Damian Robert Chapa was born on October 29th, 1963, in Dayton, Ohio. He is an actor, producer, and director who has been active in the industry since 1989.
He grew up as the second eldest of five children with two brothers and two sisters. His father, Rico Chapa, knew future Hustler Magazine founder Larry Flynt; Rico owned a bar across the street from Larry’s go-go bar.
In his early twenties, the 5’9” Damian developed a substance abuse problem but has maintained his sobriety since kicking his addictions. His stint in the U.S. Navy was likely a huge contributor to that success. He had served on three different ships and traveled around the world during his tour.
How did Damian Chapa start his career?
Following a three-year stint in the U.S. Navy, Damian Chapa decided to follow in the footsteps of his favorite actor, Montgomery Cliff. His first acting job was as a stand-in for the Madonna music video “Papa Don’t Preach.”
What is Damian Chapa best known for?
Damian Chapa is best known for three films made in the 1990s, which heightened his career. He has worked consistently since then, but the three films he is best known for in the 90s are where he is most recognized.
Under Siege
His first significant role was as the character of Tackman, a sailor, in the 1992 action film Under Siege. Chapa would be on-screen with actors such as Steven Seagal, Gary Busy, and Tommy Lee Jones. Under Seige was a critical and commercial success and is widely considered the best film Steven Seagal ever made.
Blood In Blood Out
The film that Damian Chapa is best known for is the gang drama Blood In, Blood Out from 1993. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the film is an epic about three cousins in the criminal underworld and prisons of Los Angeles, California. Damian Chapa received top billing as one of the leads, Miklo Velka.
Street Fighter
The third film that Damian Chapa is best known for is the campy video game adaptation Street Fighter (1994). Damian Chapa would play the character of Ken Masters, who is usually seen as the second lead character in the Street Fighter video games. The film has gone on to become a cult classic.
What is he doing now? Is he still acting?
Damian Chapa is still acting and directing today. He has over 40 directing credits, with seven films currently in production. He now has seven films in production with over 70 credits to his name as an actor. In a number of these projects, he is both directing and acting.
Is Damian Chapa married?
Damian Chapa has been in several relationships and was married three times. As far as women he has dated, he has been in relationships with Beverly D’Angelo (1994), Karina Lombard (1997), Roxanna Foell (2006), and Monica Ramon (2007 – 2008).
He was married to actress Natasha Henstridge from 1995 to 1996, but the pair split up. He would later marry actress Clara O’Brien, and they would remain together from 1998 to 2003. They would divorce, and he would date for a while. He would eventually reunite with Natasha Henstridge in 2020, and they remain together to this day.
In what controversy was Damian Chapa swept up?
In 2012 Damian Chapa was accused of rape of former girlfriend Roxanna Foell in 2006. The pair had met at the Berlin Film Festival that year and were in a relationship for several months, with Roxanna moving in with him. However, when he proposed to her, she revealed she was already married.
She went back to Germany, and Damian fought for parental rights. However, Roxanna accused him of rape, and he was arrested upon arrival in Europe for seven weeks. However, the accusations turned out to be false, and he pursued $1.3 million in damages from the false accusation.
Does Damian Chapa have kids?
Damian Chapa does have children. He has four sons. The eldest son is Ricco Chapa, and he has a second son, Luke Chapa. His third son is Presly Chapa. His youngest son is Gabriel Chapa.
His eldest son, Ricco Chapa, is also an actor.
Is Damian Chapa Mexican?
Damian Chapa is Mexican, Italian, Irish, and Native American descent. He was not born in Mexico but somewhat farther north in Ohio, but he does pick up Mexican heritage from his father, Rico.
Is he fluent in Spanish?
Damian Chapa is a fluent Spanish speaker. However, he can also speak moderately well in German and Italian, bringing his total of known languages to four. Of course, this includes English.
Is Damian Chapa missing a leg?
Damian Chapa has been rumored to be missing a leg, but that is not the case. The rumor began around the time Blood In, Blood Out (1993) was released. In the film, his character Miklos had a prosthetic leg removed in a couple of scenes.
In these scenes, shots of a stunt double are inserted. For example, there are scenes where his hair may appear darker and thicker. This is where the stunt double is used.
So, no. Damian Chapa is not missing a leg.
Is Damian Chapa on social media?
Damian Chapa can be found on social media. He has a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account to keep in touch with fans of his work. He posts most frequently on his Instagram account.
William Ngo says
The films he makes seem to be nothing more than elaborate cons to scam investors and then pocket all the money as cast and crew are not paid. Maybe write about that.