Biography
Muscular African American sports star, actor, media identity and inventor of the phenomenally popular "Tae Bo" fitness system, derived from his extensive martial arts training. Blanks was born in Eerie, Pennsylvania in 1955 amongst humble backgrounds and grew up as one of 15 children, battling dyslexia and tendon problems. However that didn't stop him from starting his martial arts training at age 14 and eventually achieving black belts in tae kwon do & several other arts, and winning numerous US martial arts tournaments.
Blanks first popped up on movie screens in the mid 1980s in tough guy parts utilizing his athletic background and grim faced looks. Films roles included Tango & Cash (1989), Driving Force (1989) and A.W.O.L.: Absent Without Leave (1990). Things looked up in 1991, when Blanks scored the minor role of drug addicted running back "Billy Cole" in the explosive The Last Boy Scout (1991)....and further work followed often sharing lead billing in low budget - high action fare such as Talons of the Eagle (1992), TC 2000 (1993) and Expect No Mercy (1995).
In the late 1990s, Billy's innovative and exciting "Tae Bo" workout routine swept around the world like wildfire, and propelled him into the position of one of the world's most recognizable and biggest selling fitness trainers. The remarkable Blanks continues to refine and promote his unique "Tae Bo" fitness system, and he operates the Billy Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California.
7th Degree Black Belt Billy Blanks had one of the greatest karate fight records in the sport's long history. Blanks was a 7-time world karate champion, the first Amateur Athletic Union Champ in 1975, the 1984 Massachusetts Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, and the Tri-State Golden Gloves Champion of Champions. He was the captain of the United States Karate Team and won over 30 gold medals in international competition. He was the number 1 or number 2 rated full-contact karate fighter in the United States for almost seven straight years. His epic battles with "Nasty" Anderson are legends among martial arts fans. He posted over 300 career victories. In 1982, Billy Blanks was honored by being inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame.
Filmography
all 62
Movies 54
self 32
TV Shows 8
The Last Kumite (2024)
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019)
The Clapper (2018)
Almost Amazing (2017)
The Ultimate Goal (2017)
Dark Moon Rising (2015)
The Real Miyagi (2015)
Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Platinum Collection (2014)
Jack and Jill (2011)
Dislecksia: The Movie (2011)
Billy Blanks: This Is Tae Bo (2010)
Billy Blanks Tae Bo: Amped Fat Burn Accelerator (2007)
Billy Blanks: Ultimate Tae Bo (2007)
Billy's BootCamp: Basic Training Bootcamp (2005)
Billy's BootCamp: Ultimate BootCamp (2005)
Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Kicks (2005)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Total Body Fat Blaster (2005)
The Tony Danza Show (2004)
Billy Blanks - Tae Bo: Strength Power (2004)
Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Flex (2003)
Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Cardio (2003)
Billy Blanks' TaeBo Believer's Workout: The Strength Within (2003)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003)
The Best of TaeBo: Ultimate Upper Body (2002)
TaeBo II: Get Ripped - Advanced 2 Workout (2001)
TaeBo II: Get Ripped - 8-Minute Workout (2001)
TaeBo II: Get Ripped - Advanced 1 Workout (2001)
TaeBo II: Get Ripped - Basic 1 Workout (2001)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Gold (2000)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Instructional (1999)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Basic Workout (1999)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Advanced Workout (1999)
Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: 8-Minute Workout (1999)
The Parkers (1999)
V.I.P. (1998)
Assault on Devil's Island (1997)
Kiss the Girls (1997)
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996)
Balance of Power (1996)
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities (1995)
Expect No Mercy (1995)
Tough and Deadly (1995)
The Parent 'Hood (1995)
ER (1994)
Back in Action (1994)
Showdown (1993)
TC 2000 (1993)
Invincible (1992)
Talons of the Eagle (1992)
Melrose Place (1992)
The Master (1992)
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Timebomb (1991)
The King of the Kickboxers (1990)
Lionheart (1990)
China O'Brien II (1990)
Driving Force (1990)
Tango & Cash (1989)
Bloodfist (1989)
Low Blow (1986)
Devotion
The Life and Art of Mister Parker
Ratings
Information
Known ForActing
GenderMale
Birthday1955-09-01 (68 years old)
Birth PlaceErie, United States of America
CitizenshipsUnited States of America
Also Known AsWilliam Wayne "Billy" Blanks
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