What has been the biggest highlight of your career?
Spending 11 years doubling Tom Cruise and also meeting princess Diana when she came to set to meet Tom.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned over the years as a stunt coordinator?
Make sure you have proof of a young stunt person's look or skill. I have hired a stunt girl that I hadn’t met, which I cast directly from her picture to play a high school student.
I spoke with her on the phone. Long story short, she could have been the mother of a high school student. Also some stunt people have told me in depth of their ability to do something required for a job, and it turned out embarrassing them and me because we had to shoot around their lack of physical coordination.
What are the greatest qualities you seek out in a stunt performer?
I want them to be the best at what I am hiring them for. Not just pretty good. Stunt people make a good wage for a day’s work. You need to be polite and professional, and you better be good at what your hired to do.
What advice would you give up and coming stunt performers?
Other than what you are already good at naturally, learn to drive, rig, and edit. Just be skilled in as many things that can be taught, aside from natural ability.
What do you love most about the stunt community?
The amazing, hard working people. Stunt people are fun, creative people.
