Tell about yourself and your background! *
I was a high school athlete that enlisted in the US Army at 16 years old. I became a US Army Special Forces Weapons/Demolition Sgt. assigned to ODA 594 SCUBA/HALO Team 5th Special Forces. My brother Paul told me about Stunt Work in the 1970’s while I was in the military. After being Honorable Discharged I moved to LA where unfortunately SAG was on strike. I moved to Las Vegas where I worked for some interesting individuals. I first hustled Dick Ziker who was doing Vegas. He was very helpful. Next I met Bob Yerkes doing Circus of the Stars on the roof of Caesar’s Palace. He was a gentleman and also gave me great advice. After that I found Dar Robinson doing a highfall and managed to help disassemble the Decelerator and load it into a truck. All the while I was rock climbing in the Red Rocks where I met legendary climbers such as John Long, Lynn Hill and other hardcore locals. Driving home one day I saw a C-130 aircraft prop at a commercial location. I found out Bobby Bass was the Stunt Coordinator and it was a huge stunt film being directed by Hal Needham. “Mega Force” with the best motorcycle stuntmen in the business. I managed to get hired Taft Hartley by Bobby Bass and the rest is history. Stuntman, Stunt-double, Stunt Coordinator, 2nd Unit Director & Director.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
My brother Paul who was attending UCLA
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
Tenacity and perseverance.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Our job is never the same and we get to work with incredible individuals.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
On break drying out between scenes on The Perfect Storm at the Warner Brothers stages we were playing hacky sack joking around and out of nowhere a golf cart brakes hard not to hit us. “Get a job!” Clint Eastwood yells at us!
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
Keep quite & listen Be patient & respectful Train hard & often Learn new skills (get out of your comfort zone)Stay flexible and energetic Proper Nutrition & Recovery Time (Sleep)
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
Be supportive of all individuals trying to make it in this selective and difficult business. “There’s Always Room for Another Performer in this Business “ Bobby Bass
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
Pete Turner on Facebook
