American film actor, producer, writer, martial artist, guitarist, and reserve deputy sheriff Steven Frederic Seagal has an estimated net worth of $16 million. A master of several Japanese martial arts, he is a popular action movie hero whose films combine spiritual concepts and social/environmental consciousness with high-voltage violence.

Born in Lansing, MI, on April 10, 1951, Seagal traveled to Japan at the age of 17. There, he taught English, studied Zen, and perfected his martial arts, earning black belts in Aikido, karate, judo, and kendo. Afterwards, he became the first Westerner to open a martial arts school in Japan.

Seagal spent about 15 years in Asia before returning to the States, where he opened a new martial arts academy and also worked as a celebrity bodyguard. His clients included his ex-wife Kelly LeBrock and Hollywood agent Michael Ovitz. With help from Ovitz, Seagal contracted to make martial arts films for Warner Bros.

For his first film, he and cinematographer-turned-director Andrew Davis carefully refashioned an average police drama into Above the Law (1988). It was well received and Seagal found himself an instant star among action aficionados. Seagal attracted mainstream appeal in 1992 when he starred in the Davis-directed hit Under Siege, his most popular movie. In 1994, he made his directorial debut with the environmentally conscious but critically panned On Deadly Ground.

In addition to acting and material arts, Segal is also a guitarist. He has released two albums which have featured songs with artist such as Stevie Wonder and Tony Rebel. He also made it on television with Steven Seagal: Lawman, the A&E Network premiered the reality television series focusing on him as a deputy in Louisiana.

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