Stuntman: meaning, definitions and examples

🎬

Add to dictionary

stuntman

[ˈstʌntmən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

movie industry

A stuntman is a professional performer who carries out dangerous stunts in place of the main actor, typically in movies, television, or live performances. They are trained in various physical skills and techniques to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the execution of these stunts.

Synonyms

action actor, stunt double, stunt performer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stuntman	Used to refer to a male professional who performs hazardous physical feats, generally in movies or TV shows. The stuntman jumped from the burning building. They hired a stuntman for the high-speed car chase.
stunt performer	A more inclusive and gender-neutral term for someone who performs stunts, often used in professional or formal contexts. The stunt performer executed the high-wire act flawlessly. More than fifty stunt performers worked on that action-packed movie.
stunt double	Used when referring to someone who looks similar to an actor and performs dangerous stunts on behalf of that actor to ensure their safety. The stunt double performed the motorcycle jump in place of the lead actor. They used a stunt double for the explosion scene.
action actor	Refers to an actor who is skilled in performing action sequences but may not necessarily do the most dangerous stunts themselves. This term is broader and includes actors who specialize in action roles. He's famous as an action actor in many blockbuster films. The action actor trained extensively for his fight scenes.

Examples of usage

He hired a stuntman to perform the car chase scene in the movie.
The stuntman jumped off the building, landing safely on the airbag below.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'stunt' comes from the Old French word 'estonte,' meaning to astonish or amaze, reflecting the thrilling nature of their work.
Originally, 'stun' referred to a sudden shock; over time it evolved to include the daring actions performed in performance arts.
The combination with 'man' emphasizes the traditional gender role in early film, although the industry now includes stuntwomen.

Film History

The first recorded use of a stunt performer in a film was in the 1903 silent film 'The Great Train Robbery.'
Stuntmen were often uncredited in older films, leading to many unsung heroes in the early days of cinema.
During the action-packed 80s and 90s, stunt performers gained recognition, leading to more dedicated training and safety measures.

Safety and Training

Stunt performers undergo rigorous training in martial arts, gymnastics, and safety techniques to prevent injuries.
Specialized schools and workshops now exist to train new stunt professionals, emphasizing safety and creative choreography.
Stunt performers use a variety of protective gear, including pads and harnesses, to minimize risks during dangerous scenes.

Pop Culture

Famous stuntmen like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan have not only performed stunts but have also crafted unique fighting styles seen in numerous films.
Films like 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road' showcased the importance of stunt work, with dedicated teams earning accolades.
Reality shows often feature stunt challenges, highlighting the thrill and danger that comes with being a stunt performer.

Television

The rise of action-packed shows in the late 20th century led to an increased demand for skilled stunt performers on television.
'The A-Team' and 'Knight Rider' are examples of series where stunts were pivotal to the plot, showcasing thrilling action sequences.
Animated shows sometimes hire stunt performers for motion capture, blending live-action techniques with cartoon storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "stuntman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dublê

🇮🇳 स्टंटमैन

🇩🇪 Stuntman

🇮🇩 pemeran pengganti

🇺🇦 каскадер

🇵🇱 kaskader

🇯🇵 スタントマン

🇫🇷 cascadeur

🇪🇸 doble de acción

🇹🇷 dublör

🇰🇷 스턴트맨

🇸🇦 مؤدي الحركات الخطيرة

🇨🇿 kaskadér

🇸🇰 kaskadér

🇨🇳 特技演员

🇸🇮 kaskader

🇮🇸 áhættuleikari

🇰🇿 каскадер

🇬🇪 კასკადიორი

🇦🇿 kaskadyor

🇲🇽 doble de acción