A&E is in production on "Steven Seagal: Lawman," a new Real-Life series that will chronicle martial arts expert and international film star Steven Seagal's extraordinary life in law enforcement, it was announced today by Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming, A&E Network.
Seagal's movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. He is an expert martial artist, with a 7th-degree black belt in aikido. Along with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chuck Norris, he's considered one of the film industry's greatest action stars. But it turns out that Steven Seagal isn't just an action hero in the movies. For almost 20 years, Seagal has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In fact, in addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat.
"I've been working as an officer in Jefferson Parish for two decades under most people's radar," said Seagal, "I've decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it's important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana - to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in this post-Katrina environment."
"Steven is a hero both on and off camera and helps fight crime because he cares about the community," said Sharenow, "It's such an amazing revelation that this larger-than-life star has been doing real police work for nearly 20 years."
Until now, Seagal has never sought publicity for his work with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. However, over a span of almost two decades, he has regularly gone out on patrol and worked major cases. The series will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and his hand-selected elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress. Then, when Seagal goes off-duty, the cameras will continue following him as he pursues his many ventures - including musical performances and philanthropic efforts - in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.
"Steven has a very close relationship with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and I'm proud to have him as part of our team," said Sheriff Newell Normand, "I cannot tell you how honored I am to not only be affiliated with Steven, but with A&E and all their support in highlighting the efforts, the trials and the tribulations of the men and woman of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office."
Steven Seagal is best known for playing the invincible action hero character that defined his career in such films as Above the Law, Hard to Kill, Under Siege (1 & 2) and blockbuster hit Exit Wounds. His familiarity with his signature roles stem from a long personal history with Eastern culture in both studying martial arts as well as practicing Buddhism. He is also a recording artist and guitarist, is founder of Steven Seagal Enterprises that markets his own all-natural energy drink "Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt" and is a dedicated philanthropist and activist for environmentalism and animal rights.
Steven Seagal: Lawman is produced for A&E Network by Granada America and Steamroller Films. John X. Kim is the Executive Producer, Lucas Platt is the Co- Executive Producer, and Anna Geddes is the Series Producer for Granada America. Steven Seagal and Phillip B. Goldfine are Executive Producers for Steamroller Films. Joe Halpin and Binh Dang are Producers for Steamroller Films. Executive Producers for A&E are Robert Sharenow and Neil A. Cohen.
Press release issued 24th November 2008.
