Anthony Mo Marais

Anthony "Uncle Mo” Marais: The Stuntman Extraordinaire

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Born and educated in Cape Town, South Africa, Anthony "Uncle Mo” Marais stands tall in the realm of stunts and acrobatics. With a diverse background in performing arts and a career marked by remarkable achievements, he is a force to be reckoned with in the global stunt industry.

Journey from Circus School to Stunt Performer

The seeds of Marais's career were sown in 1975 when he joined Keith Anderson’s YMCA Circus School, “Circus Osler.” Here, he trained in flying trapeze, general acrobatics, and other circus skills. Marais honed his abilities, performing across the country and capturing audiences' imaginations. A documentary feature, “Once Upon a Circus” by Ashley Lazarus, chronicled the experiences of Marais and his fellow students.

Marais recalls a standout moment from this time as a performance during the first Cape Town Festival, where they executed routines on a trapeze rig suspended between two buildings seven stories high. At the age of 16, Marais and twelve other talented students formed the Star Lords, touring extensively in the UK, Denmark, France, and the USA.

Transition into the Film Industry

Returning to South Africa, Marais ventured into the film industry, assisting Keith Anderson in training the Upside Down People for “King Solomon’s Mines” and performing stunt and aerial coordination for films like “Survivor” and “My African Adventure.”

Marais's aptitude for stunt work propelled his career forward. He co-coordinated a Fox Sports TV commercial in 2000 that won a Gold Award at Cannes, demonstrating his extraordinary skill at integrating dynamic action into visual storytelling.

Stunt Coordination and Second Unit Directing

Marais's talents led him to roles as a stunt coordinator and second unit director. His responsibilities extended to planning entire action sequences and working closely with directors to execute their vision, all while ensuring paramount safety standards. Notably, he oversaw stunts and acrobatics on the television series “The Adventures of Sinbad” and the revived British TV series “The Professionals.”

Championing Safety and Training New Talent

Safety has always been at the core of Marais's work. Recognizing the inherent risks in his field, Marais has worked tirelessly to ensure the implementation of safety measures and guidelines, aiming to minimize the risk of injuries on set.

Moreover, Marais's dedication extends to nurturing the next generation of stunt performers. He established a training facility, offering comprehensive programs that include martial arts, gymnastics, and general fitness. To date, Marais has been involved in over 30 feature films and some 85 commercials, showcasing his broad range of skills and his contribution to the stunt industry

Conclusion 

From an aspiring circus student to a distinguished stunt coordinator, Anthony "Uncle" Mo Marais's journey is a testament to his daring spirit, discipline, and dedication. His influential career, his commitment to safety, and his devotion to fostering new talent have shaped the stunt industry. As he continues his work, Marais's influence promises to inspire and guide the world of stunt performance for years to come.

THE STUNT NETWORK WEBSITE: http://stuntnetwork.co.za