James Lew Dies Aged 73: The Emmy-Winning Stunt Master Behind Hollywood Action Classics

James Lew, the Emmy-winning stunt coordinator and martial artist whose screen work included 'Big Trouble in Little China', 'Rush Hour' and Marvel's 'Luke Cage', has died aged 73 in Los Angeles, his wife Jordanna has announced.

Lew had been dealing with unspecified health issues, although no cause of death has been disclosed. The veteran performer's death has drawn attention to a career that moved between on-screen roles, martial arts and high-risk stunt work.

Jordanna paid tribute in a social-media post, writing: 'Honey, I imagine you walking the beach with Dudley, sparring with Bruce Lee and finally getting to hug your Dad again. James MF Lew. You are loved and will be deeply missed.' Her message gave a personal account of the loss felt by his family.

James Lew's Hollywood Action Career

Lew worked across acting, martial arts and stunt performance over five decades in film and television. His fight-stunt credits included 'Big Trouble in Little China', 'Rush Hour', 'Action Jackson', 'Timecop', 'Lethal Weapon 4' and 'Star Trek'.

He also appeared opposite Charlie Sheen in the Rambo parody fight sequence in 'Hot Shots! Part Deux'. The scene was among his on-screen appearances in a career that also included technical work behind the camera.

Lew studied kung fu under Douglas Wong in Southern California and competed on the region's tournament circuit during the 1970s. Black Belt magazine said his early screen and stunt credits reached back to the original 'Kung Fu' television series.

Black Belt inducted Lew into its Hall of Fame in the Stuntman category in 2024 alongside Simon Rhee and Jeff Imada. The magazine said it was the first time the Hall of Fame had specifically honoured stunt performers in this category.

Emmy-Winning Work on Luke Cage

Lew won the Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie in 2017 for his work as stunt coordinator on the first season of Marvel's 'Luke Cage'. Marvel said the award recognised the programme's stunt coordination.

After his win, Lew said: 'The thrill and honour of this prestigious Emmy Award is shared with my Luke Cage stunt family, crew and cast.' He said the work involved coordinating the production to create 'meaningful and exciting action that moves the story of Luke Cage forward'.

'Luke Cage' star Mike Colter remembered Lew as a friend and former colleague, recalling their work on the series' first season. He said they had planned to meet again and wrote that he would smile whenever Lew's name was mentioned.

Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker praised Lew's contribution to the Crispus Attucks Raid sequence, saying its logistics and action could not have been achieved without his 'considerable experience and frankly genius'.

Simon Rhee, described by Black Belt as Lew's friend for nearly 50 years, called him 'the most positive person I have ever known' and 'the ultimate professional'. Rhee recalled visiting Lew in hospital, where he thought he had arrived to collect him for a day of filming.

What Is Known About James Lew's Death

No further information about James Lew's health or the circumstances of his death has been released publicly. His family has not disclosed a cause of death.

Lew's death leaves a gap in the martial arts and stunt communities, where his work contributed to action films and television productions over several decades. The titles associated with his career remain a record of the range of projects to which he brought his skills.