Chris Casamassa
Chris Casamassa (born January 17, 1965) is an American martial artist, actor and stuntman who is best known for his role as Scorpion in the movie Mortal Kombat and the related TV show, Mortal Kombat: Konquest. He is the son of martial arts guru and Red Dragon Karate founder Louis D. Casamassa. (Chris co-starred on the TV series WMAC Masters under the call-sign "Red Dragon".)
Chris Casamassa | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 17, 1965 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Sometimes credited as Chris Casamasa, Chris Cassamassa, Chris Kasamasa |
| Occupation | Martial artist, actor, stuntman |
| Years active | 1982−present |
| Spouse(s) | Michelle Casamassa |
Karate
Casamassa is also the President of the successful Red Dragon Karate Schools, which were founded by his father. As a national competitor on the North American Karate Association circuit (N.A.S.K.A) Casamassa was the #1 forms competitor in the country for four consecutive years.
Life and career
Chris started his martial arts training in 1969 at the age of 4. He made his first degree Black belt at the age of 10. His professional tournament career started in 1982 and when he retired from professional competition in 1992 he had amassed a string of titles: He was a 4 time national open forms champion, along with 2 national weapons titles, and a top 5 rated middleweight fighter. He then began a career in film and television, his most recognizable role being Scorpion in Mortal Kombat. His accomplishments in martial arts training continued during this time; he was awarded his 8th degree Black Belt in Red Dragon Karate in 2004.
Filmography
| Year | Film/television | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Karate Kid | Tournament guest | uncredited |
| 1985 | Sword of Heaven | Martial Arts trainee | |
| 1988 | Black Eagle | Car stuntman | scenes deleted |
| 1988 | A Mission to Kill (aka The Phoenix Report) | Young Hank | uncredited |
| 1991 | China O'Brien 2 | Picnic punk #2 / Stunt fighter | as Chris Casamasa |
| 1992 | Shootfighter: Fight to the Death | Ring lord #1 / Creon (Shootfighter) | as Chris Kasamasa |
| 1995 | Mortal Kombat | Scorpion | |
| Mortal Kombat: Behind the Scenes | Himself / Scorpion | archive footage | |
| 1995–96 | WMAC Masters | Himself (his ki-symbol was "Red Dragon") | |
| 1997 | Batman & Robin | Batman stunt double | |
| 1998 | Mortal Kombat: Konquest | Takeda / Scorpion | 4 episodes |
| Blade | Stunt vampire | ||
| V.I.P. | Stuntman | (1 episode) | |
| 1999 | Martial Law | Stunt henchman | (episode 2.6) |
| 2000 | Mortal Kombat: Federation of Martial Arts | Scorpion / Black Dragon Ninja | online |
| Walker: Texas Ranger | Stunt goon | (episode 8.21) | |
| Vendetta Brothers | Bryce | cancelled | |
| Kleidoscope | (lead) | Alt. title: Diablo Cartel / cancelled | |
| 2001 | Seance | Tony | Alt. title: Killer in the Dark |
| A Real Job | Bill | ||
| The Hunted | Zack | 1 episode | |
| Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Stunt knight | (episode 5.20) | |
| 2003 | How to be an Action Star | Himself / Host | |
| Across the Borderline | Vinnie | Cancelled, lack of funding | |
| Element 2100 | Leader of the Wind family | Cancelled | |
| 2004 | Sci-Fi Fighter | The Karate Master | Alt. title: X-Treme Fighter |
| 2008 | The Red Canvas | Ring announcer | Alt. title: Art of Submission |
| Chronicles of Foreverman | Cancelled | ||
| 2010 | Foodfight! | motion capture for 'Dex Dogtective' | |
| 2013 | It's Dark Here | Sensei Will | In post production |
| 2021 | Legend of the White Dragon | (funding stage) |