Mark Dacascos
Also Known As: Mark Alan Dacascos • Born: 02/26/1964
Mark Alan Dacascos was born in Oahu, Hawaii, on February 26, 1964. He is an American actor, martial artist, and TV personality. Known for his skills in Wun Hop Kuen Do, he’s famous for action movies like “Only the Strong,” “Crying Freeman,” and “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.” On TV, he’s been Wo Fat in “Hawaii Five-0” and The Chairman of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” later in Netflix’s “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” Mark’s father, Al Dacascos, taught martial arts and is of Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish heritage. His mother, Moriko McVey-Murray, is of Irish and Japanese descent. Mark studied at Los Angeles Valley College and Portland State University, excelling in gymnastics and martial arts. He’s trained in Muay Thai, capoeira, and Wushu. Mark started his career in San Francisco’s Chinatown and had early roles like in “Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart.” His big break came in 1993’s “Only the Strong,” where he played a capoeira master. He’s also been in “Double Dragon” and “Brotherhood of the Wolf.” On TV, he’s appeared in “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven” and “Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight. Mark has also worked in video games like “Stranglehold” and “Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom.”
Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
Multilingual Talent
Mark Dacascos is fluent in English and German. Having lived in Hamburg, Germany, during his childhood, he showcases his impressive linguistic skills, adding depth to his diverse cultural and professional background.
Iron Chef Persona
Dacascos’s role as The Chairman of “Iron Chef America” is enriched by his real-life culinary interest and martial arts flair. His authenticity and dynamic presence elevate the show’s dramatic and competitive atmosphere.
Capoeira Expertise
In “Only the Strong,” Dacascos’s portrayal of a capoeira master is authentic, thanks to his training under Amen Santo. He seamlessly blends martial arts with dance, crucial to the film’s unique appeal and success.
• Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
• Nationality: American
• Show(s): Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend
• Network(s): Netflix
• Guest Appearances: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Mortal Kombat: Legacy
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Children: N/A
• Father: Al Dacascos
• Mother: Moriko McVey-Murray
• Siblings: N/A