Stunt Performer Spotlight: Anthony Czumalowski

Featured Interview With Stunt Performer, Anthony Czumalowski.

Anthony Czumalowski grew up an USAF brat primarily on Oahu, HI.  He has traveled the world doing stunts with Marvel Universe Live! where he performed about 400 Live Shows for audiences ranging to sometimes over 15,000.  He portrayed the villains Electro and Green Goblin, and heroes which included The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man (for Media and special events).  His Hawaiian name is No'eau which means "Wise, Artistic, Creative, Wisdom" and he is a part of Hālau Keolakapuokalani.

Anthony got his start in Polynesian dancing after a fellow lifeguard convinced him to try it out.  He has worked for Germaines Luau, Hawaii Tourism Industry (Japan Tour), Magic of Polynesia, and Aulani: A Disney Resort and Spa.  Anthony holds a Bachelors Degree in Creative Media from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.  He has worked behind the camera in Production for a total of 7 years on network shows like CBS HAWAII 5-0, Nickelodeon NRDD, and Disney Channel RAVENS HOME.

When not quarantined, you can find him training at XMA Action Stunts ran by Mike Chat, or over at JAM open gym.

He is highly trained in specialty acts such as: Fire Spinning, Stilts, Puppets, and Costumed Characters.

Tell about yourself, Anthony!

Hi, my name is Anthony Czumalowski, and I love doing the impossible!  When someone says “you can’t” - I love showing them that there ARE ways to make things come to life with hard work and determination, and sometimes a shift in perspective.

What inspired you to become a stunt person?

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.  When I was a kid I would watch action adventure shows and movies and copy what I saw.  Jackie Chan and Mortal Kombat were also a huge inspiration that I would have on repeat.  As I started my career I looked back on my past jobs and they all connected to stunts in some way.

I was a lifeguard for 7 years where I trained to sense and prevent danger; I performed as a dancer where I practiced and retained choreography, and even worked in the Production Office for network shows where I gained experience of the business side of Film and Television.

I got to be honest though, even in the office I would do handstands for whatever reason and my POC would say it was a sign I should jump departments over to stunts.  Which I’m glad I did… thanks Jorge!

What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a story behind it?

I think my most unique skill would definitely be the Boomerang Staff. There aren’t many people in the world that can wield one let alone buy one off the shelf; It is a Flow tool that was made specifically for the worlds Largest Traveling Stuntshow that I was apart of.

The way it is used is you light both ends of the staff on fire then spin and release and manipulate the staff to return back to you.  It’s A LOT OF FUN!  And makes the coolest sounds ever!

A funny story with how I obtained this skill is that it kind of wasn’t supposed to happen - HA!  The track in the show I was cast for had me nowhere near fire.  So naturally, you tell me not to do something I find a way to do it.  I took it upon myself to learn my track AND this fascinating skill (amongst many others) that turned enough heads and added me to the list of Boomerang Staff Performers.

What is the best part about being a stunt performer?

The best part about being a stunt performer is the fact that we get to play! Essentially, we get to play dress up, be an action character, and do cool things.  As a kid, you run around and play all day, and now as an adult we get to do this as a career!

The best thing in life, is to do what you love.  When you love what you do, it’s not a job.  That lays out the foundation to create magic… what better magic than movie magic.

What advice would you give other stunt people?

For the ones that have made it where you want to be… don’t forget to celebrate yourself.  Sometimes we get caught up on the next thing, we forget to reflect and live in the now.  Also keep pushing.  You’re a role model even when they don’t know your name.

For the ones just starting out or aren’t where they want to be… Let that FIRE BURN BABY!  Push, thrive, drive, learn, be obsessed.  There is always something to learn and everyone has to start somewhere.  Basics are your best friend.  Eat, breathe, sleep, repeat, Stunts.  Go out of your comfort zone. Grow.

Anything else you would like to tell the community about?

The work doesn’t get easier, you get stronger.  If you’re able to give back share your knowledge.  We are Storytellers!  Lets make EPIC stories!

Instagram: @janthonycz

Stunt Phone: https://www.stuntphone.com/viewprofile/2510

Stunt Listing: https://www.stuntlisting.com/user/2753

Stunt Players Directory: https://www.stuntplayers.com/player/anthony-czumalowski/