Tell about yourself and your background! *
My name is Donald Love, Jr. but everyone calls me Donnie. I am 34 years of age and I am the new kid on the block of the stunt performance world. I was a personal trainer for 13 years in the fitness industry. It wasn't until July 30th 2021 I made the decision to change careers and go full time into the film industry as a Stunt Performer. Once I did that, I signed up for stunt training at LA Stunts Training Center with Michael Long. I did the basic training and the Advanced training. I had an absolutely amazing time. It just felt like "this" was what I was supposed to be doing with my life. For the first time in a while I felt at peace. Along with my fitness, I also have a background in fighting amateur Boxing and MMA. Prior to fitness training my background also deals with working at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison as a Deathrow Correctional Officer.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
For this question I would change it to "Who" instead of "What". 3 specific individuals. Met Salih who was my client for personal training. Eddie Davenport who I met in the gym and literally always would see when I was there. But most of all, my brother Philip Niu, I met Phil when they were shooting Black Adam. One conversation with Phil turned into a relationship that I consider him to be family. These specific individuals told me that I am supposed to be right along with them. But it was up to me to make the jump!
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
My greatest skill is just being myself behind the camera. Whatever I am told to do I do just that. But I try to give the best professional Performer that I can.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Making everyone around you look even cooler.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
Well, to be honest I currently don't have any. I haven't had any actual work yet. I've just been training and trying to put my name out there so I can show the world that I am serious about what I do.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
That's easy. One word... Commit! I've seen some newbies that didn't fully commit on a stunt and it almost cost them serious bodily injury. You perform every stunt like it's your very last stunt before you die.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I am happy to be apart of a community that wants to see everyone win. I know my time will come but until then I am patient and will keep training.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
Facebook: Donald Love, Jr. Twitter: DonaldLoveJr
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
Listen, I know that it's not the best imagery but it's all I have. If you notice in the stunt training reel I had long hair, braids, afro, etc. December 5th 2021 I made the decision to go in my bathroom with a pair of $8 clippers from Ross and cut my hair completely off just so I can be taken seriously. Which to me it makes sense, because when's the last time you saw an officer or someone in the military with braids?
