Scott L. Schwartz

Scott L. Schwartz

Headshot of Scott L. Schwartz

Schwartz at Mountain-Con in 2008.
Born Philadelphia March 16th, 1959 (Age 56)
Residence Long Beach, California
Other names Scott Schwartz
Giant David
Joshua Ben-Gurion: The Israeli Commando
Occupation Film actor
Television actor
Stuntman
(former) professional wrestler
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Known for Roles as huge villain in multiple films and for recurring role as "Bruiser" in Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, and Ocean's Thirteen
Height 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight 303 lb (137 kg)
Website www.ultimatebadguy.com

Scott L. Schwartz AKA The Ultimate Bad Guy is an American film and television actor and stuntman, and former professional wrestler. His size and agility at 6"10 and 303 pounds (137 kg) have allowed him many roles as thug or villain for film and television.[1][2][3][4]

Background

Schwartz was born in the United States but is of Israeli descent. He is a devout Jew.[5] Schwartz was born and raised in Philadelphia,[1] where he played football, baseball and ice hockey at Washington High School[2] before attending Temple University.[6] After college, he became a professional wrestler,[4] wrestling under the ring-names of "Joshua Ben-Gurion—The Israeli Commando" and "Giant David". Schwartz toured as a wrestler and held many titles,[1] before turning his career toward performance in film and television.

Apart from his acting, and after completing training,[6] Schwartz became a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy and a reserve deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He currently resides in Seal Beach, California.

Professional wrestling career

After college, Schwartz became a professional wrestler, trained in the early '70s by wrestling's Walter "Killer" Kowalski.[1] Schwartz's original ring-name was Giant David, but by the '80s he was known as Joshua Ben-Gurion—The Israeli Commando.[6] As a pro wrestler, he performed in Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Western Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Guam, Canada and 40 of the 50 United States. He was promoted by Verne Gagne, Vince McMahon, Antone "Ripper" Leone, and Bruno Sammartino.[6]

Film career

Schwartz was wrestling on tour in Bakersfield, California, when he was approached by a Hollywood agent. After seeing Schwartz's wrestling on television, the agent had traveled to Bakerfield to meet him, feeling Schwartz should take his skills into performing arts. At first, Schwartz was reluctant to change careers, wanting to retire as a wrestler.[1]

In his early stunt work, and because of his background in pro wrestling, Schwartz was able to handle the staged combat, which required protecting opponents from harm. Due to his look, size, agility, and ability to handle dialogue, he has been able to obtain roles as the "bad guy" in many films and television projects.[6] He is known for his work in such films and TV shows as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, The Scorpion King, Charmed, The Tick, and Black Scorpion among others,[3][4] but he is probably most recognized for his role as 'Bruiser' in the films Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen.[3] He has appeared in such big budget films as Spider-man, Fire Down Below, Starsky & Hutch, and Fun with Dick and Jane.[4]

Championships and accomplishments

Filmography

As actor

As stuntman

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Hillhouse, Dave (June 21, 2006). "Scott L. Schwartz: That guy onscreen". CANOE. slam.canoe.ca. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  2. 1 2 Slifkin, Irv (2006). Filmadelphia: A Celebration of a City's Movies (illustrated ed.). Middle Atlantic Press.
  3. 1 2 3 "Scott L. Schwartz is big". Philadelphia Daily News. nl.newsbank.com. September 27, 2006. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Boxley, Mark (October 29, 2009). "'Ultimate bad guy' actor faces assault allegations in Blount County". The Daily Times. thedailytimes.com. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  5. ↑ (2011).
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Scott L. Schwartz - The Ultimate Bad Guy". Jet City Comic Show. jetcitycomicshow.com. 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  7. ↑ "UWF Israeli Championship history".
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