Buddy Joe Hooker: The Stuntman Behind Tarantino’s ‘Death Proof’ & a Century of Thrills
Buddy Joe Hooker’s career spans an astonishing seven decades, a testament to both his skill and the enduring appeal of practical stunt work. Now 83, the veteran stuntman, actor, and second unit director is being celebrated alongside the work that defined his profession with the Criterion Channel’s new collection, “Stunts!” The collection isn’t just a retrospective. it’s a curated look at the evolution of risk-taking in cinema, and Hooker’s perspective is central to understanding that history.
Hooker’s journey began not as a daredevil, but as a child actor in the 1950s, appearing in television series like “Rin Tin Tin.” His father, Hugh Hooker, was a Western stuntman, but initially discouraged his son from following in his footsteps, wary of the brutal realities of that particular corner of the industry. Hooker eventually gravitated towards stunt work in the 1960s, finding a passion that would define his life. “I did my first stunt when I was 13, so that was 70 years ago,” he recently told IndieWire. “I was working on a TV series called ‘Rin-Tin-Tin.’”
The transition from actor to stunt performer wasn’t immediate. Hooker’s early career involved a blend of on-screen roles and increasingly complex stunt work. He credits a pivotal opportunity on a Douglas Heyes remake of “Beau Geste” with solidifying his path. “Hal Needham was very innovative as far as that goes,” Hooker explained, referring to the legendary stunt coordinator and director. “He gave me one of the first good stunts I ever had.” That stunt, a dangerous fall from a fort rooftop, proved to be a turning point, forging a strong professional relationship with Needham and opening doors to a wider range of projects.
The “Stunts!” collection highlights films that were both influential and, in some cases, groundbreaking. Hooker points to films like “Bullitt” and “The French Connection” as early examples of innovative car chases, though he admits his perspective has evolved over time. “Looking back on it, [‘Bullitt’] is like ‘Mary Poppins’ doing these little two or three-foot jumps,” he said. “But it was the first one, and it was very innovative.” He also acknowledges the impact of William Friedkin’s work, particularly “The French Connection” and “To Live and Die in L.A.,” praising Friedkin’s editing and the introduction of new techniques like cars colliding head-on.
Hooker’s expertise became particularly sought after for vehicle stunts, and he quickly established a reputation as a go-to coordinator for high-octane action sequences. He’s perhaps best known for his work as Kurt Russell’s stunt driving double on Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” a film that pays homage to the exploitation cinema of the 1970s. But Hooker’s contributions extend far beyond that single project, encompassing films like “The Hunted,” “Ben-Hur,” and “Police Story.”
The evolution of stunt work, according to Hooker, has been driven by both technological advancements and a relentless pursuit of innovation. He recalls a period when the arrival of lightweight motorcycles from Europe dramatically changed the landscape of stunt performance. “Everybody wanted to learn everything we could about cars and how to make them do what we wanted them to do,” he said. This led to experimentation with ramps and other techniques that became staples of action filmmaking.
One particularly memorable story involves a record-breaking stunt on the film “Hell’s Angels ‘69.” Hooker and a colleague convinced the producers to let them perform a series of rolls in a pickup truck, despite the lack of a proper roll cage. “We just were very stoked that we got to put our names on everybody’s lips for about a month,” Hooker recalled. The truck reportedly completed 22 rolls, a record that remains unbroken. (Footage indicates the number was 17.)
Hooker’s career has also been marked by a long-standing advocacy for greater recognition of stunt performers within the film industry. He’s been a vocal proponent of creating an Academy Award specifically for stunt work, arguing that the contributions of stunt teams are often overlooked. His dedication to the craft, combined with his willingness to push boundaries and embrace new challenges, has cemented his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of stunt performance.
The release of “Stunts!” on the Criterion Channel isn’t just a celebration of Hooker’s career; it’s a recognition of the artistry and dedication of all those who risk life and limb to bring cinematic thrills to audiences worldwide. It’s a reminder that behind every spectacular action sequence, there’s a team of highly skilled professionals pushing the limits of what’s possible.