I remembered her as Cheryl Wheeler. Back in the 80s, she was featured in the MA mags as a kickboxer, and IIRC even won a decision over Graciela Casillas.
Sadly, this reminds me of another woman, a once well-known karate competitor from Texas who was featured in Black Belt magazine back in the 70s, who in later years developed a mental illness and was shot to death after she broke into a strangers house. I cant remember her name.
Letitia Wright
Kung Fu people tend to look down one wire work, but stunt rigging is hard work.
Aug 25, 2021 11:11am PT[URL=“https://variety.com/2021/film/news/letitia-wright-hospitalized-black-panther-wakanda-forever-1235049077/”]
Letitia Wright Hospitalized After Stunt Rig Accident While Shooting ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
By Jordan Moreau
Channel 4
Letitia Wright has been hospitalized with minor injuries after a stunt rig accident on the set of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
“Letitia Wright sustained minor injuries today while filming a stunt for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ She is currently receiving care in a local hospital and is expected to be released soon,” a spokesperson for Marvel said in a statement to Variety.
The film shoot was happening overnight in Boston, while the production for the “Black Panther” sequel is based in Atlanta. There is currently no impact to the movie’s shooting schedule.
In the first “Black Panther” movie, Wright was introduced as Shuri, the genius inventor and younger sister to T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. She also appeared in the MCU team-up films “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Production on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” directed by Ryan Coogler, began in June 2021. Plot and cast details are being kept under wraps, but it’s expected that the main cast members Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba and Angela Bassett will return for the sequel to the Oscar-nominated movie.
Variety exclusively revealed last month that “I May Destroy You” creator and star Michaela Coel joined the cast in an unknown role. Additionally, it was revealed last week that Dominique Thorne, who will play the up-and-coming superhero Ironheart in her own Disney Plus TV series, will be introduced in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” ahead of her TV debut.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will come to theaters on July 8, 2022.
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Tragic
Good statement from Brandon Bruce Lee’s twitter. Brandon was the first person I thought of when I heard this news.
Sheriff: Alec Baldwin Discharged Prop Firearm That Left Cinematographer Dead and Director Wounded
An investigation is underway and no charges have been filed, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department.
BY TRILBY BERESFORD, RYAN PARKER
OCTOBER 21, 2021 4:56PM
JIM SPELLMAN/GETTY IMAGES
A prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin on the New Mexico movie set of Rust, killing a cinematographer and wounding the director, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department.
Director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, died Thursday after being injured when the prop gun was “discharged” by Baldwin, the Western’s producer and star. Hutchins had been transported by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s department said.
A spokesperson from Rust said in a statement: “The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones. We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”
The Ukraine-born, Los Angeles-based DP graduated from the American Film Institute Conservatory in 2015. Her credits included indie films Archenemy, Blindfire and The Mad Hatter.
The second victim was the film’s director, Joel Souza, 48, who was taken by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Juan Ríos, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, told THR on Thursday evening that he was in critical condition, However, on Friday morning, Ríos said his condition is unclear and referred to the hospital for that information.
An update on the investigation will likely not occur until next week, Ríos said, as interviews are ongoing and evidence is being collected. Baldwin was interviewed Thursday by investigators at the sheriff’s department, Ríos said.
Directors Guild of America president Lesli Linka Glatter said in a statement that the DGA is “incredibly saddened” to hear of Hutchins’ death and Souza’s injuries. “We await further details and a full investigation. Our hearts go out to Halyna’s family, to Joel, and to everyone impacted.”
Ríos told The Hollywood Reporter that an active investigation was underway and no charges have been filed.
“According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement. “Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.”
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch set near Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 1:50 p.m. MT after a 911 call indicated an individual had been shot on set.
A spokesperson from the production said the “accident” involved the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. “Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority,” the initial statement said.
The Local 600 labor union, of which Hutchins was a member, said in a statement, “The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.”
Firearm accidents on Hollywood sets are extremely rare, but do occur. In 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of famed martial arts star Bruce Lee, was accidentally shot and killed on the set of The Crow by another actor who fired a revolver that had been improperly prepared.
In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum was involved in a prop gun incident on the set of CBS’ Cover Up. During a break in filming, Hexum accidentally shot himself while playing with the firearm, not realizing a blank was still in the prop gun. He died from his injuries six days later at the age of 26.
