Actresses Who Perform Their Own Stunts

In an industry where many stars rely on professional stunt doubles to tackle the most dangerous and physically demanding scenes, a select group of actresses stand out for doing the action themselves. These bold performers not only bring authenticity to their roles, but they also demonstrate remarkable athleticism, discipline, and fearlessness. Whether it’s leaping from rooftops, engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat, or enduring grueling physical training, these actresses prove that action isn’t just for the guys.

Performing your own stunts isn’t just about strength or agility—it’s also about dedication to the craft and a willingness to take risks. These 30 actresses have embraced those challenges head-on, delivering unforgettable performances that thrill audiences and redefine what it means to be a leading lady in action. From blockbuster franchises to gritty indie films, each woman on this list has earned her reputation as a true stunt-savvy star.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has become a force in action cinema, not just for her performances but for her dedication to performing stunts. In ‘Atomic Blonde’, she trained for months in martial arts and did most of the brutal fight scenes herself, often without a stunt double.

Her commitment didn’t stop there. In ‘The Old Guard’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, Theron endured physically intense roles, working closely with stunt coordinators to pull off complex sequences. She’s repeatedly proven that action heroines can be both glamorous and gritty.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is no stranger to physically demanding roles. From her work in ‘Avatar’ to the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Star Trek’ franchises, she’s spent years mastering combat choreography, wire work, and stunt fighting.

She often performs her own action scenes, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where her character Gamora is known for her agility and martial arts prowess. Saldana’s dance background helps her bring fluidity and precision to every stunt she tackles.

Scarlett Johansson

As Black Widow in the Marvel Universe, Scarlett Johansson has become synonymous with high-octane action. She trained in various martial arts, including jiu-jitsu and karate, to convincingly perform her own fight scenes.

Even in earlier films like ‘Lucy’, Johansson showcased her willingness to do stunts that involved intense combat and acrobatics. Her long tenure in the MCU solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s toughest action stars.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence may have started her career in dramas, but she embraced action with full intensity in ‘The Hunger Games’ series. She trained extensively in archery, climbing, and hand-to-hand combat for her role as Katniss Everdeen.

Lawrence insisted on doing many of her own stunts, including grueling chase sequences and high jumps. Her physical commitment added a layer of realism to her already emotionally powerful performance.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is legendary for doing her own stunts, going back to her early days in Hong Kong action cinema. In films like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, she performed breathtaking wire work and sword fights without a double.

More recently, in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, she again took on intense physical scenes. Yeoh’s career is a masterclass in blending elegance with explosive action.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt stunned audiences with her transformation into an action star in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’. She underwent rigorous military training to portray the formidable Rita Vrataski and did many of her own stunts, including wearing a 70-pound exosuit.

She carried that physicality into other roles like ‘Sicario’ and ‘A Quiet Place’, proving her range extends well into action territory. Blunt’s ability to balance emotion and intensity makes her performances particularly compelling.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has been doing her own stunts for decades. From ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ to ‘Salt’ and ‘Wanted’, she committed to elaborate fight scenes, parkour, and weapons training.

Jolie often takes pride in performing her own stunts, saying it helps her fully embody the character. Her work in action films set a new standard for female-led blockbusters.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot’s background in the Israeli military gave her an edge when taking on the role of Wonder Woman. She performed many of her stunts across the DC films, including sword fighting, horseback riding, and aerial work.

Her dedication to authenticity helped redefine what a superheroine could look like on screen. Gadot’s natural athleticism and charisma brought strength and grace to every action scene.

Kate Beckinsale

In the ‘Underworld’ series, Kate Beckinsale performed many of her own stunts, including complex wire work and martial arts sequences. She trained hard to master the physical demands of playing a vampire warrior.

Her performance in these films proved she could hold her own in the action genre, often outshining her male counterparts with precision and power.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is more than just the face of Harley Quinn—she’s also the one doing the flips, fights, and chases. For ‘Birds of Prey’, she trained in gymnastics and did much of the stunt work herself.

She’s known for pushing boundaries, even sustaining injuries on set due to her hands-on approach. Robbie’s commitment brings wild energy and realism to her chaotic characters.

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson turned heads with her performance in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. Acting alongside Tom Cruise, who is famous for his stunts, she insisted on doing her own to match his energy.

Ferguson trained in shooting, driving, and combat for the role, delivering sleek and dangerous performances that made her a standout in the action-heavy series.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley became a household name as Rey in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She trained intensely in sword fighting and performed many of her own combat scenes using a lightsaber.

Her transition from a relatively unknown actress to a full-fledged action heroine was seamless, and her physical performances were key to making Rey a fan favorite.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel embraced the action genre with roles in films like ‘Blade: Trinity’ and ‘Total Recall’. In both, she performed complex stunts, from martial arts to wire work.

