Professional stuntwoman Alex Madison impresses students with death-defying tales while offering practical advice at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.
Imagine working with Tom Cruise, Will Smith and Antonio Banderas. What may be a dream for many is reality for Alex Madison, actress and stunt woman, who discussed with Durham College students risking life and limb to put together some of Hollywood's most exciting action scenes.
The native of Northern California spoke to a crowd of students at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre on November 14. Those in attendance were treated to tales of what it takes to be a stunt professional and how Madison came to appear in more than 30 major motion pictures and more than 100 television programs.
"I really enjoyed it, how she has been in every movie I've ever seen," said student Edward Nicholas. "It made me realize that I shouldn't be scared of everyday things when I see her jumping off buildings and being set on fire."
As a student at California State University, Chico in Chico, California, Madison completed a unique interdisciplinary Master's Degree in Physical Education and Theatre Arts, writing a thesis entitled Safety in Stunts. While still attending school, Madison had a chance encounter that would lead her to Los Angeles.
"I was still attending Chico State when a former student returned to visit one of my professors," said Madison. "The former student happened to be a stunt professional and my professor mentioned my stunt-themed thesis. The student left her contact information to get in touch once I had graduated and the rest is history!"
Upon graduation, Madison began her career in acting and stunt work. Her first movie experience came when she was cast as Salma Hayek's stunt double in Wild, Wild West. She has been working ever since, making appearances in many feature films including Mission Impossible II, Spiderman and Ocean's 13.
While the students were in awe of her resume and demo reel, Madison also spoke to the crowd about facing fears, something she has to do every day.
"In life, we all need to be our own stunt co-ordinators," said Madison. "Fear can be irrational. We need support and preparation to face our daily fears. We need to leave our comfort zone and go to the edge in order to grow as people."
Madison's stunt work is also featured on television, including parts in CSI Miami, Without a Trace and 24. In the near future, she will be appearing in an upcoming episode of Desperate Housewives.
This was Madison's first-ever speaking engagement. She was pleased with the turnout and felt it was a "positive experience".