Tatchakorn Yeerum, better known Tony Jaa, is a martial artist, actor, and director who transformed Thai action cinema with his intense, acrobatic fighting style. Inspired by Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, he trained in Muay Thai and gymnastics, developing a breathtaking mix of speed, agility, and raw power. Jaa got his start in the film industry as a stunt double in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), where his impressive athleticism caught the eye of director Panna Rittikrai. Under Rittikrai’s mentorship, Jaa honed his craft and eventually starred in Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003). The film, featuring real, wire-free stunts and bone-crunching Muay Thai, revolutionized Thai action cinema and gained worldwide acclaim.
Filmography
Furious 7
as Kiet
xXx: Return of Xander Cage
as Talon
Monster Hunter
as The Hunter
Ong-Bak
as Ting
Expend4bles
as Decha
The Protector
as Kham
Ong Bak 2
as Tien
Jiu Jitsu
as Kueng
Triple Threat
as Payu
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy
as Sadi the Warrior
Never Back Down: No Surrender
as Tony Jaa
Ong Bak 3
as Tien
The Protector 2
as Kham
Skin Trade
as Tony Vitayakul
SPL 2: A Time for Consequences
as Chatchai
Paradox
as Tak
Striking Rescue
as Bai An
Detective Chinatown 3
as Jack Jaa
The Bodyguard
as Supermarket Fighter
The Bodyguard 2
as Piggy Bank Vendor