Bryan Genesse

Transition to action roles While making B&B-related personal appearances in Italy, Genesse was called back to Los Angeles to audition for Stephen Cannell's next series to be shot in Canada, Street Justice, in a role that would take advantage of his interest for martial arts. In addition to starring on the show, he served as fight choreographer. Street Justice led to an image change for Genesse, who was featured on the cover of several martial arts magazines, such as CFW's Inside Kung Fu and Kung Fu Masters.

Following the series' two-season run, Genesse was approached to star in action films made by Nu Image, a fledgling company then primarily based in South Africa. He debuted for them in Night Siege: Project Shadowchaser II opposite Frank Zagarino. The two would become friends and co-star in several more movies. A few months later, Genesse received top billing in Human Timebomb, which Nu Image's U.S. distributor, New Line, chose to rebrand as a sequel to their 1992 film Live Wire in the territory. It was also successful in Japan, and earned the actor a multi-picture contract from Nu Image, with whom he has remained closely associated for most of his career.

In 2003, Genesse had a serious accident while filming a combat stunt on Fire, part of Nu Image's Nature Unleashed series of disaster films. He suffered knee, hamstring and back injuries, which left him with walking difficulties. The actor went through a lengthy rehabilitation process in his native Canada, which took between five and six years—partly due to insurance issues—and virtually ended his acting career.

Martial arts Genesse's first martial art was taekwondo. He is also a self defense and martial arts professor. After teaching under senior instructors, he opened his own school, named Venom BJJ and located in Valencia, California, as of 2024.

Personal life Genesse has been married to actress Brooke Theiss since 1994. They have two children, born in 1995 and 2008. He also works as a real estate agent in Southern California.

Filmography Film

Television