If you've seen 1978's Halloween, then you surely remember the moment when Dr. Loomis comes to Laurie Strode's rescue, plugging Michael Myers full of lead, before The Shape's fall off the balcony to the grass below. Sadly, the man behind the mask of that stunt, James Winburn, has passed away.
Born in October of 1937, James Winburn would grow up and discover a passion for stunt work, beginning as early as 1970, in the TV series McCloud. As his career grew, Winburn would take falls in numerous well known films such as The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, The Fog, Escape From New York, Mortuary, and Popcorn. While sacrificing his body for the right shot, James Winburn would also learn from those around him and take interest in many different aspects of Hollywood, outside of just stunt work.
As an actor, Winburn did mostly small roles, the largest of his roles being that of a stalker in an episode of TV's Cagney & Lacey. He would help write and direct 1993's Miami Beach Cop, having directed the horror film, Evil Altar, and The Death Merchant just a few years earlier.
As you watch Halloween for the millionth time, right when Dr. Loomis comes charging up the stairs, ready to go guns blazin', be sure to give James Winburn a thought. Without stunt people like him, movies would truly be terrible, and that scene in Halloween would be a dummy thrown over the balcony.
Comments