Stuntmen, Stunt Coordinators who became Film & TV Directors

1. Hal Needham

As the highest paid stuntman in the world, Hal Needham broke 56 bones, his back twice, punctured a lung and knocked out a few teeth. His career has included work on 4500 television episodes and 310 feature films as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, 2nd unit director and ultimately, director.

He wrote ...

2. Buddy Van Horn

Stunts | High Plains Drifter

Prolific American stunt man and occasional small part actor, formerly billed as Wayne Van Horn. The son of a veterinarian who ministered to animals at Universal studios, he first worked as a horse wrangler following a stint in the U.S. Army. This earlier expertise as a rider served him well after ...

3. Charlie Picerni

Stunts | Road House

Charlie Picerni was born in Corona Queens, New York. The fourth of five children to Italian parents. After high school, he worked different jobs, one being construction work on high-rise buildings in Manhattan. He married, at a young age, his childhood girlfriend, Marie. He had a son after one year...

4. Frank Orsatti

Stunts | The Terminator

Stuntman and actor Frank Harry Orsatti was born on February 26, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. The son of St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Ernie Orsatti and opera singer Inez Gorman, Frank was also drafted into the Cardinals, but an injury during training prevented him from playing. Orsatti ...

5. Ernie F. Orsatti

Stunts | Fallen

Born in Beverly Hills, California, Ernie F. Orsatti started in the film industry at the age of sixteen. His mother, Inez Gorman, was a noted opera singer. His father, Ernie Orsatti, was a famous baseball player who played for The St. Louis Cardinals, known as "the gas house gang". He was the nephew...

6. Craig R. Baxley

Director | Action Jackson

Craig Baxley is a third-generation filmmaker. After starting his career in front of the camera, working his way up as a successful stunt coordinator and second unit director on films like Predator (1987), Reds (1981), The Long Riders (1980) and The Warriors (1979) (with such talented directors as ...

7. BJ Davis

Stunts | Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

BJ Davis is a Member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, formerly with the Producers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild. BJ produced the controversial award-winning documentary feature film Top Priority: The Terror Within (2012), which premiered at the ...

8. Julia Davis

Producer | Medal of Honor

Julia Davis is a Columnist for The Daily Beast, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) and a Washington Post contributor. Julia is a Russian Media Analyst and served as a featured Russian expert with the Atlantic Council's Disinformation Portal in Washington, DC, targeting Russian propaganda, ...

9. Rick Avery

Stunts | The Dark Knight

Rick Avery is a Stuntman, Stunt Coordinator, Actor, Director, Helicopter Pilot, and Aerial Coordinator, with over 500 feature film, television and commercial credits, including; "Men in Black 2/3", "Captain America", Four Batman Movies", "Ant man","Get Smart", "American Sniper", "Titanic", "The ...

10. Ed Anders

Stunts | Godzilla

From an action background, Ed began his film in career in Hollywood as an action specialist, specializing in martial arts, utility stunts, precision driving and fight choreography.

After almost 30 years in film, Ed has made the transition from stunt performer, to stunt coordinator, to second unit ...

11. Spiro Razatos

Stunts | Venom

Spiro Razatos was born in 1960. He is an assistant director and actor, known for Venom (2018), The Fate of the Furious (2017) and Captain America: Civil War (2016).

12. Gary R. Benz

Producer | Intervention

Gary R. Benz - President, Chief Executive Officer

An entrepreneur who helped set the standard for documentary and unscripted television programming, Gary R. Benz was one of the first American producers to envision the worldwide appeal of this emerging genre. In 1986, he established GRB Entertainment...

13. Jesse V. Johnson

Director | Avengement

Jesse V. Johnson was born on November 29, 1971 in Winchester, England, UK. He is a director and writer, known for Avengement (2019), Hell Hath No Fury (2021) and Debt Collectors (2020). He was previously married to Jamie Johnson.

