Billy Blanks - Actor Profile

Billy Blanks

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 1, 1955
Birth Place: Erie - Pennsylvania - USA

About Billy Blanks

Muscular African American sports star, actor, media identity and inventor of the phenomenally popular "Tae Bo" fitness system, derived from his extensive martial arts training. Blanks was born in Eerie, Pennsylvania in 1955 amongst humble backgrounds and grew up as one of 15 children, battling dyslexia and tendon problems. However that didn't stop him from starting his martial arts training at age 14 and eventually achieving black belts in tae kwon do & several other arts, and winning numerous US martial arts tournaments. Blanks first popped up on movie screens in the mid 1980s in tough guy parts utilizing his athletic background and grim faced looks. Films roles included Tango & Cash (1989), Driving Force (1989) and A.W.O.L.: Absent Without Leave (1990). Things looked up in 1991, when Blanks scored the minor role of drug addicted running back "Billy Cole" in the explosive The Last Boy Scout (1991)....and further work followed often sharing lead billing in low budget - high action fare such as Talons of the Eagle (1992), TC 2000 (1993) and Expect No Mercy (1995). In the late 1990s, Billy's innovative and exciting "Tae Bo" workout routine swept around the world like wildfire, and propelled him into the position of one of the world's most recognizable and biggest selling fitness trainers. The remarkable Blanks continues to refine and promote his unique "Tae Bo" fitness system, and he operates the Billy Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California. 7th Degree Black Belt Billy Blanks had one of the greatest karate fight records in the sport's long history. Blanks was a 7-time world karate champion, the first Amateur Athletic Union Champ in 1975, the 1984 Massachusetts Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, and the Tri-State Golden Gloves Champion of Champions. He was the captain of the United States Karate Team and won over 30 gold medals in international competition. He was the number 1 or number 2 rated full-contact karate fighter in the United States for almost seven straight years. His epic battles with "Nasty" Anderson are legends among martial arts fans. He posted over 300 career victories. In 1982, Billy Blanks was honored by being inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Billy Blanks reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Action

The majority of Billy Blanks's filmography leans towards the Action genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 26% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Billy Blanks remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Billy Blanks Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Billy Blanks's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Billy Blanks.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2024 The Last Kumite Master Loren Hit Similar →
2024 The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter Samson Flop Similar →
2019 Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks Self Hit Similar →
2018 The Clapper Billy Blanks Flop Similar →
2017 Almost Amazing Mr. Wilson Average Similar →
2017 The Ultimate Goal - Flop Similar →
2015 Dark Moon Rising Sheriff Tom Flop Similar →
2015 The Real Miyagi Self Hit Similar →
2014 Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Platinum Collection Self Flop Similar →
2012 Billy Blanks TaeBo Express Instructor Flop Similar →
2011 Jack and Jill Billy Blanks Flop Similar →
2006 Billy's BootCamp Elite: Mission Two - Maximum Power - Flop Similar →
2006 Billy's BootCamp Elite: Mission One - Get Started - Flop Similar →
2006 Billy's BootCamp Elite: Mission Three - Rock Solid Abs - Flop Similar →
2006 Billy's Bootcamp Elite: Mission Spot Training - Lower Body - Flop Similar →
2006 Billy's BootCamp Elite: 8 Minute Supercharge Cardio - Flop Similar →
2005 Billy's BootCamp: Basic Training Bootcamp Billy Blanks Flop Similar →
2004 Billy's Bootcamp: Cardio Bootcamp Live! - Flop Similar →
2004 Billy Blanks - Tae Bo: Strength Power Billy Blanks Flop Similar →
2003 Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Flex - Flop Similar →
2003 Billy Blanks: Tae Bo Cardio - Flop Similar →
2003 Billy's Bootcamp 1: Tae Bo - Flop Similar →
2003 Billy's Bootcamp 2: Tae Bo - Flop Similar →
2001 TaeBo II: Get Ripped - Advanced 1 Workout Himself Flop Similar →
1999 Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: 8-Minute Workout Himself Super Hit Similar →
1999 Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: Basic Workout Himself Flop Similar →
1998 Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes Self Super Hit Similar →
1997 Assault on Devil's Island Craegan Flop Similar →
1997 Kiss the Girls Instructor Hit Similar →
1996 Balance of Power Niko Average Similar →
1995 Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities Self Super Hit Similar →
1995 Expect No Mercy Justin Vanier Flop Similar →
1995 Tough and Deadly John Portland Average Similar →
1994 Back in Action Billy Flop Similar →
1993 Showdown Billy Grant Average Similar →
1993 TC 2000 Jason Storm Flop Similar →
1992 Invincible Billy Hit Similar →
1992 Talons of the Eagle Tyler Wilson Flop Similar →
1992 The Master Hawks Gang Member Hit Similar →
1991 The Last Boy Scout Billy Cole Hit Similar →
1991 Timebomb Mr. Brown Flop Similar →
1990 The King of the Kickboxers Khan Hit Similar →
1990 Lionheart African Legionnaire Hit Similar →
1990 China O'Brien II Baskin's Fighter #1 (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1990 Driving Force Pool Flop Similar →
1989 Tango & Cash Prison Thug (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1989 Bloodfist Black Rose Flop Similar →
1986 Low Blow Guard Flop Similar →
N/A Devotion Billy Blanks Flop Similar →

Billy Blanks - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Billy Blanks?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Billy Blanks is "Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Billy Blanks acted in?

Billy Blanks has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Billy Blanks?

Other notable films include "Billy Blanks' Tae Bo: 8-Minute Workout", "Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes", and "Invincible".