We came across some pretty sad news today regarding 80’s and 90’s action film star and martial arts champion Ernie Reyes Jr.
If you didn’t grow up in the era, his contribution to us modern day martial artists might be missed on you. However, as kids, it got no better than a karate movie starring the standout striker.
Now, as an adult, Reyes has taken a more behind-the-scenes role in his film career, but none of us can forget the ninja kid’s best moves in our favorite childhood flicks.
Now Ernie needs our help. He’s in need of a kidney transplant, and there’s a GoFundMe set up to help him along the way.
The GoFundMe page can be found HERE.
The description on the page reads:
Thank you for taking a moment to see why and how you can make a difference. My brother, Ernie Reyes Jr., was recently in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) fighting for his life suffering from kidney failure. Ernie is now home and currently undergoing dialysis treatment 3 times per week for 4 hours a day while waiting for a kidney transplant. This is a very challenging time not only for Ernie Jr.’s immediate family, but a challenging time for our family as well.
My father, Ernie Reyes Sr. (Founder of Ernie Reyes West Coast World Martial Arts), is 100% committed to helping Ernie however he can.
You may know or remember Ernie as a child in Last Dragon and Sidekicks, or as that teenager from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You may also remember him from The Rundown with “The Rock” or even his most recent star appearance on NCIS: Los Angeles. My brother has spent his entire childhood and adult life fighting in films and television, but now his battle has gone from the screen to reality, fighting for his life.
Regardless of where you have seen or heard of Ernie Reyes Jr., he has impacted peoples’ lives all over the world through his extraordinary performances in television and film. Please be aware that he needs support during this time of need and recovery of his life.
Thank you for your support,
Destiny Reyes
