Jeannie Epper, a renowned Hollywood stuntwoman, passed away at her California home at age 83 due to natural causes. Recognized as the second generation of the Epper family’s illustrious stunt legacy, she notably doubled Lynda Carter in “Wonder Woman” and Kathleen Turner in “Romancing the Stone.” Film director Steven Spielberg aptly described the Eppers as “the flying Wallendas of film,” drawing parallels to the renowned circus family.
Stunt performer Epper, known for her 70-year career, made history by becoming the first woman to receive a lifetime achievement honor from the World Taurus Awards. Despite retiring from film work in 2015 (her last credit was “Hot Pursuit”), she continued to contribute to the industry, performing stunts for the video game “Ground Zero Texas: Nuclear Edition” in 2021 at the age of 80.
Epper gained recognition as a prominent stunt performer during the 1970s when Hollywood shifted away from using male doubles for female stunt work.
Linda Evans and Lynda Carter’s influence in the industry led to the elimination of hairy-legged male stunt doubles for female characters. They advocated for female performers, emphasizing their equal abilities and the importance of maintaining clean-shaven legs and armpits.
Epper embraced opportunities to collaborate with familiar figures throughout her extensive Hollywood career. Notably, she worked with Spielberg on multiple films, including “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “1941,” “Poltergeist,” “Catch Me If You Can,” and “Minority Report.” She also doubled for Linda Evans in both “The Big Valley” and “Dynasty.”
Notably, she showcased her athleticism in “Romancing the Stone” by leaping across a gorge while gripping a vine. Her extensive career includes notable roles in “Earthquake” (1974), “The Towering Inferno” (1974), “Smokey and the Bandit II” (1980), “The Cannonball Run” (1981), “Blade Runner” (1982), “Road House” (1989), “Total Recall” (1990), “The Fugitive” (1993), “Die Hard With a Vengeance” (1995), “Con Air” (1997), “Rush Hour 2” (2001), “The Italian Job” (2003), “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” (2004), “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006), and “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012).
We extend our deepest sympathies to Epper’s loved ones, including their family, friends, colleagues, and admirers.