#john dye

Touched by an Angel (1994-2003)

S6E22 'Stealing Hope'

Best of the Best (1989)

“To save a life in defeat, is to earn victory and honor within.”

Several American martial artists compete against each other, where five will be chosen to be part of a five-man American team to participate in a tournament against the aggressive and ruthless Koreans in Seoul. 

Alex Grady (Eric Roberts) is once a rising star in the martial arts world until he suffered a shoulder injury that forced him into retirement. He feels lost after losing his wife who died giving birth to his son. But sees the opportunity to compete in Korea as a second chance in re-living his days of glory in the martial arts world which makes him feel alive and gives him a sense of purpose.

Tommy Lee (Phillip Rhee) is a highly skilled American-Korean martial arts instructor from Fresno, California, who runs his own Dojo and teaching children. He is chosen to be part of the American Team to participate in the tournament against the Koreans but he is worn down by the baggage of the past as his brother died in a tournament, killed by the very opponent Tommy will now face.

Along with three other American martial artists, Travis Brickley (Chris Penn), an extremely brash fighter who likes to fight alone, Virigil Keller (John Dye), a devout Buddhist and Sonny Grasso (David Agresta), an Italian street fighter, they overcome their differences under the strict regiment of Coach Frank Couzo (James Earl Jones) and the sensible, Sensei Catherine Wade (Sally Kirkland).

Interesting trivia is that Phillip Rhee is an actual American-Korean martial artist who trains William Zabka for his role as Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai! I guess Cobra Kai techniques really is Korean! 

Best of the Best (1989, Robert Radler)