14. Art Camacho

Stunts | The Camacho Experiment

Art Camacho is a multi-award-winning independent film Director whose works include the Dermot Mulroney starrer "Ruthless" and the upcoming Tyrese, Harvey Keitel Actioner "The Wrecker". Camacho was the first Latino filmmaker to Direct a Russian Drama in Moscow, Russia "Wild League" and received ...

15. Conrad E. Palmisano

Stunts | Dhoom:3

Conrad began his film career in 1970 as a stuntman. Since 1980, he has become one of the most sought after Second-Unit Directors, with scores of top films to his credit. Known to his friends and co-workers as Connie, he has endeavored to give back to the industry by serving as the President of the ...

16. Ric Roman Waugh

Director | Shot Caller

Ric Roman Waugh was born in Los Angeles, California, USA. Ric Roman is a producer and director, known for Shot Caller (2017), Angel Has Fallen (2019) and Greenland (2020). Ric Roman has been married to Tanya Ballinger since September 24, 2005. They have two children.

17. Scott Waugh

Director | Act of Valor

Scott Waugh was born on August 22, 1970 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Act of Valor (2012), Expend4bles (2023) and Hidden Strike (2023).

18. Mike McCoy

Producer | Act of Valor

Mike McCoy is known for Act of Valor (2012), Flight of the Phoenix (2004) and Line of Sight. He has been married to Carmella McCoy since 2007.

19. Aaron Norris

Producer | Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire

Aaron Norris was born in Gardena, California, USA. He is a producer and director, known for Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire (2005), Ant-Man (2015) and Not Easily Broken (2009). He has been married to Rebecca since September 15, 1981. They have three children.

20. Mike Norris

Stunts | Rush Hour 3

Mike Norris was born on October 4, 1962 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. He is an actor and director, known for Rush Hour 3 (2007), Where the Heart Is (2000) and The Crossroads of Hunter Wilde (2019). He has been married to Valerie Ann Gallo since May 23, 1992. They have three children.

21. Eric Norris

Actor | Universal Soldier

Eric Norris was born in 1965 and is the youngest son of Chuck Norris.

He started his career as a Stunt Man at a young age, then later graduated to Stunt Coordinating, 2nd Unit Directing and eventually Directing Main Unit.

He's Married with 3 Daughters- Camrynn, Chloe and Chantz and has one son Cash ...

22. Nash Edgerton

Stunts | Mr Inbetween

Nash Edgerton was born on January 19, 1973 in Australia. He is a director and actor, known for Mr Inbetween (2018), Gringo (2018) and The Square (2008). He has been married to Carla Ruffino since April 1, 2014.

23. David Leitch

Producer | Bullet Train

David Leitch is a billion dollar film director, actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and stunt coordinator. He co-directed John Wick (2014) with Chad Stahelski, on which he also served as producer. David directed Atomic Blonde (2017) starring Charlize Theron. David also directed the box office smash ...

24. Chad Stahelski

Producer | John Wick: Chapter 4

He came from a kick-boxing background; he entered the film field as a stunt performer at the age of 24. Before that, he worked as an instructor at the Inosanto Martial Arts Academy in California, teaching Jeet Kune Do/Jun Fan. After doing numerous roles in low budget martial art movies like Mission...

25. David R. Ellis

Assistant_director | The Matrix Reloaded

Began as an actor in Kurt Russell-Disney Films in 1974. Made the switch to the Stunt world following a successful career as a junior pro surfer. Born, bred, and resided in Malibu. Many, many stunts later, David made the promotion to Stunt Coordinator in 1978 on Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)....

26. David Barrett

Producer | Blue Bloods

David M. Barrett is a producer and director with over 200 credits on more than 40 hit television shows. Barrett began his career as a stuntman and eventually progressed to stunt coordinator and later second unit director on several major studio films. Today, he is one of the most prolific ...

27. Christopher Doyle

Stunts | Scream 2

Christopher Doyle was born on December 26, 1950 in Canyon Country, California, USA. He is an actor and assistant director, known for Scream 2 (1997), Last Man Standing (1996) and Hot Shots! (1991).

28. Glenn R. Wilder

Actor | Monster

Glenn R. Wilder was born on September 1, 1933 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was an actor and assistant director, known for Monster (2003), Point Break (1991) and Deja Vu (2006). He died on July 7, 2017 in Gotha, Florida, USA.

29. Ron Stein

Stunts | Airwolf

Ron Stein was born on October 5, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor and assistant director, known for Airwolf (1984), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) and Godzilla (1998).

30. Mic Rodgers

Stunts | Hacksaw Ridge

Mic Rodgers was born in 1954. He is known for Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Point Break (2015) and Braveheart (1995).

31. Bob Bralver

Stunts | Darkman

Bob Bralver was born on January 15, 1941 in the USA. He is an assistant director and actor, known for Darkman (1990), Road House (1989) and Suicide Kings (1997).

32. Branscombe Richmond

Actor | The Scorpion King

Highly recognizable Native American actor, stuntman and singer who is equally capable of portraying cold-hearted villains on the one hand and warm-hearted, open "good guys" on the other, as evidenced by his huge grin and hearty laugh.

The solidly built 6' 3" Richmond has regularly played the bad guy ...

33. Gary Davis

Stunts | Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Gary Davis was born on September 11, 1951 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor and assistant director, known for Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Against All Odds (1984) and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).

34. Doc Duhame

Stunts | Ray Donovan

Doc Duhame is known for Ray Donovan (2013), Westworld (2016) and Django Unchained (2012).

35. Erik Stabenau

Stunts | Wild Hogs

Erik Stabenau is known for Wild Hogs (2007), Minority Report (2002) and Starship Troopers (1997).

36. Philip Tan

Stunts | Inception

Phil Tan was born in Singapore where he spent his childhood and then at the age of five moved to the UK. Phil started off his athletic career as a gymnast where he became the British Youth Tumbling champion and a member of the British squad for many years. Years later after getting into martial ...

37. Paul Stader

Stunts | The Poseidon Adventure

Paul Stader was born on February 13, 1911 in Neosho, Missouri, USA. He was an actor and assistant director, known for The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Towering Inferno (1974) and The Monster Squad (1987). He was married to Marilyn Stader. He died on April 10, 1991 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

38. Paul Baxley

Stunts | Diamonds Are Forever

Paul Baxley was born in Casper Wyoming in 1923. Growing up in Los Angeles, he went on to become an all-city quarterback and track star at Eagle Rock High.

A Marine, a Scout and Sniper in the 4th Division in World War II, he fought on Kwajalein (Roi-namur), Iwo Jima, Saipan and Tinian. He received ...

39. Rawn Hutchinson

Stunts | Dhoom:3

Growing up on a farm in Western Pennsylvania, Rawn Hutchinson learned the basics of hard work right from the beginning. During his high school years he played football, worked on the farm and enjoyed fast cars and rock and roll in his spare time. In 1976, Rawn was living in Phoenix, Arizona working...

40. Marvin Walters

Stunts | Armageddon

Marvin Walters is known for Armageddon (1998), RoboCop 2 (1990) and What's Up, Doc? (1972).

41. George Montgomery

Actor | Samar

George Montgomery was boxing champion at the University of Montana where he majored in architecture and interior design. Dropping out a year later he decided to take up boxing more seriously. He moved to California where he was coached by ex-heavyweight world champion James J. Jeffries. While in ...

42. Warren A. Stevens

Stunts | Star Trek: Insurrection

Warren A. Stevens is known for Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Mystic Pizza (1988).

43. William Washington

Stunts | Minority Report

William Washington has worked in the motion picture industry for 30-plus years and counts among his credits over 400 Film projects. Television Shows, Commercials, and Music Videos. Washington's career began when he was hired as a stuntman on the feature film "Marked for Death", starring Steven ...

44. Cole S. McKay

Stunts | Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Cole S. McKay is known for Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Far and Away (1992) and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991).

45. Wade Eastwood

Stunts | Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Wade Eastwood was born in Durban, South Africa in 1971, the youngest of 4 children. He finished junior school there before his family moved to England. The weather and lifestyle eventually forced a family decision to move back home to SA after 5 years. Once home, Wade finished high school, ...

46. Scott Leva

Stunts | X-Men

Stunt Coordinator, Stuntman, 2nd Unit Director, Director & Actor, Scott Leva has over 28 years experience and numerous Film and Television credits to his name. Scott began his career as a champion gymnast, who moved to New York in 1977 to try his hand at acting. His drive and athletic talents ...

47. Burt Reynolds

Actor | Boogie Nights

Enduring, strong-featured, and genial star of US cinema, Burt Reynolds started off in T.V. westerns in the 1960s and then carved his name into 1970s/1980s popular culture, as a sex symbol (posing nearly naked for "Cosmopolitan" magazine), and on-screen as both a rugged action figure and then as a ...

Award winning action actor, grand man, great director, producer, and fine stuntman ("Schlitz Playhouse," Pony Express," "Gunsmoke," "Hawk" "Riverboat," and "Gator"), who could do it all in front of and behind the camera. Burt gave Hal Needham his directorial debut, "Smokey and the Bandit" (1977), "Hooper" (1978), as Sonny Hooper!

48. John Ford

Director | The Quiet Man

John Ford came to Hollywood following one of his brothers, an actor. Asked what brought him to Hollywood, he replied "the train". He became one of the most respected directors in the business, in spite of being known for his westerns, which were not considered "serious" film. He won six Oscars, ...

49. Buster Keaton

Actor | The General

Joseph Frank Keaton was born on October 4, 1895 in Piqua, Kansas, to Joe Keaton and Myra Keaton. Joe and Myra were Vaudevillian comedians with a popular, ever-changing variety act, giving Keaton an eclectic and interesting upbringing. In the earliest days on stage, they traveled with a medicine ...

Art of Action!

50. Harold Lloyd

Actor | Safety Last!

Born in Burchard, Nebraska, USA to Elizabeth Fraser and J. Darcie 'Foxy' Lloyd who fought constantly and soon divorced (at the time a rare event), Harold Clayton Lloyd was nominally educated in Denver and San Diego high schools and received his stage training at the School of Dramatic Art (San ...

Taking the call, taking the fall.

51. Charles Chaplin

Writer | The Great Dictator

Considered to be one of the most pivotal stars of the early days of Hollywood, Charlie Chaplin lived an interesting life both in his films and behind the camera. He is most recognized as an icon of the silent film era, often associated with his popular character, the Little Tramp; the man with the ...

Putting the motion into moving pictures!

52. Victor Fleming

Director | Gone with the Wind

Victor Fleming entered the film business as a stuntman in 1910, mainly doing stunt driving - which came easy to him, as he had been a mechanic and professional race-car driver. He became interested in working on the other side of the camera, and eventually got a job as a cameraman on many of the ...

53. John Landis

Director | The Blues Brothers

John Landis began his career in the mail room of 20th Century-Fox. A high-school dropout, 18-year-old Landis made his way to Yugoslavia to work as a production assistant on Kelly's Heroes (1970). Remaining in Europe, Landis found work as an actor, extra and stuntman in many of the Spanish/Italian "...

54. George P. Cosmatos

Director | Rambo: First Blood Part II

George P. Cosmatos was born on January 4, 1941 in Florence, Tuscany, Italy. He was a director and assistant director, known for Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Leviathan (1989) and Cobra (1986). He was married to Birgitta Ljungberg. He died on April 19, 2005 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

55. Daniel Bernhardt

Actor | Atomic Blonde

Daniel Bernhardt was born on the 31st August 1965 in Worblaufen, Bern in Switzerland.

After finishing high school, he studied architectural design for four years and graduated in Bern. At the same time he opened a martial arts school with his brother. After completing his studies, Daniel moved to ...