The art of stunt work has long been understated, with the exception of a few actors who choose to perform their own stunts, showcasing their dedication as actors. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone, and Harrison Ford are renowned for their impressive stunt work, but often the focus is on the action sequences rather than the professionals behind the scenes. Recently, industry recognition has been given to the art of stunt work with the introduction of a new category at the Nation Board of Review awards.
The ability to render death-defying stunts on screen is a testament to the hard work of numerous backstage experts and the bravery of trained professionals. Stunt doubles often perform the dangerous acts, which are then edited to make it seem like the lead actor is taking on the stunt. However, in some cases, the actors themselves perform the scene, which is a remarkable feat, especially for well-known performers who have been doing their own stunts for decades.
At 61, Tom Cruise is one of the oldest stunt performers in Hollywood, known for his impressive work in the Mission: Impossible franchise. He underwent intensive training to perform the underwater heist in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, which is widely regarded as his most impressive stunt performance. Jackie Chan, 69, has been performing his own stunts for decades, beginning his career as a stunt double and martial arts choreographer.
Tom Cruise in American Made (Via IMDB)
Sylvester Stallone, 77, is another name that comes to mind when thinking of stunt performers. In The Expendables, he performed a number of risky stunts, including a fight with wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, which resulted in a serious hairline fracture. Harrison Ford, 81, is the oldest stunt-performing star, known for his commitment to doing his own stunts in the Indiana Jones franchise. He has filmed some stunts without a stunt double, despite the physical demands involved, which has led to numerous injuries over the years.
Ford’s dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to perform physically demanding stunts, even in his 80s. In Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, he sustained a shoulder injury during filming, but he continues to perform his own stunts, much to the dismay of the stunt team. This commitment to realism is a testament to Ford’s dedication as an actor.
The introduction of a new category at the Nation Board of Review awards is a step in the right direction for stunt work receiving industry recognition. The Nation Board of Review’s next ceremony is to be held in January 2024, where the Achievement in Stunt Artistry category will recognize the hard work and bravery of stunt performers. This may have a knock-on effect for other major awarding bodies in the future.
Ultimately, the accolade of performing your own stunts is something that will always impress an action-loving audience. The work of Ford, Chan, Cruise, and Stallone shows that some real-life stars are just as daring as the characters they play on screen, a revelation that ignites our imaginations and piques our curiosity.
