Louisville native Kurt McKinney, renowned for his exceptional talents in martial arts and acting, has left an indelible mark on both the action film genre and daytime television. At the age of 21, McKinney, already a black belt in taekwondo and an amateur kickboxing champion, made the bold decision to pursue a career in acting, eventually relocating to the heart of the entertainment industry, Hollywood.

In 1985, McKinney soared to stardom as the lead in the groundbreaking film "No Retreat, No Surrender." Directed by Corey Yuen, this cinematic gem stands as one of the first Hong Kong-U.S. crossovers and featured McKinney alongside the iconic Jean-Claude Van Damme as the main villain. The film quickly gained popularity, becoming a sizable hit in the U.S. and solidifying McKinney's position as a rising star.

Not one to be typecast, McKinney chose to diversify his career by taking on the role of Ned on the acclaimed soap opera "General Hospital." This transition came after McKinney's initial setback when he was turned down for a part in "American Ninja" due to his age. Despite later offers to appear in "American Ninja III-VI," McKinney declined, citing concerns about filming all the movies in South Africa. Similarly, he turned down "No Retreat No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder" in 1987, possibly due to the film's location.

McKinney's career continued to flourish, spanning from TV films such as "Sworn to Vengeance" to big-screen productions like "Blonde Justice," where he starred alongside martial arts sensation Cynthia Rothrock.

Currently captivating audiences as Matt Reardon on the long-running soap opera "Guiding Light," McKinney's journey has come full circle. While his presence on daytime television has endeared him to a new generation of fans, martial arts enthusiasts will forever cherish his film debut in 1985 as Jason Stillwell, a role that showcased McKinney's versatility and enduring appeal.

Kurt McKinney's unique blend of martial arts prowess and acting talent continues to captivate audiences across different mediums, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.

By Steven Cuoco

Kurt McKinney: From Taekwondo Champion to Hollywood Star and Soap Opera Icon