Mark Dacascos Cheers Son’s UCSB Graduation
Mark Dacascos applauds Kapono and Cailean after Economics and Accounting triumph at UCSB!!
Image: Instagram
Mark Dacascos, the martial arts star and Iron Chef America host, recently took to Instagram to share a milestone moment that’s close to his heart: his children’s university graduation.
A Proud Moment For Kapono And Cailean
In a heartfelt message on his Instagram account, Dacascos wrote, “Congratulations @kapono_d for your BA in Economics & Accounting from @ucsbecon. Congratulations to @cailean.lee and all the friends who graduated this year! Thank you family and friends for supporting these college graduates. 🙏🏽❤️🤙🏽 #grateful #discipline #breathe.” The post included several photos capturing him alongside his son Kapono and daughter Cailean on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, all beaming in academic regalia.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant chapter for Kapono, who earned his dual degree in Economics and Accounting, and for Cailean, whose field of study Dacascos has not publicly specified. The images show tight family embraces, proud smiles and a sea of blue caps and gowns reflecting UCSB’s official colors. Fans flooded the comments to congratulate both graduates, praising Dacascos for highlighting familial pride.
This tribute follows an earlier Father’s Day post in which Dacascos reflected on his son’s academic achievements. “We were so proud to watch Kapono graduate today with a BA in Economics and Accounting from UCSB,” he wrote in that June post. “Congrats to Cailean 😊 and all the friends, teachers, and families who support these amazing kids. Happy Father’s Day to our North Star @dacascosmark 💛💙.”
Mark Dacascos: Star And Supportive Dad
Beyond sharing action-packed film scenes and martial arts tutorials, Dacascos has carved out a reputation for celebrating personal milestones. Born in Honolulu, he shot to fame with the 1993 capoeira film Only the Strong and later portrayed Wo Fat on Hawaii Five-0. His role as “The Chairman” on Iron Chef America introduced him to a broader audience. More recently, he appeared as the assassin Zero in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and headlined Netflix’s Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.
Off-screen, Dacascos balances his busy schedule with fatherhood. He often peppers his social feed with reflective hashtags—#grateful, #discipline and #breathe—underscoring his martial arts roots and mindfulness practice. Fans and followers have come to expect a blend of high-energy posts and quiet moments of family life, giving insight into the values that drive the performer.
At UCSB, Economics and Accounting students tackle rigorous coursework covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial reporting and statistical analysis. Graduates like Kapono join a network of alumni who have gone on to careers in finance, consulting and academia. Dacascos’ shout-out not only honors his children but also highlights the support systems—from professors to peers—essential to completing such demanding programs.
The celebratory Instagram carousel included snapshots of palm-lined walkways on the Santa Barbara campus, graduation stoles and candid shots of behind-the-scenes excitement. Dacascos’ use of vibrant emojis—a folded hands emoji for thanks, a red heart for love and the shaka symbol—added a personal touch to the public announcement, inviting followers to share in the joy.
As a public figure who has spanned film, television and competitive cooking shows, Dacascos understands the power of milestones. Sharing his daughter and son’s academic triumphs offers a relatable moment for fans navigating their own family celebrations. It’s a reminder that even amid blockbuster stunts and reality-TV drama, family achievements remain at the core of his story.
In blending candid emotion with his film-star persona, Dacascos continues to set a social-media example: celebrating success in all its forms. His post serves as both a public thank-you to those who supported the graduates and a testament to the role education plays in shaping the next generation—his own children included.
Trivia
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
