Hollywood stuntman James Lew, known for his work in kung fu and action films including Rush Hour, Lethal Weapon 4, Big Trouble in Little China and Star Trek, has died at age 73.
Lew passed away on Sunday following a battle with health issues, TMZ reported on Monday. A cause of death was not disclosed.
His wife, Jordanna Potter-Lew, confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Monday morning. "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. Rest in peace. 8/23/26," she wrote.
A career spanning decades
Lew grew up in South Central Los Angeles and began his career in the early 1970s, working on the television series Kung Fu, according to IMDb. In 1976 he starred in The Young Dragon as Shao Lung.
Bigger films followed, and he was hired as the martial arts choreographer for 1986's Big Trouble in Little China. One of his most memorable onscreen moments came in Hot Shots! Part Deux, where he took part in a Rambo parody fight with Charlie Sheen.
According to a tribute shared by Black Belt magazine, Lew worked on more than 140 films and shows throughout his career. The publication described him as "humble, gracious, funny, passionate and always happy to be surrounded by the martial arts community." It also reported that he spent his final days surrounded by friends.
Emmy win and other honors
In 2017, Lew won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series for his work on Marvel's Luke Cage.
He received several other accolades during his career, including being voted Favorite Action Star by Inside Martial Arts magazine in 1995. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Martial Arts History Museum and listed as one of the Martial Arts Greats in Kung Fu Magazine.
According to IMDb, Lew credited his long-term success in the film industry to a formula of "diversity, hard work and having a whole lot of fun."
Tributes pour in
Fans and colleagues left messages of condolence on Potter-Lew's Instagram post. One fan wrote, "I just met him two weeks ago at Dragon Fest. Absolutely amazing, true legendary GOAT in martial arts. I'm so honored to have had an amazing conversation with him."
Others wrote, "Devastating news... may he rest in peace," and "He was such a kind man and genuine person. He will be missed."
Bodybuilder Janine Avanti also honored Lew, sharing a photo of the two of them together on Instagram. "You will be missed James. We are so grateful for your talents and love for the Arts and The Screen," she wrote. "You were a great inspiration and warrior. Today we honor you and send prayers to your family for comfort and peace. May you rest in heavenly peace. It was an honor my friend. Godspeed."
