Steven F. SeagalSteven F. Seagal (pronounced (pronounced /sɨˈɡɑːl//sɨˈɡɑːl/; born April 10, 1952); born April 10, 1952)[1][1] is an is an AmericanAmerican

action movieaction movie actoractor, , producerproducer, writer, , writer, martial artistmartial artist, , guitaristguitarist, , and and deputy sheriffdeputy sheriff. A 7th-. A 7th-dandan black beltblack belt in in aikidoaikido, Seagal , Seagal began his adult life as an aikido instructor in began his adult life as an aikido instructor in JapanJapan. He . He became the first foreigner to operate an aikido dojo in became the first foreigner to operate an aikido dojo in Japan.Japan.[2][2] He later moved to the He later moved to the Los AngelesLos Angeles, , CaliforniaCalifornia area area where he made his film debut in 1988 in where he made his film debut in 1988 in Above the LawAbove the Law. . Since then, Seagal has become a major action star, mainly Since then, Seagal has become a major action star, mainly due to his films of the 1990s, such as due to his films of the 1990s, such as Under SiegeUnder Siege (1992) (1992) and and Under Siege 2Under Siege 2 (1995), where he played (1995), where he played Navy SEALsNavy SEALs counter-terrorist expert counter-terrorist expert Casey RybackCasey Ryback. In total, his movies . In total, his movies have earned in excess of $923 million worldwide.have earned in excess of $923 million worldwide.[3][3]

Seagal is also a Seagal is also a recording artistrecording artist and and guitaristguitarist and the and the founder of Steven Seagal Enterprises.founder of Steven Seagal Enterprises.[4][4] In addition to his In addition to his professional achievements, he is also known as an professional achievements, he is also known as an environmentalistenvironmentalist, an , an animal rightsanimal rights activist and a supporter activist and a supporter of the 14th Dalai Lama of the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin GyatsoTenzin Gyatso, and the , and the Tibetan independence movementTibetan independence movement . .

Early life and careerEarly life and career

Seagal was born in Seagal was born in LansingLansing, , MichiganMichigan, where he lived until he was , where he lived until he was five years old. His mother, Patricia (1930-2003), was a medical five years old. His mother, Patricia (1930-2003), was a medical technician, and his father, Samuel Steven Seagal (1928-1991), a technician, and his father, Samuel Steven Seagal (1928-1991), a high schoolhigh school math teacher. math teacher.[5][5] His mother was Irish American and His mother was Irish American and his father was his father was JewishJewish..[6][6] The family relocated to The family relocated to FullertonFullerton, , CaliforniaCalifornia, where Seagal attended , where Seagal attended Buena Park High SchoolBuena Park High School in in Buena ParkBuena Park, , CaliforniaCalifornia..

Seagal initially returned to Seagal initially returned to TaosTaos, , New MexicoNew Mexico, with his student—, with his student—and later a film stuntman—Craig Dunn. There, they opened a and later a film stuntman—Craig Dunn. There, they opened a dojodojo, , but Seagal spent much of his time pursuing other ventures. Dunn but Seagal spent much of his time pursuing other ventures. Dunn stayed in stayed in New MexicoNew Mexico and continued to run the dojo. After another and continued to run the dojo. After another period in Japan, Seagal returned to the U.S. in 1983 with senior period in Japan, Seagal returned to the U.S. in 1983 with senior student Haruo Matsuoka. They opened an aikido dojo, initially in student Haruo Matsuoka. They opened an aikido dojo, initially in BurbankBurbank, , CaliforniaCalifornia, but later moved it to the city of , but later moved it to the city of West HollywoodWest Hollywood. Seagal left Matsuoka in charge of the dojo, which . Seagal left Matsuoka in charge of the dojo, which he ran until the two parted ways in 1997. It was during that period he ran until the two parted ways in 1997. It was during that period that Seagal first found himself in contact with Hollywood. Initially, that Seagal first found himself in contact with Hollywood. Initially, he worked as the martial arts co-ordinator for the films he worked as the martial arts co-ordinator for the films The ChallengeThe Challenge (1982) starring (1982) starring Scott GlennScott Glenn and and Toshirô MifuneToshirô Mifune, and , and Never Say Never AgainNever Say Never Again (1983) starring (1983) starring Sean ConnerySean Connery

