Michael Dudikoff epitomizes the California native - hot and cool, free-spirited, fun-loving, rugged and natural…best described by friends as 'the salt of the earth.' Born and raised in Redondo Beach, Dudikoff began his career as a model featured in a Coppertone suntan commercial, flashing not only his tan and bright smile, but his charismatic appeal, which caught the attention of many people in the film and television industry.

Dudikoff, as a novice, was often dubbed a "Dean-Mcqueen" and this stigma preceded him in his career. He admits self-effacingly, "I considered this to be the ultimate compliment [being compared to screen legends such as James Dean and Steve Mcqueen]."

Dudikoff's raw talent parlayed his modeling career and natural acting abilities on to the big screen, the featured leading man in several action/dramatic films including the American Ninja, Avenging Force, Platoon Leader, Soldier Boyz, Moving Target, and the Silencer. His versatility also landed him comedic roles in Bachelor Party and Ringmaster as well as the romantic lead in Bounty Hunters and In Her Defense just to name a few.

When he's not busy working on film and television projects, Dudikoff occupies his time creatively. His other passion is designing homes and is currently working on his fifth "Dudarosa" ranch style home. He often sits around with his "cowboy cup of coffee", a stack of real estate home magazines and a sketch pad while fervently scribbling ideas for every nook and cranny in his home. You'll sometimes find him at a friend's house with his skill saw and crow bar ripping something apart and putting it back together.

Occasionally he retreats to his studio and works on sculpting bronzes or to some location to take inspiring photos. His muse always has a storyline to it which fuels him with screenplay ideas.

Be on the lookout for him in future projects as he has a wealth of experiences to share. His favorite word is equanimity. "Everything in moderation," he says, with a smile and a wink. This is truly the secret to his success as he takes pride in balancing his life by "mixing it all up" - career, marriage, traveling, partying, healthy living, and watching ultimate fights on pay-per-view.

Dudikoff enjoys everything about being a Californian. He loves basking in nature because as he says, "nature heals." He often shows up to work still sweating from outrigging, surfing, snorkeling, or horseback riding. Because he enjoys his own space, he is often misconstrued as being unapproachable. But that's just not so: Hang out with him and you'll find Dudikoff is the first to quip a corny joke or greet you with a firm handshake.

"The biggest gift," he humbly admits, "is being told by a fan that I have inspired them in some way…that my character [Joe from the American Ninja] gave them the inspiration to pursue their own career in martial arts - being called someone's hero. Wow! That's not a title I expected or that I take for granted. It's an honor and a privilege."

He says that there is no higher goal in life than to bring others closer to living their dream. "Meeting these people and getting the chance to hear their stories…feel their excitement and passion…these folks have become my heroes. I believe that life works in cycles like that - and it's a beautiful thing."