Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal: A Martial Arts Master and Hollywood Icon
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Steven Frederic Seagal was born on April 10, 1952.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 10, 1952
Still active in the entertainment industry as of this writing
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Actor, Martial Artist, Producer, Musician
Early Life and Background
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Steven Seagal was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Samuel Raymond Seagal, a high school administrator and mathematician, and Patricia Anne (née Proctor), a medical technician. His father was Jewish, while his mother had Scottish, Swedish, English, German, and distant Russian ancestry.
Growing up in Michigan, Seagal showed an early interest in martial arts, training in karate at the age of 5 under Fumio Demura, a renowned Okinawan karate master. He later moved to Fullerton, California, where he continued his martial arts studies and earned a black belt in judo.
Major Accomplishments
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Seagal's impressive background in martial arts led him to open his own martial arts schools in the 1970s. However, he soon shifted his focus towards acting, inspired by his idol, Bruce Lee.
Seagal made his film debut in 1988 with the action-packed drama "Above the Law." He then went on to star in a string of successful films throughout the 1990s, including:
Under Siege (1992): A critically acclaimed thriller where he played Casey Ryback, a corrections officer who must protect a luxury cruise ship from terrorists.
Marked for Death (1990): An action-packed film where Seagal portrayed John Hatcher, an ex-CIA operative out to take down a Caribbean crime lord.
* On Deadly Ground (1994): A drama that saw Seagal play Michael Pendleton, an oil company executive who becomes embroiled in a conflict between Native Americans and big business.
In addition to his acting career, Seagal is also a licensed pilot and has been involved in several humanitarian efforts throughout the years.
Notable Works or Actions
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Seagal's commitment to martial arts has led him to be involved in various projects that promote self-defense and physical fitness. He has also been open about his interests in Eastern spirituality and has incorporated elements of it into some of his films.
One notable aspect of Seagal's career is his production company, Moondance International Entertainment Group, which he co-founded with Arnon Milchan (of "The Wolf of Wall Street" fame). This venture has produced several films, including "On Deadly Ground," which showcased Seagal's environmental activism.
Impact and Legacy
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Steven Seagal's impact on popular culture is undeniable. With his distinctive blend of martial arts expertise and Hollywood swagger, he helped shape the action genre in the 1990s. His commitment to self-defense and physical fitness has inspired countless individuals around the world.
Seagal's influence extends beyond film as well; his humanitarian efforts have brought attention to various social causes, including environmental conservation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Steven Seagal is widely quoted for his insights on martial arts, self-defense, and spirituality. His quotes often emphasize the importance of balance in life and the need for individuals to cultivate both physical and mental discipline.
As a Hollywood icon, Seagal continues to be remembered for his iconic film roles and his dedication to promoting a more holistic approach to personal development.
Quotes by Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal's insights on:
I want to be able to work on a project that will give people around the world the chance to represent their own people, their own culture, their own stories, rather than just Hollywood – really, you know, dominated Hollywood. And that’s a dream of mine.
I think people are frustrated in this society, where predators prey upon normal, law-abiding citizens, and you never see justice in the courtroom. In my films, the predators don’t get away with it.
For a while, I had this uncontrollable urge – this addiction to danger. Now I look back and I think, ‘Gee, what an idiot. I was risking my life just for the sensation of it.’
You can take away the money and the fame. I don’t look at myself as any of those things.
You just realize that you can’t turn a lefthand corner in a right posture without exposing some part of your body, and so it was really me just noticing the exposure I had, and it made me start doing and practicing the switching.
One of the reasons why people – particularly young people – love action movies is because what they are really looking for is justice.
I used to have a gun made every month; I would get another pistol made that I would design. I’m very into the military and police stuff like that.