Damian Chapa

Damian Chapa began his film career in the early 1990s, playing brawny, muscle-clad street toughs in action-oriented blockbusters such as "Under Seige" and "Street Fighter." While his formidable physique and menacing looks practically guaranteed his longevity in the action film genre, Chapa had broader ambitions to direct and write, as well as star in, his own movies. Beginning with 1998's "Kill You Twice," the actor-turned-director churned out a slew of action-flavored dramas, from the mobster tale "El Padrino" (2004) to the politically-tinged thriller "I.R.A.: King of Nothing" (2006). But it was a series of unauthorized biopics based on the lives of Chapa's heroes that drew some controversy from moviegoers and the media, yet still managing to put a spotlight on the director's ambitions beyond the action genre. In 2009, through his independent production company Amadeus Pictures, Chapa released the first of these film portraits, "Polanski Unauthorized," writing, directing, and starring in the title role of the controversial Polish director Roman Polanski. He followed up the same year with the poorly received "Bobby Fischer Live," once again starring in the title role as chess champion Bobby Fischer.