MMA Legend and credited actor, Don Frye, recently attended the premier of Michael Mann's movie "Public Enemies", starring Johnny Depp, at the Mann Theater in Westwood, California. Frye, who previously worked with Mann on Miami Vice, plays the character of Texas Ranger Clarence Hurt in this major motion picture. Public Enemies, set to premier in theatres July 1st, is an adaptation of Bryan Burrough's non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 193334 and stars A-list actors such as Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Channing Tatum.
Don Frye had this to say about his involvement in the film, "I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of this amazing film and to be associated with such an impressive cast and crew. Director Michael Mann is great to work with, and my character Texas Ranger Clarence Hurt was right up my alley. I really enjoyed getting into character and being a part of the action. The1930's set was really amazing; it was like taking a step back in time. "
Don Frye has proven to be very successful both in front of the camera as an actor and facing skilled competitors as a mixed martial arts fighter. 2009 continues to be a busy and rewarding year for Frye. In addition to his role in Public Enemies, he was cast in the upcoming film Salt, a spy thriller starring Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber. Also in 2009, Frye competed and defeated his opponent at the Shark Fight 4 MMA event in Texas and is currently training for a major fight scheduled to take place in August. As Frye's acting career continues to gain momentum, his career as a decorated MMA competitor shows no signs of slowing down.
Frye was very candid about his two, very distinct, career paths: "I enjoy acting as much as I enjoy fighting and I'm very fortunate to be able to do both. As an actor, I'm typically cast in roles that involve fight scenes. As an MMA competitor, my role is to fight and to entertain. That being said, even though both career choices are very different, they work hand in hand."
Don Frye is considered a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts. Over the past decade Frye has proven that his skills expand well above and beyond his elite status as a decorated mixed martial arts fighter. We will continue to see him on the big screen as well as in the cage.