In this article, we’ll explore how the popular Dragon Ball series incorporates real-world elements into its characters. Many of them were inspired by real-life figures, whether famous actors, iconic personalities, or well-known fighters. Check out this list of 30 Dragon Ball characters and their real-life inspirations!

1. Sergeant Metallitron – Arnold Schwarzenegger

One of the Red Patrol's Androids, Sergeant Metallic was based on the iconic figure of actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, famous for playing the Terminator.

2. Sara’s Dad – Chuck Norris

Sara's father, a character who appears in the classic Dragon Ball, was inspired by martial arts legend Chuck Norris.

3. Tao Pai Pai – Yuen Fai

Tao Pai Pai, another villain from the classic, was inspired by the actor from the film “Master of the Flying Guillotine”.

4. Dictator – Adolf Hitler

In the film “A New Fusion”, a dictator appears whose appearance clearly resembles Adolf Hitler.

5. Frieza’s Third Form – Inspired by the movie “Alien”

Freeza's third form was clearly based on the creature from the movie "Alien".

6. Wrestler – Hulk Hogan

A wrestler with a similar appearance to Hulk Hogan appears during the preliminaries of the 21st tournament.

7. Trunks – John Connor (Edward Furlong)

Tracks is another Dragon Ball character inspired by a real-life actor, Eduardo Colan, from the movie “The Terminator”.

8. Commander Black – Michael Jordan

Commander Black, the villain of the Red Patrol, was inspired by the famous basketball player, Michael Jordan.

9. Grace Lee – Bruce Lee

Grace Lee, fighter in the 21st tournament, was clearly based on the legendary martial arts figure, Bruce Lee.

10. Android 18 – Jodie Foster

The character Android 18 was inspired by actress Jodie Foster, mainly when she was a teenager.

11. Pamput – Michael Jackson

Pamput, a famous wrestler from the 22nd tournament, has his appearance inspired by the wrestler

12. King Cleaver – Merlin Olsen

Titi's father, also known as Goku's father-in-law, closely resembles former American football player Merlin Olsen in appearance.

13. Baseball Teacher – Inspired by Freddie Mercury

The baseball teacher resembles the iconic Queen singer Freddie Mercury.

14. Knock – Axl Rose

Noc, a fighter in the 28th tournament, was inspired by Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose.

15. Rafa – Inspired by Dolly Parton

Rafa, one of the girls in the 21st tournament, was inspired by the American singer Dolly Parton.

16. Kira – Inspired by Evander Holyfield

Kira, a fighter in the 25th tournament, was inspired by former American boxer Evander Holyfield.

17. Kickbox – Inspired by Mohamed Ali

Kickbox, the 21st tournament fighter, was based on the legendary boxer Mohamed Ali.

18. Android 8 – Inspired by Frankenstein’s monster

The eighth generation of Red Patrol androids was clearly inspired by Frankenstein's monster.

19. Mister Satan – Count Dante

World champion Mister Satan was inspired by famous martial artist Jackie Chan.

20. Launch – Inspired by Heather Locklear

The character Lanfan is reminiscent of actress Heather Locklear, especially in her films such as “The Real Deal” and “Dynasty”.

21. Tournament announcer – Rick Astley

The tournament's narrator was inspired by singer Rick Astley, especially in his younger days.

22. Dr. Gero – Inspired by Ramón Valdés

The mad scientist Dr. Gero was inspired by the actor Ramón Valdés, known for playing Seu Madruga in the series Chaves.

23. Superman – Inspired by Christopher Reeve

Initially appearing in another work by Akira Toriyama, Superman had his appearances in Dragon Ball and was inspired by the actor Christopher Reeve.

24. Big Van Vader – Piroshki

Piroshki was one of Mister Satan's students who faced Cell and he was inspired by a wrestling artist who uses a black armor/helmet.

25. General Blue – Michael Dudikoff

General Blue, the Red Patrol villain, had his appearance inspired by the American actor and model Michael Dudikoff.

26. Ninja Murasaki – Inspired by Sonny Chiba

Ninja Murasaki, a ninja hired by General White, was inspired by actor Sonny Chiba from the movie “The Street Fighter”.

27. Miss Elisabeth – Miss Piiza

My wife, one of Mister Satan's admirers, was inspired by the professional wrestler Miss Elizabeth.

28. Greek – Inspired by André the Giant

Grego, a fighter in the 22nd tournament, was inspired by the famous WWE fighter, André the Giant.

29. Sumo Wrestler – Inspired by Toshimitsu

A sumo wrestler who participated in the 21st tournament was inspired by the famous wrestler Toshimitsu.

30. Soldier with No Name – Jean-Claude Van Damme

The Nameless Soldier from the Red Patrol saga was inspired by the actor Jean-Claude Van Damme from the film “Universal Soldier”.

Dragon Ball is truly a series that mixes fiction and reality, featuring characters with interesting and curious references. Now you know who some of the inspirations behind these remarkable figures are!