Actresses Who Refuse To Do Their Own Stunts
Action movies often rely on the thrill of dangerous sequences to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While some stars insist on performing every jump and fight themselves, many actresses prefer to let trained professionals handle the physical risks. Using stunt doubles ensures that production continues smoothly without the risk of injury to the leading lady. These talented women have openly discussed their reliance on stunt performers or have iconic partnerships with their doubles.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore famously decided to stop performing her own stunts after a terrifying incident on the set of ‘Santa Clarita Diet’. The actress suffered a severe concussion when she fell and hit her head on concrete during a scene. She stated in interviews that the accident gave her a new perspective on mortality especially as a mother. Barrymore now firmly believes in leaving the dangerous physical work to qualified professionals to ensure she returns home safely to her children.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and she has no problem admitting she avoids dangerous stunt work. The Academy Award winner prefers to focus on her acting performance while letting doubles handle the physical peril. She has joked in the past that she wants to avoid injury to keep working and caring for her family. Bullock maintains a close professional relationship with her stunt team to ensure the action looks seamless on screen.
Lucy Lawless
Lucy Lawless became an international icon playing the title character in ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ but she rarely did the dangerous work herself. She famously stated in interviews that damaging the star of a show puts the entire crew out of work. Lawless performed the heavy acting and dialogue scenes while a team of stunt women handled the flips and falls. Her pragmatic approach to safety helped the series run for years without major production delays due to lead actor injury.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot impressed audiences as the fierce Amazonian warrior in ‘Wonder Woman’ but she relied on stunt doubles for the most extreme sequences. The actress was actually pregnant during some of the filming which made safety a top priority for the production team. Stunt performers Alicia Vela-Bailey and Christiaan Bettridge stepped in to perform the high-impact jumps and combat moves. Gadot frequently praises her stunt team on social media and acknowledges their essential contribution to her superhero persona.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson underwent intense training for her role in ‘Captain Marvel’ but she happily shares the credit with her stunt doubles. She famously brought her two main doubles Renae Moneymaker and Joanna Bennett on stage with her to accept an award for Best Fight. Larson acknowledges that while she learned to fight for the camera the dangerous wire work and hard hits were done by experts. She believes in giving full recognition to the women who risk their bodies to make her look like a superhero.
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner is known for her physical roles in ‘Alias’ and ‘Elektra’ but she has a long-standing partnership with her stunt double Shauna Duggins. The two have worked together for over two decades and are so close that they are often referred to as the same person on set. Garner performs many fight sequences herself but tags Duggins in for the hard falls and dangerous crashes. This partnership allows Garner to deliver physical performances without sustaining career-ending injuries.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon may be known for romantic comedies but she utilizes a stunt double for any scene involving physical risk. She has worked with stuntwoman Marilee Lessley on multiple projects including ‘Legally Blonde 2’ and ‘Big Little Lies’. Witherspoon and Lessley have developed a close friendship over the years and often post matching photos on social media. The actress prefers to focus on her producing and acting duties while trusting Lessley to handle the action.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow for over a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the help of her talented stunt double Heidi Moneymaker. Johansson trained extensively to learn the choreography but Moneymaker performed the acrobatic flips and dangerous motorcycle stunts. The actress has always been vocal about the incredible athleticism of her stunt team. This collaboration allowed the character of Natasha Romanoff to perform superhuman feats that would be impossible for an actor alone.
Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie throws herself into her roles but she relies on expert stuntwoman Ingrid Kleinig for the truly dangerous moments. Kleinig has doubled for Robbie in ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Birds of Prey’ performing high falls and underwater stunts. Robbie learns the fight choreography to sell the close-ups but steps aside when the risk level rises. She respects the specialized skills required to execute the chaotic action sequences of Harley Quinn safely.
Uma Thurman
Uma Thurman suffered a permanent injury during the filming of ‘Kill Bill’ when a car stunt went wrong. The director pressured her to drive the car herself instead of using a professional driver and she crashed into a tree. This traumatic event severely damaged her relationship with the filmmakers and changed her view on on-set safety. Thurman now serves as a cautionary tale for why actors should always have the right to refuse dangerous stunts.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar became a symbol of female empowerment in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ thanks to her martial arts training and her stunt doubles. While Gellar did much of the hand-to-hand fighting she relied on stunt professionals for the gymnastics and heavy falls. The demanding schedule of a network television show meant that an injury to Gellar would have halted production entirely. She wisely balanced her own physical performance with the safety provided by her stunt team.
Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel is primarily known for comedy but even sitcoms require stunt doubles for slapstick humor and pratfalls. She has worked with stuntwoman Monica Braunger on ‘New Girl’ to handle physical comedy bits that could result in injury. Deschanel prefers to keep the atmosphere light and safe rather than risking a twisted ankle for a laugh. Her double ensures that the physical comedy lands perfectly without the actress taking a real spill.
Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer engages in plenty of physical comedy in films like ‘I Feel Pretty’ and ‘Trainwreck’ but she leaves the hard hits to the pros. Stuntwoman Meredith Richardson has doubled for Schumer on multiple projects to execute falls and crashes. Schumer often jokes about her lack of coordination and is happy to let a professional make her look resilient on screen. This allows the comedian to focus on her timing and delivery while staying safe.
Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy is a powerhouse of physical comedy who often finds herself in chaotic situations on screen. She works closely with stuntwoman Luci Romberg to execute the wilder stunts seen in movies like ‘Spy’ and ‘The Heat’. McCarthy is willing to get messy but draws the line at stunts that could cause genuine harm. Romberg’s background in parkour and gymnastics allows her to perform feats that match McCarthy’s high energy perfectly.
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan plays the cyborg warrior Nebula in the Marvel films and requires extensive makeup and stunt work. While Gillan trains hard for the role she relies on stunt performers to handle the wire work and complex fight sequences. The heavy prosthetics limit mobility and make performing stunts even more dangerous for the actress. Gillan credits her doubles for bringing the robotic lethality of Nebula to life without compromising safety.
Evangeline Lilly
Evangeline Lilly played the agile Wasp in the Marvel universe and the elf Tauriel in ‘The Hobbit’ films. She worked with stuntwoman Ingrid Kleinig to achieve the superhuman agility required for these fantasy roles. Lilly is very athletic but acknowledges the gap between fitness and professional stunt work. She trusts her double to execute the wire stunts and combat moves that require years of specialized training.
Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen plays the Scarlet Witch and spends much of her screen time flying on wires and casting spells. The actress performs the emotional acting while stunt doubles handle the complex wire rigs and aerial maneuvers. Olsen has admitted that wire work can be uncomfortable and disorienting so she is grateful for the professionals. This division of labor allows the visual effects team to create a seamless magical performance.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow played Pepper Potts in the ‘Iron Man’ films and eventually donned a suit of armor herself. When the character required heavy action or flying sequences Paltrow relied on stunt performers to take over. The actress focuses heavily on her lifestyle brand and family so risking injury on set is not an option. She steps in for the dialogue and face shots while the stunt team handles the superhero theatrics.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman trained intensely for ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ to build muscle but still utilized stunt doubles for the action. She also famously used a dance double for the complex ballet sequences in ‘Black Swan’ to ensure technical perfection. Portman is known for her dedication to acting preparation but understands the limits of her physical skills. She allows professionals to step in when the scene requires elite athletic ability.
Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner grew up on the set of ‘Game of Thrones’ and her character Sansa Stark eventually saw her share of danger. Turner used stunt doubles for scenes involving horses and physical peril to ensure her safety during the long shoots. When she played Jean Grey in ‘X-Men’ she also relied on doubles for the wire work and telekinetic action sequences. Turner values the safety net that stunt performers provide on big-budget productions.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson spent her childhood filming the ‘Harry Potter’ series and used stunt doubles for the more dangerous magical mishaps. As she transitioned to adult roles in action-heavy films she continued to prioritize safety. Watson is deeply involved in the intellectual aspects of her characters and leaves the physical risks to the experts. Her doubles allow her to maintain her focus on the performance without fear of injury.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and production insurance policies often dictate she avoid dangerous stunts. Whether she is riding horses or running from danger she typically has a double to handle the risk. Roberts focuses on her signature smile and emotional range while the stunt team handles the rest. This approach has kept her career safe and consistent for decades.
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is known for her immersive acting techniques but she draws the line at physical danger. She utilized a stunt double for the rafting sequences in ‘The River Wild’ when the water became too treacherous. Streep believes that an actor’s primary tool is their body and voice so protecting them is paramount. She respects the craft of stunt work as a separate discipline from acting.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has starred in thrillers and superhero movies that require significant physical exertion. She used a stunt double for her action scenes in ‘Aquaman’ to perform the underwater combat and wire work. Kidman is known for her elegance and dramatic poise rather than martial arts skills. She happily hands the trident to a professional when the scene calls for superhuman agility.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox became a global star through the ‘Transformers’ franchise which involved constant explosions and running. She worked with stuntwoman Stacey Carino to handle the dangerous interactions with the giant robots. Fox has sustained injuries on set before and has learned to rely more on her doubles as her career progressed. She focuses on the visual style of the character while the stunt team ensures the action looks real.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba rose to fame as a genetically enhanced soldier in ‘Dark Angel’ and the Invisible Woman in ‘Fantastic Four’. She relied heavily on stunt doubles for the martial arts and wire work required for these roles. Alba has since transitioned into business and selects roles that are less physically demanding. She values the contribution of stunt performers who helped build her action star reputation.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson required a specific type of stunt work for the ‘Fifty Shades’ franchise involving intimacy coordinators and body doubles. However she also uses stunt doubles for traditional action in films like ‘Madame Web’. Johnson prefers to keep herself safe and comfortable on set by allowing professionals to handle the difficult physical requirements. This separation allows her to maintain her boundaries while fulfilling the script’s needs.
Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley starred in the action-packed ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ trilogy and ‘Domino’ early in her career. She utilized stunt doubles for the sword fights and dangerous leaps across ships. Knightley has admitted that action is not her primary passion and she prefers dramatic roles. She is grateful for the doubles who allowed her to look like a seasoned warrior on screen.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively faced a shark in ‘The Shallows’ and performed many swimming sequences herself but used a double for the dangerous surf stunts. The production required intense physical work that would have been exhausting and unsafe for one person to do alone. Lively credited her stunt double for making the survival story look authentic. She prioritizes authenticity but never at the expense of her personal safety.
Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams has starred in comic book movies like ‘Doctor Strange’ and comedies like ‘Game Night’. She utilizes stunt doubles for scenes involving falls or magical levitation effects. McAdams is known as a serious dramatic actress who commits to her roles emotionally. She leaves the physical perils of the Marvel universe to the trained experts.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis played a Jupiter-dwelling royalty in ‘Jupiter Ascending’ which required extensive wire work and falling sequences. She relied on stunt doubles to handle the complex rigging and aerial stunts. Kunis has also used doubles for her action comedy roles to ensure the slapstick does not result in injury. She approaches her work with a sense of humor and a healthy regard for safety.
Isla Fisher
Isla Fisher had a terrifying experience on the set of ‘Now You See Me’ when she nearly drowned during a magic trick stunt. The release mechanism on her water tank got stuck and she struggled to escape. This incident reinforced the absolute necessity of safety protocols and professional stunt support. Fisher now ensures that dangerous sequences are handled with extreme caution and professional help.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox played the reporter Gale Weathers in the ‘Scream’ franchise for over two decades. While she participates in the chase scenes she uses stunt doubles for the violent falls and attacks by Ghostface. Cox is a television veteran who understands the pacing and safety requirements of a long shoot. She lets the stunt team handle the horror elements while she delivers the screams.
Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell is the face of the ‘Scream’ series and has survived countless attacks from masked killers. She performs much of the running and fighting but relies on doubles for the window smashes and balcony falls. Campbell has spoken about the physical toll of action movies and the importance of protecting one’s body. Her doubles allow her to return for sequel after sequel without sustaining permanent damage.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah took on the role of an action hero in the TV series ‘The Equalizer’ where she fights for the innocent. She openly uses a stunt double for the motorcycle riding and intense hand-to-hand combat scenes. Latifah brings the gravitas and acting chops to the character while her double provides the martial arts skills. She believes in working smart and utilizing the best person for each specific job.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett plays a police sergeant in ‘9-1-1’ and has a history of strong female roles. She maintains an incredible fitness regime but utilizes stunt professionals for the dangerous rescue scenes. Bassett knows that her value lies in her performance and presence rather than risking injury on a fire stunt. She works seamlessly with her team to create the illusion of danger.
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco starred in the action thriller ‘Role Play’ and relied heavily on her stunt double Monette Moio. Cuoco was actually pregnant during the filming of the movie which made the use of a double non-negotiable. Moio performed the fight scenes and falls to ensure the safety of both Cuoco and her baby. Cuoco frequently praised Moio for doing the heavy lifting while she handled the acting.
Awkwafina
Awkwafina transitioned from comedy to action in Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. She worked with stuntwoman Lee Chesley to execute the archery battles and dangerous driving sequences. Awkwafina admits she is not an action star by nature and relies on Chesley to make her look formidable. The partnership allowed her to bring her signature humor to a high-stakes action environment.
Lena Headey
Lena Headey played the ruthless Cersei Lannister in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the drug lord Ma-Ma in ‘Dredd’. She utilized doubles for the violent sequences and the famous Walk of Shame scene in the fantasy series. Headey focuses on the intense internal emotions of her characters rather than physical feats. She protects her privacy and her body by letting professionals handle the exposure and danger.
Emilia Clarke
Emilia Clarke spent years riding dragons as Daenerys Targaryen but the actual stunts were performed by professionals like Rosie Mac. Clarke survived two brain aneurysms during the filming of the show which made protecting her health a critical priority. She handled the dramatic weight of the series while her doubles handled the physical strain. This ensured she could complete her journey as the Mother of Dragons safely.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett played the villainous Hela in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and faced off against an entire army. She worked with the legendary stuntwoman Zoe Bell to create the character’s fluid and deadly movement style. Blanchett performed the motion capture acting but Bell executed the flips and complex combat. The actress respected Bell’s expertise and allowed her to craft the physical language of the character.
Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone had a difficult experience early in her career on ‘King Solomon’s Mines’ where she was asked to do dangerous stunts without a double. This experience made her extremely cautious about safety on set for the rest of her career. She became a strong advocate for having proper stunt support and refusing unsafe working conditions. Stone now leaves the danger to the experts to ensure the set remains a professional and safe environment.
Do you think more actors should be open about using stunt doubles instead of claiming they do it all themselves? Share your thoughts in the comments.