Hollywood careerHollywood career1990s1990s

Steven Seagal in Steven Seagal in Hard to KillHard to Kill.. In 1987, Seagal began work on his first film, In 1987, Seagal began work on his first film, Above the LawAbove the Law (titled (titled NicoNico in Europe), in Europe),

with director with director Andrew DavisAndrew Davis and reportedly as a favor to a former aikido student, the and reportedly as a favor to a former aikido student, the agent agent Michael OvitzMichael Ovitz, who believed he could make anyone a star., who believed he could make anyone a star.[7][7] Following its Following its success, Seagal made three more movies – success, Seagal made three more movies – Hard to KillHard to Kill, , Marked for DeathMarked for Death, and , and Out for JusticeOut for Justice – that were box office hits, making him an – that were box office hits, making him an action heroaction hero. Later, he . Later, he achieved wider, mainstream success in 1992 with the release of achieved wider, mainstream success in 1992 with the release of Under SiegeUnder Siege (1992). (1992). That film reunited Seagal with director Andrew Davis, and was a blockbuster in the That film reunited Seagal with director Andrew Davis, and was a blockbuster in the U.S. and abroad, grossing $156.4 million worldwide.U.S. and abroad, grossing $156.4 million worldwide.[8][8]

Seagal then directed Seagal then directed On Deadly GroundOn Deadly Ground (1994). This film, in which he also starred, (1994). This film, in which he also starred, emphasized environmental and spiritual themes, signaling a break with his previous emphasized environmental and spiritual themes, signaling a break with his previous persona as a genre-ready inner-city cop. The film featured persona as a genre-ready inner-city cop. The film featured Michael CaineMichael Caine and a small and a small role by role by Billy Bob ThorntonBilly Bob Thornton..

Following the general critical disappointment of Following the general critical disappointment of On Deadly GroundOn Deadly Ground,,[9][9] Seagal filmed Seagal filmed a sequel to one of his most successful films, a sequel to one of his most successful films, Under SiegeUnder Siege, titled , titled Under Siege 2: Dark TerritoryUnder Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995), and cop drama (1995), and cop drama The Glimmer ManThe Glimmer Man (1996). In (1996). In 1996, he had his first supporting role, in the 1996, he had his first supporting role, in the Kurt RussellKurt Russell film film Executive DecisionExecutive Decision (1996), which featured him in a starring role, but kept secret the fate of his character, (1996), which featured him in a starring role, but kept secret the fate of his character, who was killed in the film's first act. He subsequently made another environmentally-who was killed in the film's first act. He subsequently made another environmentally-conscious film, conscious film, Fire Down BelowFire Down Below (1997), wherein he was an (1997), wherein he was an EPAEPA agent fighting agent fighting industrialists dumping toxic waste in the industrialists dumping toxic waste in the KentuckyKentucky hills, but the movie was hills, but the movie was commercially unsuccessful. This film ended his original multi-picture contract with commercially unsuccessful. This film ended his original multi-picture contract with Warner Bros.Warner Bros.

Direct-to-video workDirect-to-video work

The next year, Seagal made The next year, Seagal made The PatriotThe Patriot, another environmental thriller which was his first , another environmental thriller which was his first direct-to-videodirect-to-video release in the United States (though it was released theatrically in most of the release in the United States (though it was released theatrically in most of the world). Seagal produced this film with his own money, and the film was shot on-location on and near world). Seagal produced this film with his own money, and the film was shot on-location on and near his farm in his farm in MontanaMontana..

After producing After producing Prince of Central ParkPrince of Central Park, Seagal returned to cinema screens with the release of , Seagal returned to cinema screens with the release of Exit WoundsExit Wounds in March 2001. The film had fewer martial arts scenes than Seagal's previous films, but in March 2001. The film had fewer martial arts scenes than Seagal's previous films, but it was a commercial success, taking almost $80 million worldwide. However, he was unable to it was a commercial success, taking almost $80 million worldwide. However, he was unable to capitalize on this success and his next two projects were both critical and commercial failures. capitalize on this success and his next two projects were both critical and commercial failures. TickerTicker co-starring co-starring Tom SizemoreTom Sizemore and and Dennis HopperDennis Hopper, and filmed in , and filmed in San FranciscoSan Francisco before before Exit WoundsExit Wounds, went straight to DVD while , went straight to DVD while Half Past DeadHalf Past Dead, starring , starring raprap star star Ja RuleJa Rule, made less than , made less than $20 million worldwide.$20 million worldwide.

