Born and raised in the picturesque state of Oregon, Bruce Locke's early life was far removed from the world of martial arts, which would later become a hallmark of his acting career.
Prior to his foray into the world of action characters, Locke's athletic pursuits took center stage. In college, he was an accomplished tennis player, boasting a nationally recognized ranking. Moreover, he has honed his skills on the golf course, earning a single-digit handicap and regularly participating in celebrity golf tournaments to benefit charitable causes.
As his acting career gained momentum, Locke's breakthrough role in Robocop 3 marked the beginning of his rise to fame. He continued to make a name for himself with his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat Conquest television series. Interestingly, Robocop 3 remains his favorite role to date, with his first appearance being in the popular television soap opera General Hospital.
In preparation for his roles, Locke underwent rigorous training in various martial arts disciplines. For his part in Robocop, he was instructed in the art of Kenpo by Bill Ryusaki and also studied Gung Fu under the tutelage of Al Leong. Furthermore, he was exposed to the unique style of Wing Chun through his brother, Jon Locke.