Happy 73rd Birthday to Steven Seagal — the action star who made aikido cool on the big screen and defined a whole era of 90s martial arts cinema.

From his breakout in Above the Law to the fan-favorite battles aboard a battleship in Under Siege, Seagal built a reputation for calm intensity and lightning-fast takedowns. While other action heroes relied on explosions and one-liners, Seagal’s screen persona leaned into controlled power — minimal movement, maximum impact.

Trained in aikido and notable for being one of the first Westerners to operate a dojo in Japan, he brought a distinct martial arts authenticity to Hollywood fight choreography. That signature ponytail, the long black coat, and the composed, almost meditative demeanor became trademarks of his on-screen presence.

Through decades in film and action culture, Seagal has remained a recognizable figure in the genre’s evolution — proof that 90s action legends still hold a place in pop culture memory.

Here’s to another year of cinematic showdowns, stoic stares, and unforgettable fight scenes. 👑🥋