by Ed Travis
You’re probably a pretty big Ernie Reyes, Jr. fan… you just might not know it. Perhaps most famous for his work in on screen stunts and fighting, his face is often hidden behind makeup or costumes. Or Donatello puppet heads.
Yep, that’s right, Ernie Reyes Jr. was in the Donatello suit in that first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. And he came out of the suit to play a major on screen role in the second live action film, The Secret Of The Ooze. Before that you might have remembered him as a child actor in such genre favorites as The Last Dragon and Red Sonja. I love that he’s in Red Sonja.
Or more recently you may have seen him fighting The Rock in The Rundown, or even mixing it up with Indiana Jones himself in The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.
Well, unfortunately, in real life these days, Reyes is experiencing kidney failure and is having to undergo extensive dialysis treatments right now as he awaits a kidney transplant. He’s in need of some support, and the Alamo Drafthouse has come to his aid in the form of 2 very special screenings, both featuring Reyes live in attendance, and for which 100% of the proceeds will go to support Ernie’s medical needs. That’s just how the Drafthouse does things.
There are tickets still available for Ernie’s biggest lead role performance in Surf Ninjas in 35mm! The screening is tomorrow, Sunday August 30th, at 8:45pm at Alamo South Lamar. Buy your tickets here.
And while it might be bad news for you that the all you can eat Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze Pizza Party screening is sold out, that is most definitely good new for Ernie.
If you aren’t able to attend either screening, but would also like to reach out and support Mr. Reyes financially, his GoFundMe page is active and getting close to the goal!
Like I said… you’re probably already a fan of Ernie Reyes Jr., even if you’ve never heard of him before. And if you have heard of him… you are most definitely a fan. This isn’t an A-list celebrity with vaults of gold bars just lying around. This is a behind the scenes kind of guy, a guy who works hard to entertain us. We’ve got a chance to help him out, and this is it right here. Show some love for someone who’s beloved, film fans.
And I’m Out.