Seagal at the Pollstar Awards, February 2006.Seagal at the Pollstar Awards, February 2006. As of May 2008, all of the films Seagal has made since the second half of 2001 have been released As of May 2008, all of the films Seagal has made since the second half of 2001 have been released

direct-to-video (DTV) in North America, with only limited theatrical releases in the rest of the world. direct-to-video (DTV) in North America, with only limited theatrical releases in the rest of the world. Seagal is credited as a producer and sometimes a writer on many of these DTV movies, which Seagal is credited as a producer and sometimes a writer on many of these DTV movies, which include include Black DawnBlack Dawn, , Belly of the BeastBelly of the Beast, , Out of ReachOut of Reach, , SubmergedSubmerged, , Kill SwitchKill Switch, , Urban JusticeUrban Justice, , Pistol WhippedPistol Whipped, , Against the DarkAgainst the Dark, , Driven to KillDriven to Kill and and The KeeperThe Keeper for a projected 2009 release. for a projected 2009 release.

Regarding his career, Seagal has stated, "I am hoping that I can be known as a great writer and Regarding his career, Seagal has stated, "I am hoping that I can be known as a great writer and actor some day, rather than a sex symbol."actor some day, rather than a sex symbol."[10][10] Seagal has clarified the purpose of his films: " Seagal has clarified the purpose of his films: "Above Above the Lawthe Law was a politically conscientious movie. was a politically conscientious movie. On Deadly GroundOn Deadly Ground was environmentally conscientious was environmentally conscientious so I want to keep making movies like that which are more geared with a certain entertainment 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."value but also bring people forward into contemplation."[11][11]

MusicMusic

In addition to acting and In addition to acting and aikidoaikido, Seagal also plays the , Seagal also plays the guitar, and his songs have been featured in several of his guitar, and his songs have been featured in several of his movies (such as movies (such as Fire Down BelowFire Down Below and and TickerTicker). In 2005, he ). In 2005, he released his first album, released his first album, Songs from the Crystal CaveSongs from the Crystal Cave, which , which has a mix of has a mix of poppop, , worldworld, and , and bluesblues music. It features duets music. It features duets with with Tony RebelTony Rebel, , , , Lady SawLady Saw, and , and Stevie WonderStevie Wonder. The . The soundtrack to Seagal's 2005 film soundtrack to Seagal's 2005 film Into the SunInto the Sun features features several songs from the album. One of his album tracks, several songs from the album. One of his album tracks, "Girl It's Alright", was also released as a single in parts of "Girl It's Alright", was also released as a single in parts of the world alongside an accompanying music video created the world alongside an accompanying music video created for it.for it.

Seagal's second album, titled Seagal's second album, titled Mojo PriestMojo Priest, was released in , was released in April 2006. Subsequently, he spent summer 2006 touring April 2006. Subsequently, he spent summer 2006 touring the United States and Europe with his band, Thunderbox, in the United States and Europe with his band, Thunderbox, in support of the album.support of the album.

Law enforcement workLaw enforcement work

Seagal is currently a Seagal is currently a Reserve Deputy ChiefReserve Deputy Chief of the Sheriff's Office in the of the Sheriff's Office in the community of community of Jefferson ParishJefferson Parish, , LouisianaLouisiana. Seagal has a second home in . Seagal has a second home in Louisiana, and spends several months a year there.Louisiana, and spends several months a year there.[15][15] He says that he He says that he graduated from a police academy in California and has a certificate from graduated from a police academy in California and has a certificate from Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST), an organization that accredits Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST), an organization that accredits California police officers. In television commercials broadcast prior to the California police officers. In television commercials broadcast prior to the premiere of his premiere of his reality televisionreality television series, series, Steven Seagal: LawmanSteven Seagal: Lawman, he says , he says he has been a police officer for 20 years. However, according to a he has been a police officer for 20 years. However, according to a December 2, 2009 December 2, 2009 Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times commentary, P.O.S.T. has no record commentary, P.O.S.T. has no record of this, and his deputy chief rank is ceremonial only.of this, and his deputy chief rank is ceremonial only.[16][16][[dubiousdubious – – discussdiscuss] ] It should be noted, however, that an individual can serve as a Reserve It should be noted, however, that an individual can serve as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff at certain agencies in the state of Louisiana without being Deputy Sheriff at certain agencies in the state of Louisiana without being P.O.S.T. certified provided he/she is partnered with another P.O.S.T. P.O.S.T. certified provided he/she is partnered with another P.O.S.T. certified deputy.certified deputy.[17][17] In November 2008, In November 2008, A&EA&E announced that they had announced that they had begun taping begun taping Steven Seagal: LawmanSteven Seagal: Lawman, which follows his work in the , which follows his work in the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The series premiered on A&E on December Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The series premiered on A&E on December 2, 2009. Seagal stated that "I’ve decided to work with A&E on this series 2, 2009. Seagal stated that "I’ve decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it’s important to show the nation all the positive now because I believe it’s important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana—to see the passion and work being accomplished here in Louisiana—to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this post-post-KatrinaKatrina environment." The series premiere drew 3.6 million viewers, environment." The series premiere drew 3.6 million viewers, ranking as best season opener for any original A&E series everranking as best season opener for any original A&E series ever

