Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures

08/24/2026

With profound love and respect, we remember our member James Lew, whose life touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will remain a lasting blessing, cherished in the hearts of family, friends, and all whose lives he enriched.

James was a legendary stuntman, stunt coordinator, martial artist, actor, and beloved member of the Hollywood stunt community and Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures. For more than five decades, he dedicated his life to the art of action filmmaking, building an extraordinary career that spanned generations and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

From his early days as a martial artist and stunt performer to becoming one of the industry’s most respected fight choreographers and stunt coordinators, James approached his craft with remarkable skill, discipline, creativity, and passion.

His work could be seen across countless film and television productions, including Big Trouble in Little China, Best of the Best, The Perfect Weapon, Lethal Weapon 4, Rush Hour, and Warrior, among many others.

Whether he was in front of the camera performing or behind it designing, choreographing, and coordinating action, James brought an unmistakable presence to everything he did. His knowledge of martial arts, combined with his understanding of performance and filmmaking, made him an invaluable collaborator and a tremendous influence on those fortunate enough to work alongside him.

In 2017, James’ incredible contributions to the craft were recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for his work on Marvel’s Luke Cage.

He was also inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2024.

Yet, as remarkable as his professional accomplishments were, James’ legacy extends far beyond his credits and accolades.

His influence will continue to be felt every time a performer he inspired steps onto a set, every time a coordinator carries forward something he taught them, and every time audiences revisit the unforgettable work he helped bring to the screen.

Rest in peace, James. Your contributions to our craft, our community, and our history will never be forgotten.

James Lew
Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures

08/21/2026

Huge congrats to our very own Hugh Aodh O'Brien on his well deserved Emmy nomination for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for Comedy Programming! We couldn't be prouder to call Hugh a member. If you haven't already, make sure to catch the hilarious action in Spider-Noir on Prime! 🕷🕵

08/13/2026

06/09/2026

Join us for a special afternoon with legendary stunt performer, coordinator, and author Rick Avery as he signs copies of his acclaimed historical fiction novel, Vasquez.

A prolific storyteller, Rick has authored six books, drawing on a lifetime of adventure, history, and experience both on and off the screen. His latest work, Vasquez, tells the story of the legendary 19th-century California bandit Tiburcio Vasquez, exploring his life as he fought against the encroachment and injustices faced by Mexicans during the California Gold Rush. Blending historical events with compelling storytelling, the novel offers a fascinating look at a complex figure whose legacy remains woven into California history.

📖 Book Signing & Meet-and-Greet
🗓 Saturday, June 13
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Barnes & Noble - Valencia

This is a great opportunity to meet Rick, hear about the inspiration behind his work, and pick up a signed copy of Vasquez. Whether you’re a fan of westerns, California history, great storytelling, or simply want to support one of our own, we hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

Congratulations to Rick on his continued success as both an author and stunt professional. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

04/23/2026

Heads up!

There is a concussion awareness 'Head Smart' workshop happening on Saturday, May 16th at 10:30AM hosted by Jim Vickers.

This is an interactive workshop to learn how to recognize, manage, and reduce concussion risks where it matters most - on set. Built for stunt performers and coordinators, focused on protecting your longevity in a high-impact career.

RSVP by May 15th at: https://www.sagaftra.org/headsmart-concussion-awareness-stunt-professionals

What: Head Smart Concussion Awareness Workshop
Where: SAG-AFTRA Plaza - James Cagney Boardroom, 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
When: Saturday, May 16th @ 10:30am