Tell about yourself and your background! *
turous and conquering fears so I can live life freely and to fullest. One of my fears was heights, to annihilate that fear I started going to theme parks. There I feel in love with rollercoasters and thrill rides. I also started doing parkour to deal with heights. When I was 16 I started pro wrestling, I was amazing at it but my heart wasn’t in it. Growing up I started watching ufc back in 1997 with my father. On my 21st birthday I joined an MMA gym. For the next 6 years I lived in the gym. I only went home to sleep. I got great at a lot of the arts; Muay Thai, boxing, jiu jitsu, and collegiate wrestling. From there I decided to go to college to get my astrophysics degree, but I was missing the competitive athletic side of my life. While I was in college I started competitive bodybuilding. After college I started personal training. One my clients owned a talent agency and said I should start working in the film industry. With my skill set and looks I would excel. Got my first gig and the rest was history.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
My love for adventure, challenge, and being appreciated for my craft. Knowing everyday would be different and not the same 9-5. Knowing the industry is still evolving and new stunt are being done every day. To be remembered and leave a legacy.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
My greatest skill is willing to try anything, constantly evolve, and push myself. I’ve done many stunt but one of my favorite stunts I’ve done so far was the front fall I did off a 50ft crane. I’m not a huge fan of heights but man I do love acrobatics and falling. 4-7 seconds of falling. Nothing else matter, I’m free.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Never knowing what you’re going to be doing that day. Knowing the scene relies all on you. Pushing your limits, and living up to the hype.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
I was hired to do a stair fall. I was excited to know I was getting to work with the legendary stunt performer Philip tan. I was so excited to work with with Philip that I barley got any sleep. I started my day off with mapping out the stairs and how I would fall before I got to set. Once I got to set I noticed the staircase was curved. I had to remap how I was going to fall down the stairs. I waited four hours till the scene was up. After that the cameras were in place. I started to walk up the stairs. But they called me back down to give me a prop knife. I had to tuck a knife between my chin and chest while falling down the stairs. To give the effect that a knife had been throwing into my neck. Which made the stunt a little more challenging. They asked me if I need a practice run, I informed them I had already done practice run. I hear 3..2..1..action! I perform the stunt without dropping the knife. I heard cut. A bunch of people ran up to me and asked if I was ok while I was laying on the ground. I was perfectly fine, with no injuries, nothing hurt. I got up to ask if I needed perform the stunt again or if there was anything I could do better. They said it was perfect shot, one and done. They were so impressed they asked if I could do more stunts that day. Which led me to do more stunts falls, even a fight scene with the lead actress with lines.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
Always check your safety equipment. Always communicate with your safeties and crew. Don’t perform stunts you’re not capable of or have no training in. Network on set. Stay humble.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I love this ride. I don’t want it to end. I don’t see it ending anytime soon. Funnest job on the planet.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
All my social medias are My first and last name. George funderburg.
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
I’m still building my stunt driving and stunt reel.
