Why Some Black Actors Are Saying No to Stunts

The entertainment industry has seen a growing number of actors performing their own stunts. This trend is often highlighted in film marketing. Concurrently, discussions about diversity and equitable treatment for Black actors have gained prominence.

Main News

Some Black actors in Hollywood have publicly stated they will not perform certain stunts. Their reasoning is often linked to concerns about hairstyling and makeup departments not being equipped to work with their hair textures and skin tones.

These actors have reported that departments sometimes lack the appropriate products and expertise. This can lead to practical and safety issues, particularly with wigs and protective styles coming loose during physical scenes.

The concern is that an improperly secured hairstyle during a stunt could pose a safety risk. This has led some performers to refuse stunts they believe are made riskier by these preparedness gaps.

Summary

A number of Black actors have chosen to decline performing their own stunts. This decision is frequently connected to preparedness issues within production hair and makeup departments.

Reports indicate that these departments are not always equipped with the necessary products or trained in techniques for Black hair. This lack of preparation can affect the security of hairstyles worn during filming.

An insecure hairstyle during a physically demanding stunt sequence can become a safety hazard. The actors’ refusals are based on mitigating these specific risks.

The situation highlights ongoing discussions about inclusivity and practical infrastructure behind the scenes in film and television production.

FAQs

Why would an actor refuse to do a stunt?
Some Black actors refuse stunts due to concerns that the hair and makeup team is not prepared for their hair type. They state that improperly done hairstyles can become loose and hazardous during physical activity, creating an unnecessary safety risk.

What is the specific issue with hairstyling?
The issue is that some production hair departments lack the products and expertise to work with textured Black hair. This includes properly installing and securing wigs, weaves, and braids to withstand the demands of stunt work.

Is this a common problem in the industry?
While not universally experienced, multiple Black actors have publicly discussed this specific challenge. It points to a broader industry issue regarding diversity and inclusion in behind-the-scenes crew roles and standard practices.