Writer, producer and director Mark DiSalle dies at 79
By Phil Mills | Mar 19, 2026
Mark DiSalle, the writer, producer and director best known for his work on ‘Bloodsport’ and ‘Kickboxer’, died on 27 August 2025. Though news of his passing did not circulate widely at the time, his work remains familiar to action audiences.
Born in New York City, DiSalle built his career as a writer, producer and later director, working primarily in action films during the 1980s. He first gained notice as a co-writer and producer on ‘Bloodsport’, one of the films that helped establish Jean-Claude Van Damme as an international action star, then moved into directing with ‘Kickboxer’.
His subsequent credits included producing ‘Death Warrant’, which reunited him with Van Damme, and directing the Jeff Speakman actioner ‘The Perfect Weapon’. He was also credited as a producer on films including ‘4 Minute Mile’, ‘Mother’s Day’ and ‘Notorious Nick’.
Though he maintained a relatively low public profile, DiSalle’s work continued to find audiences long after its original release. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
