Fil-Am Actor Ernie Reyes Jr Faces Serious Kidney Condition

Filipino-American action superstar Ernie reyes Jr. has entered the hospital for treatment due to a kidney failure, and his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to get the help that he needs. [hit the jump to continue]

Back in the 1980's there weren't many Filipinos making it big in the international entertainment scene. But back then Ernie Reyes Jr. was one of the few showbiz ambassadors that made us proud. Ernie made his film debut at age 13 in the 1985 film "The Last Dragon". The same year he shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brigitte Nielsen in "Red Sonja". During this time, he also had his own television series "Sidekicks", a spin-off of the original Walt Disney one-time special, "The Last Electric Knight", alongside Gil Gerard presented by Michael Eisner. He also appeared in an episode of the hit television series "MacGyver" in 1988.

Many people would best remember Ernie in his role as the Ninja Turtles' sidekick, Keno, a martial artist (and pizza delivery boy) in the second live-action Turtles film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze". Ernie was also in the first film as Donatello, but he only served as the martial arts stunt double behind the suit (while Corey Feldman provided the voice). He later starred in "Surf Ninjas", alongside comedian Leslie Nielsen and Rob Schneider. Ernie later appeared in "Rush Hour 2" playing Zing and in "The Rundown" where he has an awesome fight scene with Dwayne Johnson.

The fundraising campaign for Ernie's current condition on GoFundMe has been started by his sister in an effort to raise funds. “Ernie is currently undergoing dialysis treatment 3 times per week for 4 hours a day while waiting for a kidney transplant,” Destiny Reyes wrote on the campaign’s page. “My brother has spent his entire childhood and adult life fighting in films and television, but now his battle has gone from the screen to reality, fighting for his life,” she said.

Over 700 donations have been made towards the goal of funding Reyes Jr.’s transplant. Contributions can be made at the official GoFundMe page, CLICK HERE
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