Vic Armstrong
Legend
About:
Vic Armstrong
Vic Armstrong, born on October 5, 1946, is a highly renowned British stuntman, action director, and second unit director. His extraordinary career spans over six decades, during which time he has contributed his skills to some of the most iconic films in cinema history.
Armstrong was born in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, England. He initially worked as a horse riding instructor before transitioning into film as a stuntman in the late 1960s. His natural athleticism and fearless approach to performing stunts made him an in-demand performer right from the start.
He catapulted to fame as Harrison Ford's stunt double in the Indiana Jones franchise. Armstrong's uncanny physical resemblance to Ford, in addition to his aptitude for daring stunts, made him an integral part of the series. His work on these films helped shape the thrilling, action-packed sequences that are now synonymous with the Indiana Jones character.
In 1985, Armstrong transitioned into stunt coordination and action directing, making his mark on action sequences in numerous films. His ability to seamlessly choreograph complex stunts and action sequences has made him one of the most sought-after talents in this field. Some of the notable movies he worked on include "Superman," "James Bond" series, "Starship Troopers," and "War of the Worlds."
Armstrong's expertise in the field led him to work as a second unit director for many high-budget productions, such as "Thor," "The Amazing Spider-Man," and "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit." This role allowed him to shape large portions of these films, often directing entire action sequences.
Throughout his career, Armstrong has received numerous awards and accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from the Taurus World Stunt Awards. His autobiography, "The True Adventures of the World's Greatest Stuntman," chronicles his life and experiences in the film industry, providing a unique perspective on some of cinema's most legendary films.
With a career as long and successful as Armstrong's, his influence is indisputable. He has not only revolutionized the way stunts are performed and filmed but also helped create the genre of action films as we know it today. His fearless approach to his craft, combined with his innate creativity and attention to detail, has secured his place as one of the most influential figures in the world of cinematic stunts.
The Magic Behind the Camera
Vic Armstrong's career highlights the unseen magic that underpins the world of cinema. His experiences underscore the creativity, hard work, and daring required to create the thrilling sequences that captivate audiences worldwide, offering a unique glimpse into the life of a stuntman.
Quotes by A listers.
"Be warned, whenever Vic says “'’ve got an idea”' something dangerous is about to happen. That’s why we love him."
— Angelina Jolie
"No one does better action sequences than Vic. Some stunt co-ordinators are good with explosion scenes, some are good with car chases or gun battles. But Vic is a master of them all."
— Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Vic was a great guy to work with on the Bond films and a legendary stuntman. He’s the man."
— Pierce Brosnan