What happened to Michael Dudikoff, the 'American Ninja' of the 80s?

The great, forgotten action hero

When we think back to the action actors of the 80s, the names that come to mind are the classics: Chuck Norris, Sylvester Stallone, Jean Claude Van Damme or Bruce Willis, to name but a few. Unfortunately, Michael Dudikoff is not one of them.

'American Ninja'

The reason for this is not because of the history surrounding the saga he starred in. 'American Ninja' is one of the masterpieces of 80s action cinema.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios

Delivery repoker

This franchise ended up reaching five instalments, although Michael Dudikoff would only take part in the first two (1985 and 1987) and the fourth (1990). In the photo, with Steve James, in 'American Ninja 2: The Confrontation'.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios

Bad choices post Joe Armstrong

But sadly poor decisions in choosing films made this actor famous for one role and one role only.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios

He had it all

It's a pity because this young Californian had everything to succeed: a great physique, a model's face, an expert in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a child psychologist to boot.

Photo: Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios

Does anyone remember any other roles?

Despite having more than 60 titles in his filmography, in both cinema and television, it is difficult to place any good Michael Dudikoff film beyond his legendary 'American Ninja'.

Interesting filmography but...

... his curriculum includes films like 'Tron' (1982), 'Bachelor Party' (1984) and appearances in series like 'Dallas', 'North and South' or 'Cobra', where he played Scandal Jackson, the main character.

More than ten years of rest

At the turn of the century, Michael Dudikoff put acting on hold and didn't take it up again until 2013, when he returned with the series 'Zombie Break Room'.

Family and leisure

Since then, he has been involved in smaller projects but, above all, he has devoted himself to his hobbies and his family.

Photo: michaeldudikoff / Instagram

Happy father and husband

Since 2004, Michael Dudikoff has been married to Belle Dudikoff with whom he has two children: Nancy and Joseph.

Photo: michaeldudikoff / Instagram

Tireless traveller

A well-known fan of football, tennis and a great admirer of Leo Messi, the actor also designs houses and sculpts in bronze. He also loves to travel and Barcelona is one of his favourite cities.

Photo: michaeldudikoff / Instagram

He will always be the American Ninja

So he never got as big as Sly or Arnie... but, for a while, he looked like he could give them a run for their money. He may not be a global superstar but he will always be an American Ninja.

Photo: michaeldudikoff / Instagram

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