Stuntman and martial artist Darren Shahlavi was found dead at his Los Angeles home on January 14. The 42-year old English actor has starred in variety of films and television shows, including "Arrow," "Mortal Kombat: Legacy," "Ip Man 2," "The Final Cut" and "Pound Of Flesh."
Shahlavi's agent confirmed the actor's death to Variety today, revealing that he passed away in his sleep last week.
A toxicology report will be conducted to determine the cause of death, but it appears to be an accident. Nonetheless, various outlets have reported that the death was not natural.
According to E! News, "A cause of death was not revealed, but a law enforcement source reportedly told TMZ that the actor died of an apparent overdose on prescription medication."
The martial artist has worked consistently in the film and TV industry for nearly 25 years, working everywhere from Hong Kong to Hollywood. He caught his first big break in Yuen Woo Ping's 1996 film "Tai Chi 2" and then went on to star in films with Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Owen Wilson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and many other high profile actors.
More recently, Shahlavi starred as Kano on "Mortal Kombat: Legacy," as well as appearing on episodes of "Arrow," "Continuum," and "Once Upon a Time In Wonderland."
"Don't know how to express the emotions I'm feeling right now. Last night I found out my dearest brother had past away, he was a true inspiration to so many people including myself and I will forever be proud of all of your accomplishments with your acting career. I can not begin to explain how much you will be missed by me and our family. You were an amazing person with endless talent. You will be forever loved by so many x," his sister Malouse posted on Twitter.
"RIP Darren Shahlavi. 1st guy I ever fought on Arrow. He was a great dude & a patient, thoughtful partner. Fight looked good because of him," wrote "Arrow" co-star Stephen Amell on Twitter.
"I'm sitting here in complete and utter shock, just heard that we lost Darren Shahlavi, a truely talented actor and martial artist and someone i was lucky enough to call a friend for more than 25 years, and last year we had a great time working on Pound of Flesh, and had plans for so much more to come.i am in total shock at the moment, and my thoughts are with his family at this time," explained Mike Leeder, producer of upcoming film "Pound of Flesh."
There is much to celebrate in the life and work of the actor, stuntman, and martial artist. His legacy is embedded in over 80 credits, beginning in 1991. Watch the compilation video below to see some of Darren Shahlavi's finest moments from his prosperous film and TV career:
