Kurt McKinney, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, embarked on a remarkable journey at the tender age of 21, having already achieved the prestigious title of black belt in Taekwondo and amateur Kickboxer. This impressive feat sparked a new passion within him, and he made the bold decision to pursue a career in acting, relocating to the vibrant city of Hollywood.
As fate would have it, McKinney's first major film role was as the lead in the 1985 cult classic, No Retreat No Surrender, a groundbreaking Hong Kong-U.S. crossover that featured the renowned Jean-Claude Van Damme as the main antagonist. The film's success in the United States cemented McKinney's status as a rising star, and he went on to secure a role on the popular soap opera, General Hospital, playing the character of Ned Ashton.
However, McKinney's subsequent opportunity to star in the American Ninja trilogy, specifically American Ninja III-VI, was met with hesitation. His concerns regarding the production's relocation to South Africa during the tumultuous era of Apartheid ultimately led him to decline the offer.
Instead, McKinney focused on television films, collaborating with renowned actors such as Robert Conrad in Sworn to Vengeance and Cynthia Rothrock in Sworn to Justice. He also made a lasting impression on the small screen, starring as Matt Reardon on the long-running soap opera, Guiding Light, for an impressive 10 years.
Despite the passage of time, martial arts enthusiasts continue to fondly remember McKinney's film debut in the 1985 cult classic, No Retreat No Surrender, in which he played the iconic role of Jason Stillwell. Today, McKinney's latest film, The Last Kumite, is available to rent or buy on various major platforms, allowing fans to relive his action-packed legacy.
