Sonny Chiba was a Japanese actor and martial artist, born on January 22, 1939, in Fukuoka, Japan. He gained fame for his roles in action films during the 1970s, particularly in the genre of martial arts cinema. Chiba was known for his impressive fighting skills and charismatic screen presence, which made him a popular figure in both Japan and internationally. In addition to acting, Chiba was also a skilled martial arts instructor and founded his own style called Gendai Goshin Jutsu. He appeared in numerous films and television series, including the cult classic The Street Fighter. Chiba's contributions to the film industry have left a lasting legacy, influencing many actors and filmmakers worldwide.