Born in Los Angeles, California David Carradine studied music theory at San Francisco State College where he discovered his passion for the stage. After a stint in the army he lived in New York where he found fame on Broadway, performing opposite Christopher Plummer. Returning to Hollywood he landed the lead in the 1966 short-lived series Shane, followed by his first film role in the 1972 Boxcar Bertha. The huge cult hit series Kung Fu catapulted him to fame.
David Carradine was found dead of accidental asphyxiation in Bangkok, Thailand at age 72.