Action film star Gary Daniels was a real-life kick-boxing champion. With ruggedgood-looks, a muscular build and a charming personality, it was a natural for himto move from the world of fighting to that of acting. Born Gary Edward Daniels onMay 9, 1963 in Working, Surrey, England, Daniels was a childhood fan of legendarymartial arts film star Bruce Lee. He followed his idol by studying Kung Fu.Demonstrating a natural ability for the sport of kick-boxing, Daniels embarked onhis ring career. He traveled to Florida in the United States and began competingthere. According to a report in the Miami Herald Newspaper, Daniels defeatedSherman Bergman in a tournament in Miami, Florida, in March 1980. He went on tocapture a Professional Karate Association Lightheavyweight Kickboxing Championship.He retired from the sport with an undefeated record of 22-0, with 21 knockoutsvictories. His ring achievements brought him small roles in Miami Vice. He latertraveled to the Philippines to make karate films, and from there went intomainstream film-making. Daniels has acted in over 50 movies.