Keith Hirabayashi Cook (Keith Hirabayashi Cooke) was born on September 17, 1959 in Seattle, PC. Washington. He grew up in Seattle and attended the University of Washington. Studied wushu, taekwondo и karate. His career as a movie star has taken him all over the world. He now lives in Los Angeles, USA. California, with his wife Suzanne and son Jake.
Whale started practicing martial arts after watching demonstrations by masters wushu. In 1973, he found an instructor in wushu Roger Tang, and from that moment his fighting career began. Japanese-American enthusiasm for martial arts led to the move to China in 1980. Studying wushu throughout the year, in 1982 he returned to China again, but to participate in competitions. In 1983 he took part in competitions in karate, and in 1985 - falls into Hall of Fame magazine "Black Belt", as “best fighter of the year.” Keith Hirabayashi was a five-time karate tournament champion "US World" и US Open.
Thanks to his martial arts skills, he received several roles in films, including "China O'Brien" и “China O'Brien 2” (with Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton), and “Man vs. Cyborg” Albert Pyun (with Gary Daniels). Whale, who has charisma and a variety of acting skills, has played Thais, Vietnamese, Japanese and even Native Americans throughout his career. He is best known for his role Reptiles in the popular film adaptation of the game “Mortal Kombat” (Mortal Kombat), roles Sub Zero в “Mortal Kombat 2” and roles Nobu in film “Beverly Hills Ninja”.
Now Cook mostly busy teaching martial arts to other people. He is a talented instructor who generously shares his knowledge with his students. His course called “Ultimate Body-shaping” includes 10 weeks of fitness training, nutritional counseling, and motivational events, ending with banquets and awards for those who are most successful in improving their physical fitness. Mister Hirabayashi conducts several such courses a year. In his classes called “Little Dragons” (Little Dragons) students are those who began practicing martial arts at the age of four.
This is an exclusive interview with Mr. cook. He talks about the martial arts legends he trained with, how he got into movies, Playboy models and his work as an instructor.
Mr. Cook, according to some online resources, you are half Japanese, however, in the early 1970s you began to study Wushu. Since Wushu is a Chinese style, this decision seems a little strange. Please tell us how you started practicing martial arts and why you chose wushu?
Keith Cook: I was an avid Bruce Lee fan. I also liked the way he talked about martial arts and philosophy. I started with kung fu and taekwondo, and decided to study wushu later when I saw videos of a Chinese wushu team, of which Jet Li was a member. Later he took up boxing and kickboxing. I was on a team with Billy Blanks and Steve “Nasty” Anderson. I was also lucky enough to train with Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis and Mike Stone from time to time.
Later, in the mid-80s, you began to take part in numerous martial arts tournaments, and in 1985 you were named “fighter of the year”. Tell me, what were these competitions like for you? Did you participate for victories, medals and titles, or did you just enjoy participating in tournaments?
Keith Cook: I really enjoyed the intense atmosphere of the competition. I learned a lot about myself, especially through personal training. I trained every morning by myself, and in the evening with teachers or friends. I didn't want to lose just because others were training harder than me! So I was very diligent. I didn't even keep my medals or trophies. For me, all the value was in the difficulty of training, fighting the best fighters and giving my best.
Many fighters appeared on screens in the late 80s, and some even became stars of B-category films. Your film career began in 1988 with the film Picasso Trigger... How did you first get into cinema? Did you want to become an actor before?
Keith Cook: I moved to Los Angeles in 1985 with the desire to become a martial arts movie star. My first job was in a Gatorade commercial with Ernie Reyes Jr. I didn't know how to get roles in films, so I started studying acting in Hollywood at Vincent Chase's seminars. One of my classmates knew the producer of Picasso’s Triggerfish, and he told me about me. They asked me if I could do a backflip, I said yes and they gave me the role. Working on my first film in Hawaii, with models from Playboy!! I was shocked! That's cool! Subsequently, Fred Weintraub called me out of the blue. I thought it was a prank! The producer of the movie “Enter the Dragon” is calling me on the phone?!!! I could not believe it! He wanted to meet and discuss filming “China O'Brien.” I immediately went to his office. After several meetings, I was assigned the role of Dakota.
Among all the films you have starred in, one stands out from all the others. This is an adaptation of the video game “Mortal Kombat”, where you played Reptile. What do you remember about working on this film? How did you get the role of Reptile?
Keith Cook: I auditioned for the role of Liu Kang, but didn't make it. The role went to Robin Shue. He is my good friend. When filming wrapped, the creators realized that they needed more fight scenes. This is how the “Liu Kang – Reptile” fight and the “Scorpio – Johnny Cage” fight were added. We filmed them in hangars at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. I remember how impressed I was by director Paul Anderson's work and how excited I was to collaborate with my friend Robin Shue. It was the first time I acted in a film with such a big budget. We spent six days filming and developing choreography. I like this fight. Robin broke his ribs, but did not give up. Thanks to him, I got this role. That's all!
Please name the film in which you most enjoyed acting, and the film on the set of which you regretted agreeing to such a difficult role...
Keith Cook: It's hard to say. I loved acting in all the films! I really enjoyed working on “The King of Kickboxers.” The choreographer was Corey Yuen, he is simply amazing! A true master! Plus, I liked Thailand. It was also a pleasure to work with members of Jackie Chan's stunt team. It was great. I collaborated with producer Fred Weintraub several times. It's a great pleasure to work with another master of cinema!
You, among other things, are a teacher in your own martial arts school. Is this the reason you quit acting a few years ago?
Keith Cook: Yes, that's true. I'm a fighter to the core! I had to do this, and this activity consumed me completely. I started in 1994 and have acted less since then. But I intend to continue working on films.
What are Keith Cook's plans for the future? Or are you going to continue teaching martial arts?
Keith Cook: I'm working on an action movie script. A story about a father and son. I want to start filming in the summer. My son will be played by Tyler Weaver Jr. (Tyler Weaver Jr.). He is excellent at martial arts. I can't wait, I hope we can make it work.
Author: T. Teymur
Source: today.az
Translation: EvilDollaR
I rewatched China O'Brien 2 and noticed Chris Casamassa there. It turns out that the future Reptile, 6 years before “MK,” easily dealt with the future Scorpio.
:)
I also read somewhere in the movie MK that our Keith Cook is the world champion in weapons fighting. An interesting character in general.
He's great in China O'Brien. Thanks to him, I watch these films from time to time.
I saw him only in the films "King of Kickboxing" and "Mortal Kombat". Cool fighter. Happy upcoming year to everyone.
Thanks Evil, great interview with Keith Cook. I have known him for more than 15 years, I love the movie King of Kickboxing, how he swings his legs, this is the highest class, in Mortal Kombat I think he stands out for his class at a level higher, this can be seen with the naked eye. I would like to see this top-level master in today's films.
P.S. Happy New Year!!!
IMHO, the best fight in the first “Mortal Kombat” was the fight between Reptile and Liu Kang. And the soundtrack for it is beautifully chosen.
I join! Happy upcoming year everyone! :)