David R. Ellis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David R. Ellis
Ellis at the premiere of Snakes on a Plane in 2006
Born	David Richard Ellis (1952-09-08)September 8, 1952 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Died	January 7, 2013(2013-01-07) (aged 60) Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation	Film director, second unit director, stuntman
Years active	1975–2013

David Richard Ellis (born September 8, 1952 – died January 7, 2013) was an American film director and stunt performer. He was born in Santa Monica, California. David Ellis worked on many films and TV shows. These included National Lampoon's Vacation, Baywatch, and Lethal Weapon.

He also helped direct big action films. These are called "second unit director" roles. Some of these movies were Waterworld, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and The Matrix Reloaded. As a main director, he made the action movie Snakes on a Plane. He also directed two movies in the popular Final Destination series.

David Ellis's Career in Movies

David Ellis started his career after being a junior professional surfer. He first appeared in movies as a young actor in 1975. His first big movie was The Strongest Man in the World. In 1978, he became a stunt coordinator. This meant he planned and managed all the stunts in a movie.

After many years as a stunt coordinator, he became a second unit director in 1986. A second unit director films scenes that don't involve the main actors. These often include action scenes or establishing shots. Later, he directed his first full movie, Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, for Disney.

David Ellis is most famous for directing two Final Destination movies. He also directed Snakes on a Plane in 2006. This movie became very popular on the internet.

As a stunt man, he was well-known for his work in the movie Scarface. He also did stunts for Fatal Attraction, Lethal Weapon, and the TV show Baywatch. As a second unit director, he worked on many famous films. These include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Matrix Reloaded.

David Ellis directed seven movies in total. These were Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco, Final Destination 2, Cellular, Snakes on a Plane, Asylum, The Final Destination, and Shark Night. He was nominated for the Taurus Award in 2003. This was for his stunt coordination work on The Matrix Reloaded. He was also a vice president for a group of stunt performers called Stunts Unlimited.

David Ellis's Family Life

David R. Ellis had three children: Tawny, Cheyenne, and Tagert. He was the son of Richard and Andrea Ellis. He also had three sisters: Annie, Lori, and Chenoa. David Ellis was married to Cindy. He was also a grandfather to Kodiak and Ridge Ellis.

Once, David Ellis was almost carjacked. He was stuck between two other cars. But he used his amazing stunt-driving skills. He quickly moved his car out of the small space. Then he faced the carjackers and revved his engine. This scared them so much that they drove away.

David Ellis's Death

On January 7, 2013, David Ellis was found in his hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was getting ready to direct a movie called Kite. The cause of his death was not shared publicly. Police said they did not suspect any foul play.

Movies David Ellis Directed

Images for kids

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  Ellis at the premiere of Snakes on a Plane in 2006

See also

In Spanish: David R. Ellis para niños