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 renowned 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, the 21st tournament fighter, 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, especially 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 Muhammad 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 the famous martial artist Jackie Chan.

20. Launch – Inspired by Heather Locklear

The character Lanfan is reminiscent of actress Heather Locklear, especially in her films like “The Man Who Sold It” and “Dynasty.”

21. Tournament Announcer – Rick Astley

The tournament's announcer 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 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 villain of the Red Patrol, 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. The Nameless Soldier – Jean-Claude Van Damme

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

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