David Carradine

David Carradine

Born:December 8, 1936

Place of Birth:Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Died:June 3, 2009

Known For:Acting

Biography

David Carradine, born John Arthur Carradine Jr., was a versatile American actor who left a lasting impact on the film industry. While he is most recognized for his iconic roles in martial arts films and television series, such as the legendary Kwai Chang Caine in "Kung Fu" and the enigmatic titular character in "Kill Bill," Carradine's career spanned a wide range of genres and styles.

Hailing from the esteemed Carradine acting dynasty, David Carradine followed in the footsteps of his father, John Carradine, to carve out his own path in Hollywood. With over six decades in the industry, Carradine appeared in more than 100 feature films, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. His performances garnered critical acclaim, earning him nominations for prestigious awards such as the Golden Globe and Emmy.

Beyond his acting prowess, Carradine was a multifaceted artist, delving into directing and music alongside his acting career. His passion for martial arts, ignited by his role in "Kung Fu," led him to study various disciplines, further enriching his performances on screen. In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Carradine was honored with a star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.

Despite his professional successes, Carradine faced personal struggles throughout his life, grappling with substance abuse and encountering legal troubles. His turbulent journey off-screen added layers to his complex persona, reflecting the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight. Even after his untimely passing in 2009, Carradine's legacy endured through the release of posthumous projects that showcased his enduring talent and cinematic legacy.

From action-packed thrillers to poignant dramas, Carradine's filmography spanned a diverse array of genres, captivating audiences with his magnetic presence and undeniable charisma. His collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino underscored his ability to bring depth and authenticity to each character he portrayed, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history.

David Carradine's contributions to the entertainment world transcended the silver screen, resonating with fans and fellow artists alike. His enigmatic portrayal of complex characters and dedication to his craft set him apart as a true luminary in the realm of acting. As we reflect on his enduring legacy, we remember David Carradine not only as a talented performer but also as a trailblazer who pushed boundaries and redefined the art of storytelling through his work.

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David Carradine
David Carradine
David Carradine
David Carradine
David Carradine

Filmography

Acting

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Bill

2003

An assassin is shot by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.
Kill Bill: Vol. 2

Kill Bill: Vol. 2

Bill 'Snake Charmer'

2004

The Bride unwaveringly continues on her roaring rampage of revenge against the band of assassins who had tried to kill her and her unborn child. She visits each of her former associates one-by-one, checking off the victims on her Death List Five until there's nothing left to do … but kill Bill.
Death Race

Death Race

Frankenstein (voice)

2008

Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowding in the US penal system has reached a breaking point. Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come together to form the 'Death Race', the biggest, most brutal event.
Crank: High Voltage

Crank: High Voltage

Poon Dong

2009

Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working.
Big Stan

Big Stan

The Master

2007

A weak con man panics when he learns he's going to prison for fraud. He hires a mysterious martial arts guru who helps transform him into a martial arts expert who can fight off inmates who want to hurt or love him.
Epic Movie

Epic Movie

Museum Curator

2007

When the Pevensie siblings each follow their own path, they find themselves at Willy's Chocolate Factory. Walking through a wardrobe, they discover the world of Gnarnia, ruled by the White Bitch. Meeting up with characters such as Harry Potter and Captain Jack Swallows, the newly reunited family must team up with Aslo, a wise-but-horny lion to stop the White Bitch's army.
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

Bill (Snake Charmer)

2011

An assassin is shot and almost killed by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.
Bird on a Wire

Bird on a Wire

Eugene Sorensen

1990

An FBI informant has kept his new identity secret for 15 years. Now an old flame has recognised him, and the bad guys are back for revenge.
The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

Dave aka Socrates (uncredited)

1973

In 1970s Hollywood, Detective Philip Marlowe tries to help a friend who is accused of murdering his wife.
Mean Streets

Mean Streets

Drunk

1973

A small-time hood must choose from among love, friendship and the chance to rise within the mob.
Death Race 2000

Death Race 2000

Frankenstein

1975

In a boorish future, the government sponsors a popular, but bloody, cross-country race in which points are scored by mowing down pedestrians. Five teams, each comprised of a male and female, compete using cars equipped with deadly weapons. Frankenstein, the mysterious returning champion, has become America's hero, but this time he has a passenger from the underground resistance.
Lone Wolf McQuade

Lone Wolf McQuade

Rawley Wilkes

1983

The archetypical renegade Texas Ranger wages war against a drug kingpin with automatic weapons, his wits and martial arts after a gun battle leaves his partner dead. All of this inevitably culminates in a martial arts showdown between the drug lord and the ranger, and involving the woman they both love.
Q

Q

Shepard

1982

New York police are bemused by reports of a giant flying lizard that has been spotted around the rooftops of New York, until the lizard starts to eat people. An out-of-work ex-con is the only person who knows the location of the monster's nest and is determined to turn the knowledge to his advantage, but will his gamble pay off or will he end up as lizard food?
An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island

An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island

Chief Wulisso (voice)

1998

Fievel and his friend Tony Toponi find a map that they believe points to a treasure buried somewhere beneath Old New York, and the plucky rodent is determined to find it. However, what he discovers under the city is a tribe of Native American mice who were driven underground by prejudiced European immigrants.
Hell Ride

Hell Ride

The Deuce

2008

Two rival bikers gangs, the Victors and the Six-Six-Six's, refuel their decades-old rivalry.
Gray Lady Down

Gray Lady Down

Captain Gates

1978

The USS Neptune, a nuclear submarine, is sunk off the coast of Connecticut after a collision with a Norwegian cargo ship. The navy must attempt a potentially dangerous rescue in the hope of saving the lives of the crew.
My Suicide

My Suicide

Vargas

2009

After declaring that he's going to film himself committing suicide for a school project, Archie videotapes his surprising interactions with worried family members, interested classmates, unreliable medical experts and the hottest girl in school.
Bound for Glory

Bound for Glory

Woody Guthrie

1976

A biography of Woody Guthrie, one of America's greatest folk singers. He left his dust-devastated Texas home in the 1930s to find work, discovering the suffering and strength of America's working class.

Production