Black Actresses Who Refuse To Do Stunts

Hollywood productions rely heavily on the invisible work of stunt performers to keep their lead actors safe and insurable. While some stars pride themselves on performing their own action sequences, many wise actresses prefer to leave the dangerous leaps and combat to trained professionals. This decision ensures that production schedules remain on track and prevents career-ending injuries for the talent on the marquee. The following list highlights talented Black actresses who rely on stunt doubles to bring their most dynamic characters to life.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah leads the cast of the hit series ‘The Equalizer’ where she plays a vigilante with a mysterious past. She has been very vocal about her decision to let professionals handle the dangerous motorcycle tricks and intense combat scenes. Her stunt double Marie Mouroum steps in for the high-speed chases and physical altercations that require specialized training. The actress believes that preserving her body for the long haul is more important than performing every single action beat herself.

Viola Davis

The Oscar-winning actress underwent a grueling training regimen to prepare for her role in ‘The Woman King’. Although she performed many of her own fight sequences, she relied on stunt doubles for the most dangerous falls and complex maneuvers. Her production team hired multiple stunt performers to ensure that the lead actress remained safe during the intense battle scenes. Davis acknowledges that while she wants to embody the character physically, there are limits to what she will risk on set.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett plays a police sergeant in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ and deals with constant on-screen emergencies. She maintains an incredible level of physical fitness but utilizes stunt doubles for fire sequences and dangerous rescues. The production team prioritizes her safety to ensure she can continue filming the demanding episodic schedule without injury. Bassett focuses on the emotional intensity of the crisis while her double handles the physical peril.

Regina King

Regina King starred as a masked vigilante in the HBO series ‘Watchmen’ and required a convincing physical presence. She worked closely with stunt doubles Sadiqua Bynum and Jwaundace Candece to execute the character’s brutal fighting style. King has expressed high praise for the stunt community and credits them with making her look like a superhero. She understands that her primary job is acting and leaves the wirework to the experts.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union starred in the action-packed series ‘L.A.’s Finest’ alongside Jessica Alba. She has jokingly stated in interviews that she has a stunt double for even the smallest physical tasks to avoid injury. Her approach highlights a practical view of the industry where insurance bonds and production continuity come first. She happily credits her stunt team for making her character look like a formidable detective.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson played a hitwoman in the film ‘Proud Mary’ and trained extensively with weapons for the role. She decided to step back from driving stunts after a minor mishap on set involving a sports car. Her stunt double Cheryl Lewis stepped in to perform the more dangerous vehicle maneuvers and combat rolls. Henson admitted that the role gave her a newfound respect for the risks stunt performers take daily.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is known for her roles in major sci-fi franchises like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. While she is very athletic and performs some choreography, she relies on doubles like Alicia Vela-Bailey for heavy wirework and high falls. The makeup process for her alien characters is extensive, meaning her doubles must also undergo hours of prosthetics application. She champions her stunt team for allowing her to portray superhuman abilities convincingly.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson brought the Jedi character Ahsoka Tano to live-action in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. She trained for hours daily to master lightsaber forms but used a stunt double for the acrobatic flips and jumps. The production utilized a team of martial arts experts to ensure the fighting style looked effortless and powerful. Dawson focuses on the stoic performance of the character while her double executes the gravity-defying moves.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington played a crisis manager in the hit drama ‘Scandal’ which occasionally featured tense physical situations. Her stunt double Natascha Hopkins handled the moments where the character was kidnapped or involved in explosions. Washington maintained a focus on the rapid-fire dialogue and emotional stakes of the show. The use of a double allowed the series to include high-stakes action without risking the lead actress.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith played the character Niobe in ‘The Matrix’ sequels and the recent ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. She utilized stunt doubles for the most extreme driving sequences and wire-assisted combat. The actress has been open about the physical toll of action movies and the necessity of protecting one’s body. Her doubles ensured that Niobe remained a formidable force on screen without compromising Smith’s safety.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson plays the warrior Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and engages in massive battle sequences. Her stunt double Tara Macken performs the intricate swordplay and aerial stunts required for the role. Thompson works in tandem with Macken to ensure the character’s movements remain consistent between actor and double. This collaboration allows Valkyrie to appear as a legendary fighter capable of taking on cosmic threats.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o played the spy Nakia in ‘Black Panther’ and had to learn various fighting styles. She credited her stunt double Niahlah Hope for executing the most complex choreography and dangerous falls. The actress trained hard to perform close-ups but stepped aside for the wide shots involving heavy impact. This partnership created a seamless portrayal of a Wakandan War Dog.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is famous for her sword-wielding role as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. She works with stunt doubles like Janeshia Adams-Ginyard to perform the superhuman feats required by her characters. Gurira is very physical in her acting but relies on professionals for safety during explosions and wire stunts. Her doubles help sell the idea that her characters are the deadliest warriors in their respective universes.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris played Moneypenny in the modern James Bond films and participated in several field operations. She used stunt doubles for high-speed driving scenes and hand-to-hand combat sequences alongside Daniel Craig. Harris brings a grounded reality to the role while the stunt team provides the adrenaline-pumping action. She values the safety protocols that keep the production moving smoothly during global shoots.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton played a sentient android in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’ which demanded significant physical versatility. She utilized stunt doubles for scenes involving falls from heights and intense brawls. The nature of the show required her character to endure extreme physical trauma that could not be safely performed by an actor. Her reliance on doubles allowed the story to push the boundaries of violence without harming the cast.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch took on the mantle of 007 in the film ‘No Time To Die’ and performed rigorous military-style action. She worked closely with a stunt team to execute the tactical maneuvers and heavy stunts. Lynch has spoken about the physical demands of the role and the essential support provided by her doubles. She focuses on the character’s confidence and tactical intelligence while the pros handle the dangerous leaps.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green leads the cast of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ as Captain Michael Burnham. The sci-fi setting requires her to participate in space battles and hand-to-hand combat with aliens. She relies on stunt doubles for the wirework that simulates zero gravity and the more violent fight choreography. This allows her to maintain the stamina needed for the long shooting hours of a lead television role.

