Loren Avedon

Loren Rains Avedon is an American martial artist and actor. He is best known for portraying heroic martial protagonists, such as Scott Wylde and Jake Donahue, in films including No Retreat, No Surrender 2 and No Retreat, No Surrender 4.

Avedon was born Loren Avedon Rains on July 30, 1962, to Burt Avedon and Jeanne Rains. At the age of 18, he adopted his father's name. He is also the second cousin of photographer Richard Avedon.

Avedon began his career in front of the camera at five years old, appearing in several Carnation commercials. He later established himself in the action film genre, starring in martial arts features such as No Retreat, No Surrender 2, No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers, and The King of the Kickboxers. Beyond film, his television credits include appearances on series such as Baywatch and Thunder in Paradise.

In addition to acting, Avedon has taken on behind-the-scenes responsibilities for several film projects. He worked as an actor and co-producer on both Deadly Ransom (1998) and The Silent Force (2001), also writing the story for Deadly Ransom. For the film Tiger Claws III, he served as an actor and worked as a 2nd Unit director.

Outside of his screen career, Avedon is a martial artist holding high-level rankings. He is a 9th Dan black belt and Grand Master in Taekwondo, and he serves as the Secretary General of the USTF. Additionally, he holds a 9th Dan black belt in Hapkido certified by the IHF and the WHF.

In 2023, Avedon appeared as a podcast guest across multiple shows. He was interviewed by British martial arts action film actor Scott Adkins for The Art of Action Podcast, by martial arts podcaster Bruce Willow, and by his friend Keith Vitali, who previously co-starred alongside Avedon as his older brother Casey in No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers.