Stuntman facts for kids
A stunt performer is a person who does dangerous actions for movies, TV shows, or live audiences. They are paid to do things that are too risky for regular actors. This can include jumping from high places, falling, being in a car crash, or pretending to fight with weapons. These exciting acts are often a small but important part of a bigger show or film.
Action movies, war movies, and crime TV shows often use many stunt performers. They make the dangerous scenes look real and exciting. Some famous stunt performers, like Jackie Chan, are known for doing their own amazing stunts.
There are also stunt performers who entertain live audiences. They perform dangerous acts as a show by themselves. These can be things like escape artists, sword swallowers, or other circus and sideshow acts. One of the most famous escape artists was Harry Houdini from the last century. Modern examples include Roslyn Walker and Kondini from the UK.
What Stunt Performers Do
Stunt work is always dangerous, whether it's for movies, TV, or live shows. Stunt performers can get hurt, and sometimes, sadly, they have even been killed. Safety is a huge part of their job.
Working as a stunt performer is not always steady. Those in movies might only work for a few days for one stunt. If they are lucky, they might double for a main actor for several months. For live shows, work is often busy in summer but quiet in winter.
Stunt performers for movies and TV usually have a large safety team helping them. This is different from live show performers, who often work alone. They are responsible for all parts of their own stunts. Stunt performers also travel a lot for work. This can be fun if you like to see new places. But it can also make it hard to see friends and family.
Becoming a Stunt Performer
To become a stunt performer, some people go to special schools. These schools teach how to do stunts safely. However, many people learn skills from other experienced stunt performers.
When stunt performers first start, they might not earn much money. As they gain experience, they can ask for more pay. In many countries, stunt performers must join a union to work on big movie or TV shows. They pay dues (fees) to the union. There are more men working as stunt performers than women.
Most stunt performers in movies and TV stop doing stunts around age 40. But those who perform live shows can continue much later in life. For example, Kondini still works as a sword swallower and escape artist in his 70s. Some experienced stunt performers become stunt coordinators. They plan and create the stunts for TV shows and movies.
See also
In Spanish: Especialista de cine para niños