The official Twitter page for Brandon Bruce Lee posted: “Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on “Rust”. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period.”
In Rust, Baldwin stars as infamous Western outlaw Harland Rust. When his estranged grandson is convicted of an accidental murder and sentenced to hang, Rust travels to Kansas to break him out of prison. The two fugitives must then outrun U.S. Marshal Wood Helm and bounty hunter Fenton “Preacher” Lang.
The film also stars Frances Fisher, Jensen Ackles and Travis Fimmel.
Oct. 22, 7:51 a.m. Updated to reflect Joel Souza’s condition is unknown.
10:10 p.m. Updated with statement from the DGA.
Ernie Hudson
I’m splitting this off from the Stunts-injuries-amp-deaths into its own indie thread - Rust: accidental shooting of Halyna Hutchins - and tagging our Brandon-Lee thread too because this triggers that memory so much.
Ernie Hudson Heartbroken Over Rust Shooting, Says He Cant Watch The Crow
The iconic actor, who was in the Brandon Lee film, agrees with those who are calling for Hollywood to ban real guns from sets after the latest tragedy.
BY RYAN PARKER
OCTOBER 25, 2021 12:27PM
Ernie Hudson in ‘The Crow’ EVERETT COLLECTION
Ernie Hudson, like the rest of Hollywood, is reeling from last weeks deadly shooting on the set of Rust where a gun discharged by Alec Baldwin killed director of photography Halyna Hutchins and wounded the films director.
The iconic Ghostbusters star knows firsthand about the devastation left in the wake of such a tragedy as he appeared in The Crow, the 1994 film in which Brandon Lee was fatally wounded.
Hudson told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday he was heartbroken for Hutchins family and for Baldwin, whom he has known for years after the pair worked on 1985s Love on the Run.
It just doesnt make any sense, Hudson tells THR. It bought back a lot of memories of Brandon. We go on, we keep moving forward but there is always that space in your life. Youre heartbroken. You have no control, but you still have to process it and how do you do that? I am just so heartbroken that anything like that can happen again.
Brandon Lee in The Crow EVERETT COLLECTION
The son of legendary martial artist and film star Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee was fatally wounded in March 1993 on The Crow set by a prop gun. He was 28. His sister, Shannon, told THR last week that the family supports a growing initiative to ban real guns from sets. Hudson says he also supports that move.
If thats the answer, then I would like to see real guns removed from sets, Hudson concurs. I dont think it is necessary to have real guns and live rounds on the set. We have the technology now to put flashes in without the [blank cartridge] rounds. I thought we found a way to do it safer.
The Rust investigation is ongoing and Hudson notes all the facts need to come out. However, he can speak to being on productions that felt rushed. The problem is when they start cutting budgets and they start being in a hurry, he says. That is what happened on The Crow. They were pushing to get it done. You put lives at risk.
Hudson also expressed grief for Baldwin, nothing that the late Michael Massee was devastated after he fired the gun that killed Brandon Lee. There is nothing worse than something like that happening, Hudson says. I remember Michael, his life was never the same.
Rochelle Davis and Hudson in The Crow EVERETT COLLECTION
In The Crow, Hudson plays police Sgt. Daryl Albrecht, who responds to the scene where Brandon Lees Eric Draven and Shelly Webster (Sofia Shinas) are brutally murdered on Oct. 30, the informal Devils Night. Draven rises from the grave with mystical powers a year later to avenge their deaths and seeks the help of Sgt. Albrecht.
I cant watch The Crow, Hudson admits. It breaks my heart, and I cant get past it. So much of it was action stuff, but Brandon and I got a chance to act together.
Noting that one of his favorite scenes in the film is an emotional moment when Draven comes to visit Sgt. Albrecht after he arises from the grave, Hudson laments: He was such a great guy. And you think about all the potential.
Wright injured
Nov 5, 2021 1:39pm PT[URL=“https://variety.com/2021/film/news/black-panther-wakanda-forever-shuts-down-production-letitia-wright-1235106126/”]
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ to Shut Down Production While Letitia Wright Recovers From On-Set Injury
By Jordan Moreau
Channel 4
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will temporarily shut down production while actor Letitia Wright recovers from an on-set injury she suffered in August, Variety has confirmed. Production will pause starting the week of Thanksgiving and start back up in early 2022.
