(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – The Simi Valley community lost a legendary figure this week. Jeannie Epper, a renowned stuntwoman whose feats spanned over 150 films, died at her home here on Sunday evening. She was 83.
Epper, who began her stunt career at age nine, followed in the footsteps of her father, John Epper, a former member of the Swiss Cavalry turned stuntman. Beyond the “Wonder Woman” television series as Linda Carter’s double, Epper’s contributions to the film industry included stunts in movies such as “Catch Me If You Can,” “The Amazing Spider-Man,” and “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.”
In addition to her on-screen work, Epper was pivotal off-screen, co-founding the Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures in 1968 and later serving as its president in 1999. Her dedication earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2007, the first woman to receive this honor.
Her life and challenges within the stunt industry were also documented in Amanda Micheli’s 2004 film “Double Dare,” which follows Epper and fellow stuntwoman Zoë Bell.
Epper’s passing is a sad loss to our Simi Valley community. With her work, she leaves a legacy of achievements and a family tradition of stunt performance carried on by her three children, Eurlyne, Richard, and Kurtis, – all of whom are stunt performers. Epper’s family and friends will hold a private memorial service in Simi Valley to honor her adventurous spirit and pioneering contributions.
