David Worth, the filmmaker behind ‘Kickboxer’ and cinematographer on Clint Eastwood’s ‘Any Which Way You Can,’ has died. He passed away at age 86 in Sunland, California. Reports place his death on either September 4 or September 7, with outlets citing slightly different dates.
Worth began his career as a director of photography, working on low budget films early on. His skill behind the camera eventually caught the attention of Hollywood’s biggest names.
Clint Eastwood hired him as cinematographer for two films in 1980, ‘Bronco Billy’ and ‘Any Which Way You Can.’ Both projects helped establish Worth as a dependable and versatile presence on set. Over the course of his career, he worked as cinematographer on more than 20 films.
The films that built Van Damme’s career
Worth’s most defining professional relationship came through his work with Jean-Claude Van Damme. He served as director of photography on 1988’s ‘Bloodsport,’ the film that turned Van Damme into a rising action star.
The following year, Worth stepped into the director’s chair for ‘Kickboxer,’ co-directing the film alongside Mark DiSalle. Van Damme once again starred in the lead role. Together, these two films are widely credited with launching Van Damme’s career as one of the top action stars of his generation.
Remembered By Van Damme
Van Damme paid tribute to Worth on Instagram following news of his death. He wrote that he was deeply saddened by the loss of his friend.
In his message, Van Damme said Worth’s talent and vision helped create two martial arts classics that changed his life, referring to ‘Bloodsport’ and ‘Kickboxer.’ He thanked Worth for their friendship and for the work they created together, closing his tribute by saying Worth would always remain part of his journey.
The post included several personal photos of the two together, including one showing Van Damme playfully mock punching Worth. The tribute drew tens of thousands of likes and a wave of supportive comments from fans.
A prolific and varied filmography
Beyond his collaborations with Van Damme, Worth kept busy across many corners of the film industry. He directed several episodes of the television series ‘Air America.’ His directing credits also include lower budget features like ‘Shark Attack 2’ and ‘Shark Attack 3.’
As a cinematographer, his range extended well beyond action films. He shot projects including ‘China Cry: A True Story,’ ‘Lady Dragon,’ ‘American Tigers,’ ‘Raptor Island,’ ‘Man With the Screaming Brain,’ and ‘Alien Apocalypse.’
Worth occasionally worked under pseudonyms during his career, including Sven Conrad and Jim Hastings. He also directed films such as ‘Warrior of the Lost World’ and ‘Hard Knocks.’ His credits reportedly date back to the early 1970s, spanning several decades in the industry.
Close bond with cast and crew
Those who worked alongside Worth often described him as deeply respected by both actors and crew members. Genre actress Cynthia Rothrock, who Worth directed in ‘Lady Dragon’ and its sequel, mourned him as a longtime friend.
Kickboxer villain actor Michel Qissi, who played Tong Po in the film, also expressed pride in having worked with Worth. Younger filmmakers reportedly remembered him as an encouraging mentor, someone who carried an infectious passion for <a href="https://cinemamix360.com/2026/09/23/tom-cruise-praised-for-discussion-around-ai-and-human-filmmaking-at-bafta-event/” title=”Tom Cruise praised for discussion around AI and human filmmaking at BAFTA event”>filmmaking well into his later years.
Worth’s legacy in action cinema
For many longtime fans of martial arts films, Worth’s name will remain tied permanently to ‘Bloodsport’ and ‘Kickboxer.’ Those two movies helped shape the aesthetic of late 1980s and early 1990s action cinema.
His final credits reportedly included work as co-director on 2022’s ‘Borrowed Time III,’ starring Eric Roberts, showing that Worth remained active in the industry well into his 80s.
- david worth