Wright’s injury occurred more than two months ago in late August while shooting a sequence involving a stunt rig on location in Boston. At the time, her injury was not expected to impact the film’s shooting schedule. Director Ryan Coogler and the rest of the production have been filming mostly in Atlanta since Wright was injured. She has stayed in London while the shoot continued without her.
“Letitia has been recovering in London since September from injuries sustained on the set of ‘Black Panther 2’ and is looking forward to returning to work early 2022,” a statement from Wright’s reps reads. “Letitia kindly asks that you keep her in your prayers.”
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is set to release on Nov. 11, 2022, after it was delayed recently from July 8, 2022. The new release date is expected to remain, despite the temporary shutdown.
Wright joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shuri, the genius inventor and younger sister of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in 2018’s “Black Panther.” Not much is known about the plot of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” but Shuri is expected to take on a larger role following Boseman’s death due to cancer in August 2020. Other “Black Panther” cast members, such as Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba and Angela Bassett, are expected to return for the sequel to the best picture nominee and three-time Oscar winner.
Variety exclusively revealed that “I May Destroy You” creator and star Michaela Coel joined the cast in an unknown role. Additionally, it was revealed that Dominique Thorne, who will play the up-and-coming superhero Ironheart in her own Disney Plus TV series, will be introduced in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” ahead of her TV debut.
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Jonathan Goodwin
‘AGT: Extreme’ contestant Jonathan Goodwin reveals on-set stunt left him in a wheelchair
Sara M Moniuszko
USA TODAY
Daredevil Jonathan Goodwin.
“America’s Got Talent: Extreme” contestant Jonathan Goodwin is now paralyzed and using a wheelchair after an on-set stunt went wrong on the spinoff competition show late last year.
In a Wednesday Instagram post, Goodwin, the 42-year-old former daredevil, shared a photo of himself in a wheelchair holding his dog.
“6 months ago I went to rehearse something and left this little hairy monkey waiting patiently for me… he didn’t see his dad again until just a couple of weeks ago and when he finally did, dad had new cool wheels.”
He added a lot has changed in the last six months, but “love is a constant and I’m very very loved.”
He also said he’s looking forward to my next chapters and being a “roll model” in his new set of wheels.
On a Monday episode of the “Out to Lunch with Jay Rayner” podcast, his fiancée Amanda Abbington confirmed that he’s paralyzed.
“Unless there’s a kind of stem cell surgery or that thing that Elon Musk is designing with the little chip, he’ll be like that forever,” she said.
‘There is a long road to recovery’:‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant gives injury update
Goodwin was hospitalized following the accident, a spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY in October. In a health update to Instagram at the time, the famed escapist posted a selfie of himself wrapped in bandages with burns on his face as he expressed gratitude for all the well wishes he has received.
“You can’t say you don’t get out what you put in. Ive tried my hardest over the years to be kind, thoughtful, honest supportive and good,” Goodwin wrote in the caption. “A couple of days ago my life took a complete left turn… and the out pouring (sic) of love from all the corners of the world; from people I didn’t even think would know or remember me… has just been astonishing.”
Goodwin’s hospitalization led to “America’s Got Talent” halting production of the show’s spin-off, saying in a statement to USA TODAY they would “resume the last few days of filming at a later date.”
The self-proclaimed “greatest theatrical stunt performer” previously competed in Season 15 of “America’s Got Talent” in 2020 and made headlines with his quarterfinals act.
Contributing: Elise Brisco and Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY
how tragic
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived
Daniel Radcliffe To EP Doc About His Stunt Double Left Paralyzed After Deathly Hallows Accident
By Max Goldbart
International TV Co-Editor
October 24, 2023 6:00am
Daniel Radcliffe (left) and David Holmes
Sky
Daniel Radcliffe is exec producing a documentary about his former stunt double who was left paralyzed following an accident on the Harry Potter set.
Sky and HBO Documentary Films are behind David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, the coming-of-age story of a prodigious teenage gymnast who formed an inextricable bond with Harry Potter star Radcliffe.
Holmes was working on Deathly Hallows: Part 1 when an explosion that was part of a planned stunt sent him plummeting to the ground, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down with a debilitating spinal injury that turned his life upside down.
