Stunt Performers

Stunt work requires excellent athletic ability. Many stunt performers were high school and college athletes, and some were Olympic or world champions. Qualities developed through sports such as self-discipline, coordination, common sense, and coolness under stress are essential to becoming a successful stunt performer. Stunt performers must exercise regularly to stay in shape and maintain good health. An understanding of the mechanics of the stunts is also helpful since they may be working with ropes, cables, and other equipment.

It is helpful to have a common body type because much of the work involves being a stunt double for a star actor. Exceptionally tall or short people, for example, may have difficulty finding roles.