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Mark Strange (born 1973 in Leyland, Lancashire) is a British actor and martial artist known for his roles in action films such as Ip Man 4: The Finale, Redcon-1, Batman Begins, and Kung Fu Games. With over two decades of experience in the film industry, Mark has garnered recognition for his martial arts prowess and dynamic performances, working alongside iconic figures in action cinema.

Early Life and Background

Mark Strange's career in martial arts began in his teens and he has over 24 years experience. He trained in kung fu, learning a variety of styles and kung fu systems. His study took him to China, where he trained with the kung fu masters at the Shaolin Temple, Foshan and Hong Kong. In the UK, he trained for many years with Master Derek Frearson. As and all-round martial artist, Strange's talent was quickly recognised.

He gained tournament success in a range of disciplines in his prime. He represented Britain in the 2002 Chin Woo Championships in China; Euro-British Full Contact Champion in 1999; and the MAI National Chinese Forms Champion in 1992. He was, at the time, the youngest person in the UK to run his own full-time martial arts, in the Lancashire town of Leyland. The facility provided martial arts and fitness instruction, and provided a service for over 12 years before finally closing when Strange decided to focus on his career in film.

Career

Acting

Mark Strange began focusing on acting and action performance in the late 1990s, drawing upon his martial arts skills and memorable style. He appeared in a string of TV and film projects, gaining valuable experience in studio sets, live shows, as well as low and big-budget productions. One of his earliest roles was in the cult spoof paranormal comedy series, Roddy Smythe Investigates, playing Geoff the Soundman, alongside actor and comedian, Peter Slater, and actress Kiki Kendrick. Strange has worked in Hong Kong on – The Medallion and The Twins Effect – alongside Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen. He has also worked on Batman Begins.

Strange's debut as a lead actor, film producer and action performer, arrived with the feature film Displaced The film, considered to be and ambitious project, gained worldwide distribution.

British independent film Underground, produced by Intense Productions, provided Strange with his second starring role. The film achieved and honourable mention award for Stunts at the Accolade Film Festival in California. Co-starring is Joey Ansah and Danny John-Jules. Mark Strange, apart from playing the 'Homeless Fighter', also worked on the stunts and fights with Dave Forman (Batman Begins, The Last Samurai).

Strange played a supporting role in Bodyguard: A New Beginning, and acclaimed action drama. Shot on location in Hong Kong and the UK, Mark worked alongside Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Richard Ng . A UK/Hong Kong Co-Production, the film gained a worldwide release in 2009, including a release by Lionsgate in the US.

Mark Strange's next film was Redcon-1 which he helped produce and co-write. The film won several awards; including a National Film Award and won five categories at the Urban Action Showcase in New York. The film received a theatrical release in the UK and many other countries, as well as a release on Netflix. Strange also promoted the film at MCM Comic Con in both London and Glasgow. He played a supporting role and fought fellow action star Scott Adkins in Avengement directed by Jesse V. Johnson, and appeared alongside Craig Fairbrass, Nick Moran and Thomas Turgoose.

He also filmed a key action role in Ip Man 4: The Finale where he fights the character of Bruce Lee played by Danny Chan Kwok-kwan, under legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping.

With his eclectic martial arts background, Strange has worked as a fight coordinator handling fights and stunts on Lionsgate horror, The Thompsons, World of the Dead: The Zombie Diaries and many more.

Strange recently started in Kung Fu Games currently streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.

• Kung Fu Games (2024) – Starred as Mike Fischer in this action-packed martial arts film.
• Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019) – Played a Karate Champion, featuring in a fight scene with Bruce Lee.
• Redcon-1 (2018) – Starred as Lieutenant Frank Perez in and action-horror film about a zombie apocalypse.
• Batman Begins (2005) – Appeared as a League of Shadows warrior in Christopher Nolan's superhero film.
• Avengement (2019) – Portrayed Clif in a British action-thriller.
• The Medallion (2003) – Worked alongside Jackie Chan in this martial arts fantasy film.

Martial Arts and Stunt Work

In addition to acting, Mark Strange has worked as a fight choreographer and stunt performer. His extensive martial arts background has enabled him to design intricate fight sequences that blend multiple styles.

Notable Collaborations

Mark has collaborated with renowned figures in the action film industry, including Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, and Scott Adkins. His performances in Ip Man 4 and The Medallion showcase his ability to work alongside some of the greatest names in martial arts cinema.

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2003	The Medallion	Henchman	Worked with Jackie Chan.
2005	Batman Begins	League of Shadows	Directed by Christopher Nolan.
2018	Redcon-1	Lt. Frank Perez	Lead role.
2019	Ip Man 4: The Finale	Karate Champion	Fight scene with Bruce Lee.
2019	Avengement	Clif	British action-thriller.
2024	Deadpool & Wolverine	Henchman	Marvel.
2024	Kung Fu Games	Mike Fischer	Action-martial arts film.

Personal Life

Mark Strange conducts martial arts workshops and seminars, inspiring the next generation of martial artists.

References

• IMDB [1]
• Rotten Tomatoes [2]
• Official Website [3]

Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:British male actors Category:Actor Category:People from Leyland, Lancashire