The world of stunts is thrilling, dangerous, and often dominated by men, but women have been breaking barriers and making history in this high-octane field for decades. From pioneering the industry to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, female stunt performers have not only showcased their incredible talent but have also played a crucial role in shaping the future of action in film. Here’s a look at the contributions of women in the stunt industry, the progress made, and the challenges still faced.
The Pioneers: Early Trailblazers in Stunts
Women have been involved in stunts since the early days of cinema, though their contributions were often overlooked. In the 1910s and 1920s, silent film actresses like Helen Gibson and Pearl White performed their stunts, paving the way for future generations of stuntwomen.
Helen Gibson: Considered one of the first professional stuntwomen, Helen Gibson made a name for herself in the 1910s with daring feats in Western films. Her work in the serial "The Hazards of Helen" is legendary, where she performed dangerous stunts like leaping from speeding trains and riding horses at full gallop.
Pearl White: Another early stunt performer, Pearl White, starred in the silent film serial "The Perils of Pauline." Known for her fearless attitude, White performed many of her stunts, including high wire acts and harrowing escapes from dangerous situations.
These women set the stage for the future, displaying that women could not only perform stunts but do so with remarkable skill and bravery.
Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in Stunts
Despite the early contributions, the stunt industry remained male-dominated for much of the 20th century. However, as the film industry evolved, so have opportunities for women in stunts.
Jeannie Epper: A trailblazer in the stunt community, Jeannie Epper became one of the most respected stuntwomen in Hollywood. She was a second generation American stuntwoman. Her work as a stunt double for Lynda Carter in the 1970s TV series "Wonder Woman" remains iconic. Epper’s career helped open doors for other women in the industry, and she became an advocate for gender equality in stunts. She performed stunts in over 100 feature films and television series and is perhaps best known as Lynda Carter’s stunt double on the 1970s television Wonder Woman. Her acting roles included appearances in The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Foxy Brown, Switchblade Sisters Drum, Supernatural and Beverly Hills Cop III.
Jadie David: Jadie’s entry into the movie business sounds like a scene from a film. It was 1971; she was 22 years old living in Burbank, Los Angeles. She would regularly ride her horse in nearby Griffith Park. She knew most of the other riders out there, including an African American man named Bob Minor. Minor told her he was in the movie industry and that he liked her look so he introduced her to the world of stunts. She’s doubled for Pam Grier in numerous movies such as “Foxy Brown”, “Coffy” and “Sheeba Baby”. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she spent an entire year in a body cast after breaking her back on the movie “Rollercoaster”. She’s been an advocate for stunt performers and specifically stunt people of color. To her credit she created the first Stunt & Safety Guide for stunt performers for Paramount studios & SAG-AFTRA.
Zoë Bell: New Zealand-born stuntwoman Zoë Bell gained fame as the stunt double for Lucy Lawless in "Xena: Warrior Princess" and later for Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s "Kill Bill" series. Bell’s success as a stuntwoman and her transition into acting and producing have made her a powerful figure in the industry, inspiring a new generation of women.
Peaches Jones: A second-generation stuntwoman born in Pasadena, California, Peaches was active in track, gymnastics, basketball, cheerleading and the Junior Olympics when she attended John Muir High. Her father, Sam Jones, was a member of the Black Stuntmen’s Association and Peaches followed in his footsteps, attending stunt workouts with him. She became a member of the Black Stuntmen’s Association, a group which claimed around 100 members at the time of her active career, 8-10 of whom were women, according to Mollie Gregory in “Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story.” Jones went on to appear in ten credited and additional uncredited roles as a stuntwoman, many during the rush of independent black films between 1970 and 1975. Molly Gregory refers to Peaches Jones as “the first successful Black stuntwoman in Los Angeles.” After an impressive career, an injury among situations sidelined her career untimely demise.