Featuring candid personal footage shot over the last decade, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes stunt work, scenes of his current life and intimate interviews with him, Radcliffe, friends, family, and former crew, the film reflects universal themes of living with adversity, growing up and the bonds that bind people together.
Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinns Lightbox along with Holmes and Amy Stares Ripple Productions are producing the doc, which will air next month.
Radcliffe is exec producing with Holmes, director Dan Hartley, Sue Latimer, Sarah Spahovic, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Tina Nguyen and Poppy Dixon. Producers are Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn, Vanessa Davies and Stares.
I’ll watch this.
Zhang Lei
Obituary | Zhang Lei, China parkour expert and Donnie Yen stunt double, dead at 39 from heart attack
Trailblazer appeared in many films and taught more than 2,000 people in China parkour skills
Iris Jiang
Published: 8:00pm, 18 Jun 2024
Trailblazing Chinese parkour practitioner Zhang Lei, who was a stunt double for Hong Kong acting star Donnie Yen Ji-dan, has died at the age of 39 following a heart attack.
Zhang died in Beijing at 11am on June 12 after treatment for his condition was unsuccessful, according to The Beijing Extreme Sports Association.
A tribute issued by the association described Zhang as “a true parkour enthusiast who dedicated his life to the sport”.
Zhang served as the stunt double for Yen in several films from 2009 to 2014.
While Yen, often hailed by Hong Kong media as “the strongest in the universe”, performed most of his own stunts, Zhang stood ready as his official stunt double in Bodyguards and Assassins, Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen, Swordsmen, The Monkey King, The Iceman, and Special ID.
Zhang Lei once said he loved the “pounding in his heart” that parkour gave him. Photo: Douyin
On his Douyin account, Zhang shared film clips of himself deftly manoeuvring through crowded narrow streets, leaping and rolling across war-torn battlefields or evading pursuers on rainy night streets.
“My ability to start quickly and to move powerfully in a short time is quite impressive, which is similar to Yen. I believe this is the main reason I was chosen as his stunt double,” said Zhang in an interview with The Beijing Extreme Sports Association.
His performance as a stunt double in Bodyguards and Assassins was among the first films in mainland China to fully showcase parkour.
Zhang also collaborated with Hong Kong actor Yuen Wah in the TV series A Legend of Shaolin Kung Fu.
In 2010, he began teaching as a top-level parkour instructor at the Sammo Hung Kam-po International Film and Television Training Base, an institution founded by Hong Kong action star Sammo Hung.
Since parkour’s introduction to China in 2007, Zhang was among the first to embrace the sport and dedicated his life to promoting it.
“Even though injuries are common for me, I still love this sport. Parkour lets me fully unleash myself. It feels like flying. I love the pounding in my heart it brings,” said Zhang.
He added that he was born for parkour.
Zhang clinched the championship at a national parkour competition in 2010 and initiated several major parkour events in China.
In 2008, he founded a parkour club, where he taught the skills to more than 2,000 students.
“I trained with Brother Lei for a while, he was a good person. He truly loved parkour and led us passionately,” said one Douyin observer.
Zhang appeared in many movies and television series as a daring stunt double. Photo: Douyin
In 2023, he led a team to establish the first group standard for parkour projects in the country.
Originating in France in the 1980s, parkour is an extreme sport that incorporates elements like climbing, jumping, and rolling.
It emphasises moving through a known environment in the fastest and most efficient way possible, attracting many young people with its freedom, agility and challenge.
Despite some concerns about the impact of extreme sports on physical health, most online observers have expressed regret over Zhang’s passing.
“It’s such a pity. He was so young,” said one.
“He was my son’s coach. Farewell!” added another.
Iris Jiang
Iris Jiang holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Fudan University and a master’s degree in Global Media and Communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Her areas of expertise include Chinese society and culture. She was previously an intern at Reuters and Sixth Tone in Shanghai and speaks English and Mandarin.
Heart attack at 39? Perplexing. Obviously he was fit.
[QUOTE=GeneChing;1326916]Heart attack at 39? Perplexing. Obviously he was fit.[/QUOTE]
May be similar to Bruce Lee. I’m older than you and got my pulse up to 192 for a while the other day…