Zendaya

Zendaya performs in massive blockbusters like ‘Dune’ and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. She is known to run and jump for the camera but leaves the high-wire swinging and dangerous falls to her doubles. The actress has admitted in interviews that she is not a natural stunt performer and prefers to stay safe. Her doubles are crucial for selling the superhero acrobatics that her characters often require.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright plays Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and took on a more physical role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. After suffering an on-set injury during a stunt rig accident, she relied heavily on her stunt team to complete the film’s action sequences. The production utilized doubles to ensure her safety during the remaining combat scenes. This experience highlighted the vital importance of stunt professionals in superhero films.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo played the title role in the biopic ‘Harriet’ which involved running through dangerous terrain. She used stunt doubles for scenes that involved jumping into freezing water or navigating treacherous landscapes. The actress focused on capturing the incredible endurance and spirit of Harriet Tubman. Her doubles ensured that the physical perils of the journey were depicted realistically without risking Erivo’s health.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe starred in the horror film ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery ‘Glass Onion’. She utilizes stunt doubles for scenes involving horseback riding or physical altercations. The actress focuses on the psychological depth of her characters while ensuring safety during action beats. Her reliance on professionals allows her to switch between dramatic acting and action seamlessly.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw played a high-ranking judge in the series ‘Loki’ and had to wield a heavy weapon. She trained for the choreography but used a stunt double for the impacts and wire-assisted jumps. The role required a commanding physical presence that was bolstered by the work of her stunt team. She prioritizes the emotional narrative while letting the stunt performers handle the kinetic energy of the fights.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel is a staple of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as the hacker Ramsey. While her character is often in the passenger seat, the films involve extreme vehicle stunts that require dummies or doubles. She leaves the high-speed driving and jumping between cars to the professional drivers. This ensures that she can focus on her character’s technical exposition and reactions to the chaos.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris played Monica Rambeau in ‘The Marvels’ and possessed light-based superpowers. She worked with stunt doubles to execute the flying sequences and energy blasts that required complex wire rigs. The actress focused on the emotional weight of her character’s return to the screen. Her doubles handled the physical strain of the aerial combat scenes.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good played a superhero in ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and an vampire hunter in ‘Day Shift’. She relied on stunt doubles for the flying scenes and the heavy combat against supernatural creatures. The actress maintains a high level of fitness but understands the specific skills needed for stunt work. Her doubles helped create the illusion of her character’s immense strength and speed.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga starred in the graphic novel adaptation ‘Preacher’ as the volatile Tulip O’Hare. The role demanded a gritty fighting style and the use of improvised weapons. Negga utilized stunt doubles for the most brutal brawls and car chases through the desert. This allowed her to maintain the character’s manic energy without suffering real-world bruises.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo starred in the sci-fi action film ‘Aeon Flux’ where she played a modified human warrior. She had a stunt double for the acrobatic combat and impossible flexibility required by the role. The actress focused on the unique movement style of the character while the double performed the gymnastics. This collaboration was essential for the stylized action of the film.

