy, to American parents, Mary and Allen Polkowski, a US Navy serviceman who was stationed in Italy at the time. She was raised in Macomb Twp., MI and is one of four girls.

Rose started performing in the family band, The Odyssey Sound System, at a very young age. ...

Kickboxing

Trivia: is also a self-defense instructor

Best seen in CIRCLE OF FURY

86. Bridgett Riley

Stunts | Watchmen

Bridgett Riley was born on May 13, 1973 in Oakville, Missouri, USA. She is an actress, known for Watchmen (2009), Jumper (2008) and Star Trek Beyond (2016).

Kickboxing (ISKA, WKBA, WKA, UKF & IKBF Champion; Black Belt Hall of Fame entry; record: 26-2), Karate (1st Dan)

Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 15-3) and former IFBA Champion

Best seen in TRIPLE IMPACT

87. Cathy Brown

Actress | Intergalactic Combat

Cathy is a combat performance artist and is a specialist in movement/psychological choreography. She has spent 16 years in the martial art and professional boxing industry as a fighter of which she was ranked number 3 in the World and held both English and European title and a professional boxing ...

Kickboxing

Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 13-8) and the first woman to hold the BBBofC title

Best seen in INTERGALACTIC COMBAT

88. Holly Holm

Actress | Fight Valley

Born October 17, 1981 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to parents Roger Holm and Tammy Bredy, Holly Holm is considered to be one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Holm attended Manzano High School where she wanted to take up wrestling, but her parent's wouldn't allow it since there were no ...

Kickboxing (IKF Champion), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & Legacy FC Champion; record: 10-3)

Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 33-2-3), having won the WBF, WBAN, WBC, NABF, IFBA, WBA, and IBA championships

Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY

89. Miesha Tate

Actress | Here Without You

Miesha Tate was born on August 18, 1986 in Tacoma, Washington, USA. She is an actress, known for Here Without You, Fight Valley (2016) and Pursued.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (purple belt; FILA Silver medalist; World Team Trials National Champion & Silver medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (2-time FCF Champion; UFC & Strikeforce Champion; World MMA Hall of Fame entry; record: 18-7)

Trivia: is the first fighter to have defeated Marloes Coenen in an MMA match

Best seen in FIGHT VALLEY

90. Ronda Rousey

Actress | Fast & Furious 7

Ronda Rousey burst onto the women's MMA scene in August of 2010. Born in Riverside County, California on February 1, 1987 to parents Ron Rousey and AnnMaria DeMars, little Ronda was born with an umbilical cord wrapped around her neck that damaged her vocal cords. She didn't speak coherently until ...

Judo (4th Dan; Olympic Bronze medalist; 5-time US National Gold medalist; Pan-American Gold [3x], Silver & Bronze medalist; World Championships Silver medalist; Junior World Championships Gold medalist), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC & Strikeforce Champion; record: 12-2)

Trivia: is the first US woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo

Best seen in THE EXPENDABLES 3

91. Devon Aoki

Actress | 2 Fast 2 Furious

Born in New York but raised in California, Devon Aoki is no stranger to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Her father is former Olympic wrestler and Benihana restaurant magnate Rocky Aoki and her mother is Pamela Hilburger, a jewelry designer. Devon is of Japanese (from her father) and German ...

Hapkido

Trivia: holds an honorary black belt from the World Tukong Martial Arts Federation

Best seen in DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE

92. Evan Rachel Wood

Actress | Thirteen

Evan Rachel Wood was born September 7, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her father, Ira David Wood III, is a theatre actor, writer and director, and her mother, Sara Wood, is an actress and acting coach. She has two older brothers--Dana Wood, a musician, and Ira David Wood IV, who has also acted. ...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: earned a black belt at age 12

Best seen in ONCE AND AGAIN

93. Jessica Biel

Actress | The Illusionist

Jessica Biel, has become one of Hollywood's most sought-out actresses. She was born in Ely, Minnesota, to Kimberly (Conroe) and Jonathan Edward Biel, who is a business consultant and GM worker. Biel was raised in Boulder, Colorado. She is of Hungarian Jewish, Danish, English, and German descent.

As ...

Kickboxing

Trivia: is also a trained gymnast

Best seen in BLADE: TRINITY

94. Jennifer Garner

Actress | Alias

Jennifer Garner, who catapulted into stardom with her lead role on the television series Alias (2001), has come a long way from her birthplace of Houston, Texas. Raised in Charleston, West Virginia by her mother Patricia Ann (née English), a retired English teacher, and her father, Billy Jack ...

Krav Maga, Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: began studying the martial arts in preparation of the below-mentioned program

Best seen in ALIAS

95. Olivia Munn

Actress | The Newsroom

Lisa Olivia Munn was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her mother, Kimberly Schmid, lived in Vietnam, and is of Chinese ancestry, while her father, Winston Barrett Munn, is from a family with deep roots in the American South. Olivia's parents divorced when she was two years old, and she was raised ...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: has also studied sword-fighting

Best seen in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

96. Rochelle Okoye

Stunts | Dark Phoenix

Rochelle is a Professional Hollywood Stunt Woman, Actress, Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker and Co-Owner of Tristar Vancouver Martial Arts. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and began her gymnastics career at the very early age of 2. When Rochelle was 7 yrs old, both her parents decided ...

Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Trivia: is also a professional boxer (record: 1-0), and one of the first women to compete in British Columbia

Best seen in ARROW

97. Brandie Sylfae

Actress | Total Force

Brandie Sylfae is an actor, voice over performer, and award-winning stunt performer born in Los Angeles, California. As a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do under Chuck Norris, she got her start in martial arts focused roles, including the television series V.R. Troopers and the feature film ...

Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Kobudo

Trivia: also studies boxing and use of the long bow

Best seen in BLOODMOON

98. Claire Holt

Actress | 47 Meters Down

Claire Rhiannon Holt (born June 11, 1988) portrays the role of "Rebekah Mikaelson" in The Vampire Diaries (2009) and The Originals (2013). Her most notable roles are "Samara Cook" in Pretty Little Liars (2010), "Chastity Meyer" in Mean Girls 2 (2011) and "Emma Gilbert" in H2O: Just Add Water (2006).

...

Tae Kwon Do

Trivia: also enjoys swimming, volleyball, and water polo

Best seen in THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

99. Caity Lotz

Actress | The Machine

Caitlin Marie Lotz (born December 30, 1986) is an American actress, dancer, and singer. She is known for her roles as Stephanie Horton in Mad Men (2007), Officer Kirsten Landry in the MTV mockumentary series Death Valley (2011), as Annie in The Pact (2012), and as Sara Lance/White Canary in The ...

Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Wushu, Escrima

Trivia: also enjoys parkour

Best seen in ARROW

100. Laura Vandervoort

Actress | The Handmaid's Tale

Born in Toronto, Canada, Laura Vandervoort is a versatile actress who not only crosses over genres, but also transforms from character to character embracing the essence of every role she plays. Best known for her roles on the television shows "Smallville" as Supergirl, and "V," Laura has built an ...

Karate (2nd Dan)

Trivia: prefers to perform her own stunts

Best seen in BITTEN