Jeannie Epper, a remarkable performer known for her stunts in iconic films and TV shows like “Wonder Woman,” has passed away at the age of 83. She died of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, California.
Epper came from a family of stunt performers, including her parents and siblings, who were all involved in the industry. Her career began at the young age of 9, and she quickly became known as one of the greatest stuntwomen in history.
Despite facing challenges as a woman in the industry, Epper saw a surge in opportunities for stuntwomen in the late 1970s, especially as more action-oriented roles became available for women in film and television.
Her most famous role was doubling for Lynda Carter on the TV series “Wonder Woman,” where she performed daring stunts like crashing through windows and deflecting bullets. She also doubled for Lindsay Wagner on “Bionic Woman” and Kate Jackson on “Charlie’s Angels.”
Throughout the 1980s, Epper continued to impress with her stunt work, including a memorable mudslide scene in “Romancing the Stone” and stunt driving for Shirley MacLaine in “Terms of Endearment.”
Epper’s talent was not limited to action-packed films and TV shows. She also worked on highbrow projects like Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Poltergeist.”
In recognition of her groundbreaking career, Epper received the first-ever lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2007.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of stunt performance.
