Tony Jaa
Actor
Biography
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.
As Director
Filmography
Furious 7
as Kiet 2015
xXx: Return of Xander Cage
as Talon 2017
Monster Hunter
as The Hunter 2020
Ong-Bak
as Ting 2003
Expend4bles
as Decha 2023
The Protector
as Kham 2005
Ong Bak 2
as Tien 2008
Jiu Jitsu
as Kueng 2020
Triple Threat
as Payu 2019
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy
as Sadi the Warrior 2018
Never Back Down: No Surrender
as Tony Jaa 2016
Ong Bak 3
as Tien 2010
The Protector 2
as Kham 2013
Skin Trade
as Tony Vitayakul 2014
SPL 2: A Time for Consequences
as Chatchai 2015
Paradox
as Tak 2017
Striking Rescue
as Bai An 2024