Victor Monroe Armstrong
Riding the Silver Light.
Vic was born 5 October 1946 Buckinghamshire, England, UK. He is the most experienced stuntman to have graced the silver screen. Less a stuntman nowadays, he is commonly known as a stunt coordinator as well as having directed 5 pictures (he also directed the opening scene of Terminator 2).
As a youngster Vic was into horse riding and quit his schooling days to become a jockey. Horse riding led Vic into the film industry and his future was set in stone.
His earliest work included stunts on the ‘Peter Cook and Dudley Moore Show’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ some of the classic James Bond films and lesser known movies that the ordinary film fan wouldn’t expect stuntmen to appear. You could say, he’s a bit of an all-rounder.
He has performed stunts for the likes of the afore-mentioned Bond, Rambo, Dune and the earlier Superman movies.
As a youngster Vic was into horse riding and quit his schooling days to become a jockey. Horse riding led Vic into the film industry and his future was set in stone.
His earliest work included stunts on the ‘Peter Cook and Dudley Moore Show’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ some of the classic James Bond films and lesser known movies that the ordinary film fan wouldn’t expect stuntmen to appear. You could say, he’s a bit of an all-rounder.
He has performed stunts for the likes of the afore-mentioned Bond, Rambo, Dune and the earlier Superman movies.
Though it was Vics resemblance to one Harrison Ford that got him the most notable work. He has doubled for Ford on most of his career (Fords, not Vics). ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (and subsequently the sequels), ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Mosquito Coast’ and ‘Witness’ are just a few he has donned the hat and whip, a red S and other recognizable costumes.
But, it obviously isn’t just Ford and the Bond franchise that Vic has doubled for. Look at his page on IMDb and you will be astonished at his resume. He has been a Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator with films helmed by some of the world’s directors, such as Spielberg, Verhoeven, Sir Richard Attenborough, Ridley Scott and Irving Kirshner. After working on Star Wars and the Indy movies, Lucas gave him his break into directing with his debut being the premier of the second of the ‘Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’.
But, it obviously isn’t just Ford and the Bond franchise that Vic has doubled for. Look at his page on IMDb and you will be astonished at his resume. He has been a Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator with films helmed by some of the world’s directors, such as Spielberg, Verhoeven, Sir Richard Attenborough, Ridley Scott and Irving Kirshner. After working on Star Wars and the Indy movies, Lucas gave him his break into directing with his debut being the premier of the second of the ‘Young Indiana Jones Chronicles’.
He has pioneered some of the tools of the trade and ask any stuntman who the man to watch is and they will reply “why, Mr Armstrong” (or words similar).
When Hollywood wants to make a film, whether it be a stunt extravaganza or one with subtle stunt-work there is one true living legend they all get on the phone to.
I have always had a fascination with stunt men and women. What they do goes unrewarded by the big awards and though they may not recognise you, there are lots of people like me who hold you in high regard. I bought a copy of his auto-biography and look forwards to reading an insiders view of the stunt and movie industry.
When Hollywood wants to make a film, whether it be a stunt extravaganza or one with subtle stunt-work there is one true living legend they all get on the phone to.
I have always had a fascination with stunt men and women. What they do goes unrewarded by the big awards and though they may not recognise you, there are lots of people like me who hold you in high regard. I bought a copy of his auto-biography and look forwards to reading an insiders view of the stunt and movie industry.
Mr Armstrong, i salute you.
Vic Armstrong’s book ‘The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman’ is available from all good book shops and typically amazon.
Vic Armstrong’s book ‘The True Adventures of the World’s Greatest Stuntman’ is available from all good book shops and typically amazon.