Birthday of stuntman, coordinator and director Paul Weston

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2018-01-07

Stuntman, Stunt coordinator and Director Paul Weston is a long-time member of the 'James Bond family' and supporter of this website. Paul's first official Bond was Live and Let Die (1973) and with Skyfall (2012) completed, Paul has worked with five of the six James Bond actors (everyone apart from George Lazenby).

With this page, From Sweden with Love would like to celebrate Paul Weston on his birthday and thank him again for accepting our invitation to come to our James Bond festival in Stockholm on 19-21 September 2014.

"Dear Paul, happy birthday and keep up the great work. Sweden loves you!"

About stuntman and stunt coordinator Paul Weston

Paul Weston started his show business career in the 1960s as photographic model. He was asked to understudy Roger Moore on The Saint television series, where he also played an acting part, performing his own stunt. He was booked as a stuntman on the next episode. And so his Stunt career started.

His TV work included classics such as Doctor Who, Blake 7, The Prisoner, Space 1999, The Baron, Jason King, Steed’s’ stunt double on The Avengers, Minder, Bergerac, The Professionals, Remington Steele.

He worked on the original Casino Royale film in 1967. Sang with The Beatles on Help. Was directed by Charlie Chaplin on The Countess from Hong Kong.

Paul thought he should acquire acting skill, so joined a Drama School for three years and in 1970 toured the USA Universities with seven plays. (Doging the Vietnam War riots). With two seasons performing in a live stunt show all over Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. He learnt how to be knocked-down by a car, four times a night, jump a motorbike over cars, perform high falls, and most of all, how to be a ‘Showman’.

The Dirty Dozen was his first major feature film, followed by A Bridge Too Far starring Sean Connery. Then he was Flying Double for Christopher Reeves on Superman and was Stunt Coordinated on Superman II and III.

The Lady Vanishes, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, American Warewolf in London, The Three Musketeers, Smilla’s Sense of Snow, Daylight, Dragonheart, The Count of Monte Cristo, Star Wars, Return of the Jedi- are among some of the iconic movies Paul has been involved with. He has worked on James Bond films as both stuntman and stunt actor. On Moonraker (1979) he doubled for “Jaws” (portrayed by Richard Kiel) jumping from one cable car to another. As stunt team Supervisor on Octopussy (1983) he doubled for Roger Moore, running over the train roof, ducking under bridges and diving over pipes.

His talents were being recognized, as an all round Stunt Performer, skilful Stunt Coordinator and 2nd unit Director, being able to draw his own action storyboards. He alway enjoys working with his friend of 30 years, Pierce Brosnan, who he doubled for on Death Train and directed the 2nd unit. Also on Remington Steele and a Coca Cola commercial.

He was once again, delighted to become part of the James Bond team and Stunt Coordinated The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989). Working with such talented Director as John Landis on Spies like us, Kevin Reynolds on “Robin Hood Princes of Thieves, James Cameron on Aliens gave Paul an insight in how to get a ‘Performance’ from actors as well as ‘Action’. Which he put to good use when directing actors on many movies including two Bollywood movies in Mumbai.

Paul has had an exciting and varied career even becoming a song and musical writer in L.A. with Lyricist and Composer Caroll Conners, made friends with Sammy Davis Jr, Jack Jones and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

Paul says: "I've enjoyed the ride of my life and hope some of you have been with me, at least part of the way!"

Editor's note:
For more about the amazing stuntmen in the James Bond films, check out the following articles:

>The 50 greatest stunts in James Bond films
>James Bond stunt doubles
>The top 10 stunts in the James Bond film series

Photo above:
Paul Weston with Kristina Wayborn and John Glen at the From Sweden with Love gala in Stockholm on 20th September 2014. Photo by Peter Johansson/Cawa Media. © From Sweden with Love.

For more information about Paul Weston, check out his official website at paulwestonstunts.com.

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Birthday of stuntman, coordinator and director Paul Weston

About stuntman and stunt coordinator Paul Weston

Paul says: "I've enjoyed the ride of my life and hope some of you have been with me, at least part of the way!"

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