Jessie Graff: Graff’s journey ignited at the age of 3, when she attended the Big Apple Circus and begged the ringmaster to let her try. Although her attempt to join the circus was unsuccessful that day, the experience immediately sparked a passion to fly high and push herself beyond what others said she was capable of. Her mother enrolled her in circus gymnastics classes, which began her training and led her to other specialties in various acrobatic and fitness disciplines, helping her develop her range of core strength, power & agility. As an American professional stunt woman, martial artist and athletics-based television personality. She’s a black belt in Taekwondo, a black belt in Kung Fu and is trained in five other styles of martial arts. She’s also a championship pole vaulter and a competitive gymnast. She has become well known for her athletic achievements on the obstacle course show American Ninja Warrior. Graff attributes much of her success on the seemingly impossible obstacles of American Ninja Warrior to her decade-long career in stunts. Awarded the Action Icon Aware for “Stuntwoman of the Year”, her credits include G.I Joe, Transformers, Die Hard, The Dark Knight as well as being a recurring double on Supergirl, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Leverage and many more.
These women, and many others, not only performed jaw-dropping stunts but also pushed against the glass ceiling in an industry where women were often relegated to secondary roles.
Progress in the Industry: Achievements and Milestones
In recent years, the stunt industry has seen significant progress regarding gender equality. More women are being recognized for their work, and their contributions are increasingly celebrated.
Increased Recognition: Awards and accolades specifically for stunt performers have begun to acknowledge the work of women in stunts. Events like the Taurus World Stunt Awards and The Action Icon Stuntwomen’s Awards have categories recognizing female stunt performers, highlighting their contributions to the industry.
Visibility in Film and TV: With the rise of strong female leads in action films and TV shows, the demand for skilled stuntwomen has grown. Films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Wonder Woman" showcased the extraordinary abilities of female stunt performers, bringing their work to the forefront.
Mentorship and Advocacy: Female stunt coordinators and seasoned stuntwomen are mentoring the next generation, advocating for safer working conditions and equal opportunities. Organizations like the Stuntwomen’s Foundation provide support and resources to women in the industry, by helping them navigate the challenges and which will allow them to advance within their careers.
Ongoing Challenges: The Road Ahead
Despite the progress, female stunt performers still face challenges in the industry:
Gender Stereotypes: Women in stunts often have to fight against stereotypes that suggest they’re not as capable as their male counterparts. This can lead to fewer opportunities and less recognition for their work.
Unequal Pay: Like many industries, stunt work is not immune to the gender pay gap. Female stunt performers often earn less than their male counterparts, even when performing the same stunts.
Limited Roles: There are still fewer leading roles for women in action films, which can limit the opportunities for stuntwomen.
Breaking Through: The Future of Women in Stunts
The future of women in stunts is bright, with more women than ever breaking into the industry and making their mark. The rise of female action heroes in film and TV, along with greater awareness of gender equality, is paving the way for more opportunities.
Representation Matters: As more films and TV shows feature strong female characters, the demand for skilled stuntwomen will continue to grow. Representation behind the scenes is as important as it is on-screen, and seeing women perform incredible stunts inspires future generations to pursue careers in the industry.
Advocacy and Awareness: Continued advocacy for equal pay, recognition, and opportunities is crucial. By raising awareness of the contributions of women in stunts, the industry can move toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
Innovation and Leadership: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the stunt industry, from stunt coordinators to directors. Their influence is helping to shape the industry’s future, ensuring that safety, diversity, and creativity are prioritized.
Women in the stunt industry have a rich history of breaking barriers and making history such as Jessie Graff, American Ninja Warrior and Lafaye Baker who created the Action Icon Awards honoring stuntwomen and heroines. These trailblazers’ contributions continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in action oriented movies. While challenges remain, the progress made so far is a testament to the resilience, skill, and determination of female stunt performers. As the industry evolves, so too will the opportunities for women to shine, proving that they are an integral part of the thrilling world of stunts.
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