Business venturesBusiness ventures

Seagal Enterprises markets an Seagal Enterprises markets an energy drinkenergy drink known as known as Steven Seagal's Lightning BoltSteven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, as well , as well as an as an herbalherbal oil product line. oil product line.[19][19] Seagal personally endorses this drink, Seagal personally endorses this drink, saying, "I have traveled the world saying, "I have traveled the world creating this drink; there is none creating this drink; there is none better that I know."better that I know."[19][19] He also has his He also has his own aftershave called Scent of Actionown aftershave called Scent of Action

ActivismActivism

Seagal has described his activism method as "shaming Seagal has described his activism method as "shaming companies into changing," a theme that is visible in such companies into changing," a theme that is visible in such films as films as On Deadly GroundOn Deadly Ground and and Fire Down BelowFire Down Below. He has . He has worked with worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of AnimalsPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to discourage the (PETA) to discourage the fur tradefur trade, and has written to the , and has written to the Prime MinisterPrime Minister of of IndiaIndia to seek increased legal protection for to seek increased legal protection for cowscows. Seagal worked effectively towards saving dogs . Seagal worked effectively towards saving dogs destined to drown in destined to drown in TaiwanTaiwan..

In 1999 Seagal was awarded a PETA Humanitarian Award.In 1999 Seagal was awarded a PETA Humanitarian Award.[20][20] In 2003, Seagal wrote an In 2003, Seagal wrote an open letteropen letter to the leadership to the leadership of of ThailandThailand, urging them to enact law to prevent the , urging them to enact law to prevent the torturetorture of baby elephants.of baby elephants.[21][21]

Outside of his film work, Seagal has volunteered, lending Outside of his film work, Seagal has volunteered, lending his voice as a narrator for an activist film project, his voice as a narrator for an activist film project, Medicine Medicine Lake Video,Lake Video, which seeks to protect sacred tribal ground which seeks to protect sacred tribal ground near his ranch in Siskiyou County.near his ranch in Siskiyou County.[22][22]

Personal lifePersonal life

An only son, Seagal has three sisters, one older and two younger. He owns a An only son, Seagal has three sisters, one older and two younger. He owns a dude ranchdude ranch in in ColoradoColorado and a home in the and a home in the Mandeville CanyonMandeville Canyon section of section of BrentwoodBrentwood, a , a wealthy neighborhood in Los Angeles. He has adopted many animals from shelters, wealthy neighborhood in Los Angeles. He has adopted many animals from shelters, including the cats Sylvester and Gap, and the dogs Gruff, Cole, Tyson, Hamlet, and including the cats Sylvester and Gap, and the dogs Gruff, Cole, Tyson, Hamlet, and Chaos.Chaos.[23][23] Seagal travels back and forth to a home in Eads, Tennessee, a rural Seagal travels back and forth to a home in Eads, Tennessee, a rural unincorporated area located just east of unincorporated area located just east of Memphis, TennesseeMemphis, Tennessee..

