James Lew (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Hollywood actor, stuntman and martial artist James Lew passed away at 73, according to TMZ.
Lew’s wife, Jordanna, told the outlet he died Sunday after battling unspecified health issues.
Big picture view:
James Lew built a decades-long career in Hollywood, appearing in dozens of action films and television productions beginning in the late 1970s. Some of his notable film works include "Big Trouble in Little China," "Best of the Best," "Hot Shots! Part Deux" and "Timecop." Along the way, he shared the screen with some of the action cinema’s biggest stars, including Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Steven Seagal and Jackie Chan.
The backstory:
Lew was born in Escalon, California and raised in South Los Angeles. He later became proficient in multiple forms of martial arts, blending his artistry into a career in movies and stunt work.
Why you should care:
He was most recently widely recognized for his work in Marvel’s Luke Cage, winning an Emmy for stunt coordination.
In 2024, he was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame, alongside the likes of Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee.
What we don't know:
No cause of death has been officially released.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by TMZ and Black Belt Magazine. This story was reported from Orlando.