Simone Missick

Simone Missick played the bionic-armed detective Misty Knight in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. Her character was a skilled fighter who often took on superpowered enemies. Missick credited her stunt double Jénel Stevens for making the fight scenes look visceral and authentic. The use of a double was necessary to protect the actress during the show’s many street brawls.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer starred in Jordan Peele’s film ‘Nope’ which involved intense sequences with horses and motorcycles. She used stunt doubles for the dangerous riding scenes to ensure safety on the unpredictable set. The actress focused on her character’s charisma and hustle while the professionals handled the livestock and vehicles. This division of labor kept the production safe and efficient.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard played a leader in the post-apocalyptic series ‘See’ which featured blind warriors fighting with unique senses. She relied on stunt doubles for the battle sequences that required precise choreography without sight. The role was physically demanding and required the support of trained combatants. Woodard brought gravitas to the role while her doubles provided the martial prowess.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer starred as a reluctant superhero in the comedy ‘Thunder Force’. She used stunt doubles for the wirework and scenes where her character was thrown through walls. The film played the action for laughs but the stunts were dangerous and required professional execution. Spencer focused on the comedic timing while her double handled the physical comedy.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish has appeared in action-comedies like ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘Like a Boss’. She uses stunt doubles for physical gags involving falls or zip-line mishaps. The actress is known for her energetic performance style but leaves the potential for injury to the experts. Her doubles ensure that the slapstick moments land safely and effectively.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall has starred in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and the action film ‘Shaft’. She utilizes stunt doubles for the chaotic fight scenes and exaggerated falls required by the genre. The actress focuses on her impeccable comedic delivery and reaction shots. Her stunt team handles the physical abuse that her characters often endure.

Aisha Hinds

Aisha Hinds played the heroic Harriet Tubman in the series ‘Underground’ and a paramedic in ‘9-1-1’. She relies on stunt doubles for the dangerous rescue sequences and physical confrontations. The actress brings a powerful presence to her roles that is supported by the safety provided by doubles. She ensures that the emotional truth of the character remains the focus.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has had a long career including roles in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘Ghost’. She has always utilized stunt doubles for any physical peril or wirework required by the script. The actress is known for her verbal wit and dramatic range rather than physical stunts. She leaves the action sequences entirely to the professionals.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné is a comedy veteran who grew up on screen in ‘That’s So Raven’. She uses stunt doubles for the physical comedy bits that involve crashing into objects or falling. The actress prioritizes safety to maintain her longevity in the industry. Her doubles execute the pratfalls that sell the humor of the scene.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross starred in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ where she occasionally found herself in physical comedy situations. She relied on stunt doubles for scenes involving sports or slapstick accidents. The actress focuses on the fashion and humor of her character. Her doubles ensure that the physical jokes are performed safely.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae starred in the action-romance ‘The Lovebirds’ which involved running from killers. She used stunt doubles for the scenes involving jumping from windows or being hit by cars. The actress brought her signature awkward humor to the role while the stunt team handled the danger. This allowed the film to balance comedy with genuine high-stakes action.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson played Grizabella in ‘Cats’ and Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect’. While these are not action films, she used doubles for specific technical movements and safety during large set pieces. The actress focuses on her vocal performance and dramatic acting. Her production team ensures she is never put in a position to suffer a physical injury.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel joined the Marvel universe in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ as a Dora Milaje warrior. She trained for the role but utilized stunt doubles for the intricate spear fighting and armor-clad combat. The actress focused on the stoic intensity of her character. Her doubles executed the rapid-fire martial arts moves that define the Wakandan fighting style.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks played Leota Adebayo in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’. Her character was thrown into violent situations involving explosions and alien butterflies. Brooks relied on stunt doubles for the wirework and tactical combat scenes. She brought the emotional heart to the series while her double handled the superhero violence.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is best known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and voiced a character in ‘Lightyear’. In her live-action roles that require physical altercations, she utilizes stunt doubles to ensure safety. The actress focuses on the intense emotional state of her characters. Her doubles step in when the script calls for a physical struggle.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox appeared in the action-comedy ‘Jolt’ and the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She uses stunt doubles for scenes involving fighting or rough physical contact. The actress advocates for safety on set and relies on professionals for the dangerous work. Her doubles help maintain the illusion of violence without the real-world risk.

Please share your favorite performance by these talented actresses in the comments.