Hollywood action scenes aim to thrill viewers, but they also put the safety of cast and crew at risk. Stunt performers often face dangerous situations while creating the thrilling moments audiences love. Even a tiny mistake can lead to serious accidents, and Hollywood has experienced tragic losses among both famous actors and crew members. Many large productions have dealt with fatal incidents, some resulting in investigations, lawsuits, and tough questions about safety practices. Below are accounts of individuals who faced serious risks and suffered tragic outcomes.
1 Joi Harris (Deadpool 2) Deadpool 2 featured numerous exciting stunts, but one resulted in the death of stuntwoman Joi “SJ” Harris. The film’s star, Ryan Reynolds, paid tribute to Harris, who made her debut as a stunt performer in this film. She was doubling for actress Zazie Beetz, who played Domino. In August 2017, Harris tragically died after being thrown from her motorcycle and crashing into a building window in Vancouver, Canada. An investigation two years later revealed that a series of safety mistakes contributed to her death, such as allowing her to ride a Ducati Hyperstrada 939 without a helmet while going down a stairwell. A source from the studio stated that they practiced the stunt multiple times before filming. However, WorkSafeBC, the safety regulatory agency in British Columbia, identified significant errors by 20th Century Fox that endangered Harris. They found the studio did not use adequate barriers to keep her from leaving the set area and did not conduct a proper risk assessment regarding safety, speed, and equipment limits. The agency also pointed out the lack of adequate supervision and failure to ensure Harris wore a helmet. Another issue was that she did not receive an orientation as a new worker. In response to the findings, Fox expressed that they disagreed with some conclusions but emphasized that safety was their priority. After the accident, the studio reviewed and improved its safety procedures. Deadpool 2 was released the previous year, including a dedication to Harris in its credits. The producers faced a penalty for their safety violations.
2 Sonja Davis (Vampire In Brooklyn) Sonja Davis enjoyed performing stunts, whether they involved jumps, fights, or motorcycle scenes. In the 1990s, she was one of the few African American stuntwomen and worked as a double for stars like Whoopi Goldberg and Janet Jackson. Actress Angela Bassett remembered Davis as a dedicated artist who valued her craft deeply, emphasizing her faith and the impact she had on others.
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Source: Bored Panda, by Dinara Luz