David Roya's remarkable career trajectory has not only been marked by his impressive acting achievements, but also by his tireless dedication to promoting a lifestyle of intense physical exercise and optimal well-being, a commitment that has spanned more than five decades.
Few individuals are privy to the fact that David is a certified instructor of Tae Kwon Do, boasting a prestigious 4th Degree Black Belt designation, which underscores his mastery of this demanding martial art.
Furthermore, David has also delved into the realm of yoga, undergoing extensive training in this ancient discipline in India, ultimately earning his certification as a yoga instructor.
As a result, David's multifaceted expertise has enabled him to serve as a role model for those seeking a balanced and healthy lifestyle, inspiring countless individuals to adopt a regimen of regular exercise and mindful self-care.
Through his tireless advocacy and instructing, David Roya has established himself as a beacon of wellness and a champion of physical fitness, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who have been fortunate enough to cross his path.
David's odyssey within the entertainment realm commenced with his collegiate theatrical endeavors at Brooklyn College, subsequently branching out to summer stock performances alongside the talented Karen Black. This nascent exposure to the world of theatre laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to off-Broadway productions, where he had the privilege of collaborating with the illustrious Eli Mintz, a celebrated star of Yiddish theatre.
As he entered his 23rd year, David made the pivotal decision to relocate to the City of Angels, driven by an unwavering passion to pursue his acting aspirations. Initially, he found success in low-budget horror movies, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him rise to prominence within the entertainment industry.
One of the most notable roles of his illustrious acting career was his casting in the iconic film "Billy Jack" (1971),a production of renowned filmmaker Tom Laughlin.
David's early career was characterized by a plethora of guest appearances on popular television shows of the 1970s, including the groundbreaking series "Mod Squad" (1968),the espionage thriller "Mission: Impossible" (1966),the police procedural drama "The Rookies" (1972),the crime drama "Cannon" (1971),the crime drama "Toma" (1973),the family drama "The Smith Family" (1971),the war drama "Black Sheep Squadron" (1976),and the action-comedy series "CHiPs" (1977).
As a result of his frequent typecasting as a villain, David made a conscious effort to decline numerous television offers in an attempt to establish himself as a prominent figure in the film industry, with the ultimate goal of becoming a "movie star."
David's professional trajectory experienced a plateau, with his career failing to gain momentum, despite his persistent efforts. His reputation, unfortunately, proved to be a significant obstacle in his pursuit of success, as evidenced by the astute observations of the renowned casting director, Joyce Selznick. According to her expert opinion, David was indeed one of the most skilled actors in town, but his reputation unfortunately held him back from securing the roles he deserved.
Undeterred by this setback, Joyce Selznick, who was known for her keen eye for talent, decided to take a chance on David and offered him a minor role in the 1976 film King Kong, alongside the talented Jessica Lange. Although a significant portion of his scenes were ultimately omitted from the final cut of the movie, Joyce's faith in David's abilities remained unwavering.
As a result, Joyce continued to provide David with opportunities, casting him in the 1977 film The White Buffalo, which starred the distinguished Charles Bronson and Clint Walker. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in David's career, as it showcased his talent to a wider audience and demonstrated Joyce's dedication to nurturing his abilities.
Joyce's untimely passing in 1981 sent shockwaves through David's life, leaving him to navigate a challenging professional landscape. In the same year, he was compelled to relocate to the bustling metropolis of New York City, where he took on a teaching position to provide for his young family's needs.
As David's acting career continued to experience setbacks, he adapted by diversifying his pursuits. He remained committed to teaching Tae Kwon Do, a martial art he had grown to love, and also continued to instruct yoga classes. Furthermore, he expanded his expertise by training individuals in physical fitness, capitalizing on his natural talent and dedication to a healthier lifestyle.
Despite the obstacles he faced, David persevered, leveraging his diverse skill set to build a fulfilling and purposeful life. His unwavering passion for teaching and training enabled him to thrive in his new surroundings, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future.
David's personal life has been characterized by a plethora of significant events, with one of the most notable being the birth of his son Louis in the year 1983. This life-changing event was followed by a marital separation, resulting in David taking on the role of primary caregiver for his children. In the present day, David devotes his time to a diverse array of hobbies and interests, including regular physical exercise, the skillful playing of flamenco guitar, the creative pursuit of drawing and painting, the mentally stimulating activity of solving crossword puzzles, the enriching pastime of reading, and the contemplative appreciation of the natural world.
Over the course of the past few years, David has made notable guest appearances on the iconic television series Law & Order, which initially premiered in 1990, and has concurrently expressed a deep-seated desire to revive his acting career, which has seemingly been on hiatus for some time.
In addition to his efforts to revitalize his acting endeavors, David is also in the process of preparing for the release of an exercise and fitness DVD, which is slated to hit the market in the year 2010.
