Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Hug your local Stuntman....

Today is a sad day for me and my second family at the Indiana Jones Stunt Show here in Orlando. One of our stuntmen was killed last night in a freak accident performing a simple (at least they make it seem so simple) stunt. It's a stunt that has been performed literally hundreds of thousands of times over the twenty years of the show. And contrary to the stupid remarks I have read on the Internet, I want those that follow my blog to know that the show hires the best possible people to, not only perform the stunts, but to rehearse these stunts over and over again. Remember, this show has been open for twenty years with high falls, explosions, fire, and any other possible stunt you can think of to excite an audience. After all these years, we are still listed as the most popular stunt show according to a theme park trade magazine.

Don't undermine what a stunt person does or how they are trained. You can say, 'it's in their blood', or 'it's a gift', but the talent, training and sacrifice can't be compared. Unless you've witnessed it first hand, you just don't understand. They are trained professionals that put their body (and their life) on the line during every performance. I wouldn't trade a moment I have spent with the cast of this show. We've worked together on stage for twelve years and more than a handful have worked performing stunts on my films as well as SAG and equity productions. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every member of our cast and to the family of our fallen soldier.

If you know a stunt performer, coordinator, or stand-in, give him or her a hug today. Let them know they're appreciated for making us "oooo and ahhhh" on television, on stage and in the movies.

......And cut!

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