Michael Jai White is an American actor and martial artist who has appeared in numerous films and television series. He is the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture, having starred as Al Simmons, the protagonist in the 1997 film Spawn. White portrayed Jax Briggs in Mortal Kombat: Legacy. White also portrayed boxer Mike Tyson in the 1995 HBO television movie Tyson.
Black belts in 7 styles of martial arts. He has 26 titles including U.S. Open, North American Open, and New England Grand Champion. Studied acting at H.B. Studio, Yale University and Brown University. Performed Off-Broadway in "Raisin in the Sun" and "To Kill a Mockingbird".
Appeared in the trailer for Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 when both were still due to be released as one movie. He does not appear in either Volume 1 or 2 of the theatrical version, but he appears in deleted scenes of the movies.
Was a teacher before he started acting.
Began his martial arts training at age eight.
Trained often with Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Taught emotionally disturbed children for three years
Was to appear as Jax in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation , but New Line wanted him for Spawn instead. However, he returned to "Mortal Kombat" as Jax.
He has said he stopped growing at age 14.
Karate instructor of actor Todo Segalla at Top Ten Karate Studio, New Haven, Connecticut.
Holds black belts in following martial arts: Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Okinawan Kobudo, Goju Ryu, Tang Soo Do, Wushu, and Kyokushin Karate.
Daughter Morgan Michelle (b. December 24, 2008).
Has two sons from a previous relationship.
Can speak some Japanese and Mandarin.
(August 2003) Stars in Busta Rhymes f. Mariah Carey video I know what you want
Inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Again, I wanted to compare myself with another martial arts icon in,Steven Segal. I had worked with him three other times in the past. It,is true he can be difficult at times but, I had no problem with him. He,is a very gifted choreographer and technician. Dion Lam is an,incredible, one of the best, fight technicians I have ever worked with.
I met Jean Claude on Universal Soldier, part 1. I was "Soldier #2. " Jean,Claude and I trained together on that movie and always got along great.
Years later, in the sequel, we got along just as well. This was the,first movie where I showed a bit of my martial arts skills.
Unfortunately, the script and the director were not very good. I wanted,to show myself when compared to a martial arts icon like Van Damme. I,achieved my purpose.
In Spawn (1997) , I just auditioned and got the role. I was cast,as Jax in Mortal Kombat but, New Line wanted me to play Spawn. The,"star-status" thing was never difficult for me. My heroes were never,actors. They were real men in the real world like senseis, police,officers, and teachers. There continue to be rumors about Spawn 2,there have been for years. I spoke to Todd McFarlane months ago and I,know he intends on doing a sequel. I am not sure when.