Biel’s athletic build and fearless approach made her a natural for physically intense roles, and she consistently showed she could handle whatever the script demanded.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner first wowed audiences with her physicality in ‘Alias’, performing many of the fight scenes herself. Her television training carried over into films like ‘Elektra’ and ‘Peppermint’.

She trained in martial arts and gymnastics, bringing authenticity and grit to her action roles. Garner’s willingness to dive into stunt work helped define her career.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu has a long history of taking on physical roles. From ‘Charlie’s Angels’ to ‘Kill Bill’, she performed her own stunts, including sword fighting and choreographed combat.

Her combination of grace and power made her a standout in every ensemble. Liu’s fierce dedication to action has solidified her as a staple in the genre.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich dominated the screen in the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise, doing most of her stunts across the long-running series. She trained in multiple martial arts disciplines to prepare for each installment.

Her intense action sequences and physical resilience helped define the tone of the franchise. Jovovich’s work ethic and stunt skills are a major reason the series became a cult favorite.

Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan took on action in a big way with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Jumanji’. For both franchises, she trained extensively in martial arts and performed much of the physical work herself.

She’s known for throwing herself into every role, embracing the challenge of stunts as part of the performance. Gillan brings intensity and humor to her action scenes, making her a standout.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloe Grace Moretz was only a teen when she blew audiences away in ‘Kick-Ass’ with her brutal and acrobatic fight scenes. She performed many of those stunts herself after intense training.

That early start set the tone for the rest of her career, with Moretz continuing to take on physically demanding roles. Her fearless attitude made her an action prodigy.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry has proven time and again she’s not afraid of intense physical roles. In ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, she trained in jiu-jitsu and worked with Belgian Malinois dogs to execute precise action sequences.

She also performed her own stunts in ‘Catwoman’ and ‘Die Another Day’. Berry’s commitment to stunt work adds depth and believability to her action roles.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts might be best known for dramatic roles, but in films like ‘The Impossible’ and ‘King Kong’, she took on physical challenges without hesitation. She performed water stunts and dangerous set pieces under grueling conditions.

Her willingness to endure real danger for her art speaks volumes about her dedication. Watts’ blend of vulnerability and strength brings authenticity to her performances.

Cynthia Rothrock

Cynthia Rothrock is one of the original female martial arts movie stars. In the 1980s and 1990s, she starred in numerous action films where she performed every stunt herself.

As a real-life martial arts champion, Rothrock didn’t need a double—her skills were the real deal. She paved the way for many of the women on this list.

Sofia Boutella

Sofia Boutella brought an explosive physicality to roles in ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ and ‘The Mummy’. With a background in dance and gymnastics, she performed complex stunt sequences herself.

Her flexibility and strength allowed her to execute high-level choreography, making her a unique presence in the action world. Boutella’s performances are graceful, yet lethal.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman’s iconic role in ‘Kill Bill’ required her to undergo intensive training in swordplay and martial arts. She performed the majority of her stunts, including elaborate fight scenes.

Quentin Tarantino pushed her physically, and she rose to the challenge. Thurman’s unforgettable work in the ‘Kill Bill’ saga solidified her place in action film history.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

In ‘Kate’ and ‘Birds of Prey’, Mary Elizabeth Winstead took on action roles that required real physical commitment. She did most of her fight scenes, working closely with stunt teams to master the choreography.

Winstead’s physical acting brings an edge to her characters, blending vulnerability with sheer force. She’s quietly become a rising star in the action genre.

Gina Carano

Before becoming an actress, Gina Carano was a professional MMA fighter. Her roles in ‘Haywire’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ highlight her ability to perform her own stunts with precision and realism.

Carano’s real-world fighting experience brings a unique authenticity to her action scenes. She doesn’t just act tough—she is tough.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey transitioned from the UFC octagon to Hollywood seamlessly. In ‘Furious 7’ and ‘The Expendables 3’, she did her own stunts, showcasing her combat background.

Her physical power and natural screen presence made her a great fit for action roles. Rousey adds raw energy to every scene she’s in.

Kristin Kreuk

Best known for ‘Smallville’ and ‘Beauty & the Beast’, Kristin Kreuk trained hard for the action sequences in both series. She frequently did her own stunts, including fight choreography and acrobatics.

Her dedication brought a dynamic presence to her roles. Kreuk’s graceful, grounded approach made her action scenes emotionally resonant.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is an action mainstay, particularly in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She’s known for doing her own driving stunts and fight scenes, often pushing herself to the limit.

Rodriguez brings an unmatched intensity and toughness to every performance. Her authenticity has made her a fan favorite for over two decades.

Caity Lotz

Caity Lotz, star of ‘Legends of Tomorrow’, has a background in martial arts and dance. She performs nearly all her own stunts on the show, including complex fight sequences and acrobatic moves.

Lotz’s blend of skill, grace, and toughness makes her a standout in TV action. Her performances are as physical as they are charismatic.

Which of these badass stunt-performing actresses is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!