Steven Seagal’s life has been a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Born on April 10, 1952, in Lansing, Michigan, Seagal’s journey took him from being a frail child with asthma to becoming a renowned martial arts master and Hollywood actor.
Seagal’s interest in music and martial arts began at a young age. He started playing the guitar at 12 and was drawn to the blues, which would influence him throughout his life. His introduction to martial arts came when he lied about his age to get a job as a dishwasher at a restaurant, where the chef, a karate expert, taught him the basics.
After high school, Seagal moved to Japan in 1968 to teach English and further his martial arts training. He spent 15 years in Japan, becoming a respected figure in the martial arts world and earning black belts in karate, judo, kendo, and aikido.
Seagal’s entry into the film industry began as a bodyguard to celebrities, including Kelly LeBrock, who would later become his wife. He also worked as a martial arts coordinator on films like The Challenge (1982) and Never Say Never Again (1983), where he had a memorable encounter with Sean Connery, breaking the actor’s wrist during a training session.
Seagal’s big break came when Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz, impressed by his martial arts skills, arranged a screen test with Warner Bros. The studio was blown away by Seagal’s demonstration, and he was signed to his first film, Above the Law.
The 1990s saw Seagal’s rise to fame with films like Under Siege (1992) and Under Siege 2 (1995). However, his success was short-lived, and he eventually faded from the spotlight.
Today, Seagal lives in Russia, where he was granted citizenship in 2016. He has been involved in various controversies, including owing the US government $200,000 for failing to disclose his promotion of a digital token.
Seagal’s personal life has been marred by tumultuous relationships and estrangement from his children. He has been married four times and has seven children, but his relationships with them have been strained over the years.
Despite his turbulent life, Seagal remains a recognizable figure, with a net worth of around $16 million. His Instagram page is filled with photos of himself, showcasing a man who has aged but still exudes a sense of confidence and charisma.