Stop a Bullet Cold

Who knew Jennie Epper has been my idol all this time? Yes, she, not Lynda Carter, was Wonder Woman.

I discovered this only by reading Kevin Conley’s book The Full Burn. Profiling some of Hollywood’s notorious stuntmen (and women), this book examines the personalities courageous enough to inflict pain on themselves willingly. Conley goes behind the scenes on gags ranging from racing a motorcycle through a Matrix rush hour to flying through downtown (ala Spidey) to setting a person on fire. We learn about the trade from Terry Leonard (he did the truck gag in Raider’s of the Lost Ark), Mike Kirton (he literally died twice on the set), and Debbie Evans (she played Trinity’s double).

Most stuntmen get their start in extreme sports, gymnastics, martial arts, or the military, but are more likely born into it. Many stuntmen eventually become second unit directors where safety and engineering are emphasized over bravado. However, Conley makes sure to throw in a few tales of mishaps with gators and off-the-set joyrides in Minis.

For a sitting at the edge of your seat, shaking your head in disbelief, and racing to your Netflix queue to rent the Bourne series experience, do try this at home.

Look under Audio to hear the interview with Kevin Conley from Fresh Air.