James Lew, a veteran stunt performer and actor whose career spanned decades of Hollywood action filmmaking, has died at the age of 73. The news was confirmed on August 24, 2026, though a cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Lew was perhaps best known to mainstream audiences for his work in the 1993 comedy sequel Hot Shots! Part Deux, as well as his role in the 2013 action blockbuster G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
Born in 1953, Lew began his career in the stunt world during an era when the industry was still heavily reliant on practical, high-risk physical work. He emerged from the competitive Los Angeles stunt circuit, where his martial arts background - a discipline he had trained in since his youth - set him apart from many of his peers. By the late 1970s, Lew was a regular presence on film and television sets, doubling for leading men and performing choreographed fight sequences that demanded both athletic precision and an actor’s instinct for timing.
His breakthrough in front of the camera came through a series of supporting roles that leveraged his physicality. Lew’s filmography includes appearances in The Perfect Weapon (1991), Rapid Fire (1992), and The Last Action Hero (1993), where he often played henchmen or martial arts experts - the kind of roles that allowed him to showcase his skills without overshadowing the stars he supported. In Hot Shots! Part Deux, he appeared in a brief but memorable part, adding comedic flair to the film’s parody of action movie tropes, a testament to his versatility beyond pure stunt work.
The later phase of Lew’s career saw him transition into more prominent featured roles. In G.I. Joe: Retaliation, he played a member of the elite team, a casting choice that reflected his enduring physical condition and professional reputation. The film, which grossed heavily worldwide, introduced him to a new generation of viewers who may not have known his earlier stunt credits. It was a fitting capstone for a performer who had worked steadily for over four decades, often without the name recognition his contributions warranted.
Colleagues and fellow stunt professionals have begun to pay tribute to Lew, remembering him not only for his technical ability but for his mentorship of younger performers. In a profession where injuries are common and careers can be short, Lew’s longevity was notable. He was known for a meticulous approach to safety - an insistence on rehearsing every move until it was second nature - and for a calm, good-humored demeanor on set that made him a favorite among directors and crew members alike.
Beyond the credits, Lew’s influence extended to the stunt community’s internal culture. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was part of a generation that fought for better recognition and compensation for stunt performers, advocating for awards categories and insurance standards that are now standard industry practice. While he never sought public attention for this advocacy, those who worked alongside him say his quiet lobbying helped shape the modern stunt industry.
Lew’s career also crossed paths with some of the biggest names in action cinema. He doubled for actors such as Chuck Norris and worked on productions ranging from Enter the Dragon’s later imitators to big-budget studio fare. His ability to adapt to changing styles - from the gritty realism of 1970s cop dramas to the wire-work and CGI-enhanced fights of the 2000s - spoke to a constant willingness to evolve.
In his final years, Lew had largely stepped back from active stunt work, though he remained a familiar face at industry events and martial arts conventions. He occasionally gave interviews about his experiences, offering candid recollections of the dangers and joys of his profession. He never wrote a memoir, but his stories - of near-misses, broken bones, and the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly executed sequence - were treasured by those lucky enough to hear them.
The news of his death has prompted an outpouring from fans of the action genre, many of whom grew up watching him in the background of their favorite films. For the casual viewer, Lew may have been a face they couldn’t quite name but always recognized. For the industry, he was a cornerstone of an era when daredevil work was the norm and stunt performers were the unsung heroes of cinema.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, and the family has requested privacy during this time. In lieu of flowers, some colleagues have suggested donations to the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures, an organization Lew supported throughout his career.
James Lew is survived by his wife, two children, and a legacy that will live on in every high-octane chase scene and carefully choreographed brawl he helped bring to life. His was a career built on discipline, courage, and a love for the craft that never wavered - qualities that will be remembered long after the final credits roll.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter