James Lew, a prolific stunt coordinator and martial artist, passed away this past Sunday at age 73. His wife, Jordanna Potter-Lew, shared the news via Instagram, noting that the veteran performer died following a period of health struggles.
A 140-Project Legacy from South Central LA to Hollywood
James Lew's journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 1970s, rooted in his upbringing in South Central Los Angeles. According to IMDb, he first broke into the industry working on the television series Kung Fu, a role that established his foundation in the intersection of traditional martial arts and screen performance. By 1976, James Lew had transitioned into a starring role as Shao Lung in The Young Dragon, marking his emergence as a visible talent rather than just a background performer.
The sheer volume of James Lew's work is a testament to his endurance in a physically demanding field. As reported by Black Belt magazine, the stuntman contributed to over 140 films and television shows throughout his career. This prolific output allowed him to navigate the shifting tides of action cinema, moving from the gritty style of the 70s to the high-gloss blockbusters of the 21st century.
From Big Trouble in Little China to the 2017 Emmy for Luke Cage
James Lew was more than a performer; he was a technical architect of fight sequences. In 1986, he served as the martial arts choreographer for the cult classic Big Trouble in Little China, helping to define the film's unique blend of fantasy and combat. His ability to blend comedy with action was further highlighted in Hot Shots! Part Deux, where he engaged in a memorable Rambo parody fight with actor Charlie Sheen.
His technical mastery eventually earned him the industry's highest honors. In 2017, James Lew won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series for his work on Marvel's Luke Cage. This achievement, coming decades after his start in the industry, underscores his ability to adapt his choreography to the needs of modern superhero storytelling, ensuring that the combat felt visceral and grounnded.
The Influence of a 1995 Favorite Action Star
Beyond his credits in Rush Hour and Lethal Weapon 4, James Lew was a revered figure within the global martial arts community. In 1995, Inside Martial Arts magazine voted him as the Favorite Action Star, a reflection of his respect among practitioners of the craft. his legacy was further cemented by his induction into the Hall of Fame at the Martial Arts History Museum and his recognition as one of the "Martial Arts Greats" by Kung Fu Magazine.
The career of James Lew mirrors the broader evolution of Asian representation in Hollywood action. For decades, stunt performers of Asian descent often remained unnamed in the credits while doing the heavy lifting for lead actors. By establishing himself as a coordinator and choreographer, James Lew helped shift the power dynamic, moving from the periphery of the production to a leadership role where he could shape the artistic vision of the fight.
The Undisclosed Health Battle and Final Days
While the industry mourns a legend, some details regarding his passing remain private. TMZ reported on Monday that James Lew died following a battle with health issues, but the specific cause of death was not disclosed by his family or representatives. This leaves a gap in the public record regarding the nature of the illness that claimed the 73-year-old's life.
Despite the illness, Black Belt magazine reported that James Lew spent his final days surrounded by friends. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and peers, including bodybuilder Janine Avanti, who praised James Lew as a "warrior" and an inspiration to those who love the arts and the screen. The loss of James Lew marks the end of an era for a generation of stunt professionals who prioritized "diversity, hard work and having a whole lot of fun," according to his personal mantra listed on IMDb.
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