Mark Dacascos

Mark Alan Dacascos, famously known as Marc Dacascos and The Chairman, was born on February 26, 1964. He wears many hats, including being an American actor, martial artist, and television personality. A distinguished 4th-degree black belt in Wun Hop Kuen Do, Dacascos has made a significant impact on action films. Audiences know him best for his roles as Louis Stevens in Only the Strong (1993), in Crying Freeman (1995), Mani in Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), and as the antagonist Ling in Cradle 2 the Grave (2003). He's also recognized for other roles, such as Sharish in Nomad (2005), and the formidable assassin Zero in John Wick: Chapter 3 (2019). His unique martial art skills and exceptional acting talent have seen him being nominated for several awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. On television, he is known for his role as "The Chairman" of Food Network's Iron Chef America series, a role which he reprised in 2022 on Netflix's Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.

He has portrayed several roles across many platforms, including Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat: Legacy, Eric Draven on The Crow: Stairway to Heaven and Eubulon on Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight. He also competed in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, firmly entrenching his place in popular culture. Dacascos was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame in 2023, further establishing his legacy in the martial arts world. His success story is inspirational, starting with his discovery while walking down the street in San Francisco's Chinatown. Since then, he has held various roles primarily playing martial artists, including memorable performances in action films like Brotherhood of the Wolf and Cradle 2 the Grave, and series like Hawaii Five-0.