PLATOON LEADER, Michael Dudikoff, 1988. ©Cannon Films

Legends of Action: Michael Dudikoff

BrithDate: October 8, 1954

If ever there’s a man who NEEDS to be in Expendables 3, it’s Mr. Dudikoff. The American Ninja himself was actually a model before he became an actor and started off doing a fashion show in Newport Beach.

He would later turn to acting and did a few advertisements for Coca Cola in Japan, Army Reserve and more. He would have his first role as Joni’s boyfriend in the legendary TV Series Happy Days.

It would be a role in a little film called American Ninja in 1985 that would make him the next action star. The film spawned 4 highly successful sequels and are still talked about by a legion of fans today. His character Private Joe Armstrong was the strong silent type which gave him a wide appeal to males and females.

His career would include many more action classics including Avenging Force, Platoon Leader, Uncommon Valor, Bachelor Party, Air America (Uncredited), Chain of Command, the Shooter and many more.

His last film was the 2004 movie Black Horizon and he spends time mentoring other actors while participating in martial arts.

Dudikoff began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Rorion Gracie and stays connected with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighting circuit.

He is a huge fan of philosophy and believes that as humans we are curious and simple. “Our minds are truly the only zone of privacy left in today’s world, and our actions always speak louder than our words. It is important to be aware of this fact, because all too often you become what you think.”

According to his official site, “My experience in martial arts puts all of this into focus through training and discipline. To succeed, I have to come from a place of true intentions and humility with respect for the uniqueness in others. Strong choices communicate these intentions. In simplicity there is strength.”

He supports several charities including Smile Train, We Spark and Best Friends Animal Society, which he considers inspirational.

The time has come for Dudikoff to return to ass kicking and he has recently stated an interest in The Expendables 3 and also a potential new American Ninja installment. Make it happen, people!