Muscular African American sports star, actor, media identity and inventor of the phenomenally popular "Tae Bo" fitness system, derived from his extensive martial arts training. Blanks was born in Eerie, Pennsylvania in 1955 amongst humble backgrounds and grew up as one of 15 children, battling dyslexia and tendon problems. However that didn't stop him from starting his martial arts training at age 14 and eventually achieving black belts in tae kwon do & several other arts, and winning numerous US martial arts tournaments.

Blanks first popped up on movie screens in the mid 1980s in tough guy parts utilizing his athletic background and grim faced looks. Films roles included Tango & Cash, Driving Force and Lionheart. Things looked up in 1991, when Blanks scored the minor role of drug addicted running back "Billy Cole" in the explosive The Last Boy Scout....and further work followed often sharing lead billing in low budget - high action fare such as Talons of the Eagle, TC 2000 and Expect No Mercy.

In the late 1990s, Billy's innovative and exciting "Tae Bo" workout routine swept around the world like wildfire, and propelled him into the position of one of the world's most recognizable and biggest selling fitness trainers. The remarkable Blanks continues to refine and promote his unique "Tae Bo" fitness system, and he operates the Billy Blanks World Training Center in Sherman Oaks, California.


Is the 4th born out of 15 children. Born & raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Brother of actor Michael Blanks. Seventh degree black belt in tae kwon do and fourth degree black belt in kung fu Despite an anomaly in his hip joints, he became a world champion martial artist in the 80s and a famous actor and trainer.