After Seagal left his first wife to go back to the After Seagal left his first wife to go back to the United StatesUnited States,,[24][24][25][25] he married he married former former Days of our LivesDays of our Lives actress actress Adrienne La RussaAdrienne La Russa, despite his divorce to Fujitani , despite his divorce to Fujitani not yet being finalized. During his marriage to La Russa he met actress/model not yet being finalized. During his marriage to La Russa he met actress/model Kelly LeBrockKelly LeBrock, with whom he began a relationship and who eventually became , 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 pregnant with his child. When news of this emerged, Seagal's marriage to La Russa was annulled and he then married LeBrock on September 5, 1987. In 1994, LeBrock was annulled and he then married LeBrock on September 5, 1987. In 1994, LeBrock filed divorce papers citing "irreconcilable differences". During this time it emerged filed divorce papers citing "irreconcilable differences". During this time it emerged that Seagal was having an affair with , who was hired to be a nanny to Seagal and that Seagal was having an affair with , who was hired to be a nanny to Seagal and Lebrock's children.Lebrock's children.[26][26][27][27]

Seagal has six children from three relationships. With Fujitani, he had a son, model Seagal has six children from three relationships. With Fujitani, he had a son, model and actor , and a daughter, writer and actress, and actor , and a daughter, writer and actress, Ayako FujitaniAyako Fujitani. His three children with . His three children with LeBrock are daughters Annaliza and Arissa, and son Dominic. Seagal and Arissa Wolf LeBrock are daughters Annaliza and Arissa, and son Dominic. Seagal and Arissa Wolf have one daughter, Savannah.have one daughter, Savannah.

In addition to his biological children, Seagal's In addition to his biological children, Seagal's Tibetan BuddhistTibetan Buddhist beliefs beliefs[28][28] have also have also placed him in the role of placed him in the role of guardianguardian to a Tibetan child, to a Tibetan child, Yabshi Pan RinzinwangmoYabshi Pan Rinzinwangmo. . Rinzinwangmo, or "Renji", is the only child of the Rinzinwangmo, or "Renji", is the only child of the 10th Panchen Lama10th Panchen Lama of of TibetTibet. Renji . Renji studied in the United States at American University, and Seagal was her guardian and studied in the United States at American University, and Seagal was her guardian and bodyguardbodyguard

FilmographyFilmography

Above the LawAbove the Law (1988) (1988) Hard to KillHard to Kill (1990) (1990) Marked for DeathMarked for Death (1990) (1990) Out for JusticeOut for Justice (1991) (1991) Under SiegeUnder Siege (1992) (1992) On Deadly GroundOn Deadly Ground (1994) (1994) Under Siege 2: Dark TerritoryUnder Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) (1995) Executive DecisionExecutive Decision (1996) (1996) The Glimmer ManThe Glimmer Man (1996) (1996) Fire Down BelowFire Down Below (1997) (1997) The PatriotThe Patriot (1998) (1998) Get BruceGet Bruce (1999) (1999) Prince of Central ParkPrince of Central Park (2000) (2000) Exit WoundsExit Wounds (2001) (2001) TickerTicker (2001) (2001) Half Past DeadHalf Past Dead (2002) (2002) The ForeignerThe Foreigner (2003) (2003) Out for a KillOut for a Kill (2003) (2003) Belly of the BeastBelly of the Beast (2003) (2003) Out of ReachOut of Reach (2004) (2004) ClementineClementine (2004) (2004) Into the SunInto the Sun (2005) (2005) SubmergedSubmerged (2005) (2005) Today You DieToday You Die (2005) (2005) Black DawnBlack Dawn (2005) (2005) Mercenary for JusticeMercenary for Justice (2006) (2006) Shadow ManShadow Man (2006) (2006) Attack ForceAttack Force (2006) (2006) Flight of FuryFlight of Fury (2007) (2007) Urban JusticeUrban Justice (2007) (2007) Pistol WhippedPistol Whipped (2008) (2008) The Onion MovieThe Onion Movie (2008) (2008) Kill SwitchKill Switch (2008) (2008) Against the DarkAgainst the Dark (2009) (2009) Driven to KillDriven to Kill (2009) (2009) The KeeperThe Keeper (2009) (2009) A Dangerous ManA Dangerous Man (2009) (2009) MacheteMachete (2010) (2010) Born to Raise HellBorn to Raise Hell (2010) (2010)

SourcesSources

http://images.google.ro/images?http://images.google.ro/images?hl=ro&rlz=1R2ADSA_roRO368&q=sthl=ro&rlz=1R2ADSA_roRO368&q=steven+segal&um=1&ie=UTF-even+segal&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=wmyGS_OTJoaC_AbKnvmcDw&8&ei=wmyGS_OTJoaC_AbKnvmcDw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=titsa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCcQsAQwAwle&resnum=4&ved=0CCcQsAQwAw

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Seagal Steven_Seagal