If you grew up in the '90s, Ernie Reyes Jr. was basically the coolest person on the planet. Between the pizza-munching heroics in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II and the high-flying kicks in Surf Ninjas, he was a martial arts icon. But as the years rolled by, fans started wondering about the man behind the stunts. Specifically, people have been searching for the scoop on Ernie Reyes Jr wife and how his family navigated one of the scariest health battles a person can face.
The truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple "happily ever after" movie ending.
Who is Ernie Reyes Jr wife?
For a long time, the name most associated with Ernie was Lisa Reyes. They got married back in 2009. Lisa isn't just someone who happened to marry a star; she’s an actress and producer in her own right, appearing in projects like The Process. For years, they were a powerhouse couple in the martial arts and entertainment world, often seen together at red-carpet events like the premiere of LBJ in 2017.
But life happens.
If you look at the most recent updates, you'll see that Ernie and Lisa eventually decided to go their separate ways. They are currently divorced, but don’t go looking for tabloid drama here. By all accounts, the two have remained incredibly dedicated to co-parenting their two children, Lotus Blossom and Phoenix.
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Family Life and the Health Crisis That Changed Everything
You can't really talk about his family without talking about 2015. That was the year Ernie’s world got flipped upside down. His kidneys failed.
Suddenly, the guy who could do a 540-degree kick was spending three days a week hooked up to a dialysis machine. It was a brutal time. His sister, Destiny Reyes, ended up starting a GoFundMe because the medical bills were just astronomical. This is where the "family" part of the Ernie Reyes Jr wife and support system story gets real. Even though the marriage eventually changed, the family unit—including his father, the legendary Ernie Reyes Sr.—stayed tight.
The struggle lasted for over six years. Imagine that. Six years of not knowing if a donor would ever appear.
The Christmas Miracle
In December 2021, everything changed. Ernie was actually in Hawaii, doing what he does best—inspiring people—when he got the call. A kidney was available. He had to get to Phoenix, Arizona, within 24 hours. He hopped on a red-eye flight and made it to the Mayo Clinic just in time.
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It’s the kind of stuff you see in movies, but it was his real life. This "gift of life" is why you see him so active again today. He isn't just surviving; he's back to teaching and training the next generation of martial artists.
Navigating the Privacy of His Current Relationships
Honestly, Ernie is pretty low-key these days about his dating life. If you’re looking for a "New Ernie Reyes Jr Wife" announcement, you won't find one. He focuses his social media presence almost entirely on two things: martial arts and his kids.
Lotus Blossom and Phoenix are clearly the center of his universe. Lotus has even followed in the family footsteps, appearing in the Netflix movie We Can Be Heroes. It's pretty cool to see the martial arts legacy continuing into a third generation.
- Marital Status: Divorced (formerly married to Lisa Reyes).
- Children: Two (Lotus Blossom and Phoenix).
- Current Focus: Health, family legacy, and martial arts education.
Why Fans Are Still So Interested
The interest in Ernie Reyes Jr wife usually stems from a place of genuine care. People who grew up watching Sidekicks feel like they grew up with him. When news broke about his kidney failure, it hit the community hard. Seeing him recover and remain a devoted father has only made his fanbase more loyal.
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The reality of his life is a lot like a martial arts match. It’s about getting hit, falling down, and figuring out how to get back up. He didn't have a magical "ninja" solution to kidney failure; he had dialysis, family support, and a lot of patience.
If you’re following Ernie today, you’re seeing a man who has a second lease on life. He’s often seen at martial arts seminars or posting throwback clips that remind us why he was a pioneer for Asian-American representation in Hollywood action films. He’s less about the "celebrity" lifestyle now and more about the "legacy" lifestyle.
Practical Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with Ernie's journey or support the martial arts community he's built, the best way is to follow his verified social media channels. He often shares training tips and updates on his health. For those who are inspired by his transplant story, looking into organ donation remains a cause close to the Reyes family's heart.
The story of the Ernie Reyes Jr wife and his broader family is one of resilience. It proves that even when a marriage ends or health fails, the bond of family and the discipline of martial arts can pull a person through the darkest times.
Check out his latest training videos if you want to see a man who truly appreciates every breath—and every kick—he takes.