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Ray ParkEnglish actor, stuntman and martial artist
Date of Birth: 23.08.1974
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Martial Arts Career
- Stunt Work and Film Debut
- Leading Roles and Superhero Portrayals
- Recent Roles
- Personal Life
Early Life and Martial Arts Career
Raymond Park was born on August 23, 1974, in Glasgow, Scotland. He lived there until age 7, when his family moved to London. There, he began practicing kung fu, and later added wushu and gymnastics to his training regimen.
Park became a second-degree black belt in kung fu and competed extensively in martial arts tournaments, including the United Kingdom Championship, where he won in his age group at age 16. He also represented Great Britain at the 1993 World Wushu Championships in Malaysia.
Stunt Work and Film Debut
Park made his film debut in 1997 as a stuntman in "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation." He performed stunts for Rayden, Reptile, and Baraka. Despite having no speaking lines in the film, his martial arts skills were showcased in numerous fight scenes.
In 1999, Park landed the role of Darth Maul, a Sith Lord, in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." While his character spoke a few lines, they were dubbed by another actor. Park's performance earned him MTV Movie Award nominations for Best Fight and Best Villain.
Leading Roles and Superhero Portrayals
Park's first significant role with dialogue came in the 2000 film "X-Men." He played Toad, a mutant who could manipulate his body and control his tongue. In this role, Park incorporated wushu techniques into his character's fighting style.
Park went on to play superhero roles, including the titular character in the upcoming "Iron Fist." Based on the Marvel Comics character, the film depicts a martial artist with the ability to concentrate his life force into devastating punches.
Recent Roles
In 2007, Park was cast as Snake-Eyes in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." The character is a member of an elite anti-terrorism force. In addition, Park has played vampire twins in "Vampires: The Turning," Edgar Sullivan in "Heroes," and a Templar knight in "Hellboy."
