Conrad Palmisano, a veteran Hollywood stuntman, stunt coordinator and director, died on Jan. 10. He was 75.
Palmisano’s stunt credits include over 200 projects across several decades. He worked on a wide range of films from “The Jerk” to “21 Jump Street.” He served as stunt coordinator on “Red Dragon” (2002), “No Strings Attached” (2011), “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Romeo Must Die” (2000), “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) and “Weekend at Bernie’s” (1989), among many other projects. Some of his television credits include “Jag,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Chaos,” “Bosch” and “NCIS.”
In a 2021 interview with Variety celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Stuntmen’s Association — for which he served as president multiple times — Palmisano reflected on his career alongside colleagues Bob Herron, Alex Daniels and Terry Leonard.
He shared of his on set experiences, “We live our lives between two words: ‘action’ and ‘cut.’ When you start, they don’t give you the death-defying stunts. You might get knocked down or a flying stunt,...
Palmisano’s stunt credits include over 200 projects across several decades. He worked on a wide range of films from “The Jerk” to “21 Jump Street.” He served as stunt coordinator on “Red Dragon” (2002), “No Strings Attached” (2011), “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Romeo Must Die” (2000), “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) and “Weekend at Bernie’s” (1989), among many other projects. Some of his television credits include “Jag,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Chaos,” “Bosch” and “NCIS.”
In a 2021 interview with Variety celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Stuntmen’s Association — for which he served as president multiple times — Palmisano reflected on his career alongside colleagues Bob Herron, Alex Daniels and Terry Leonard.
He shared of his on set experiences, “We live our lives between two words: ‘action’ and ‘cut.’ When you start, they don’t give you the death-defying stunts. You might get knocked down or a flying stunt,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Irene Cara, the Oscar-winning singer and actor who rocketed to pop stardom singing the title tracks to “Fame” and “Flashdance,” had died at age 63. Her publicist, Judith A. Moose, announced the news on social media, writing that a cause of death is “currently unknown.”
“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief,” Moose wrote. “She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Cara first came to prominence playing Coco Hernandez, a student at the High School of Performing Arts, which is now known as Fiorello H. Laguardia High School, with ambitions of becoming a star. Not only did Cara act in the film, she also recorded the film’s title song “Fame.” That track would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, as would “Out Here on My Own,” another number from “Fame” that was sung by Cara.
“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief,” Moose wrote. “She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”
Cara first came to prominence playing Coco Hernandez, a student at the High School of Performing Arts, which is now known as Fiorello H. Laguardia High School, with ambitions of becoming a star. Not only did Cara act in the film, she also recorded the film’s title song “Fame.” That track would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for best original song, as would “Out Here on My Own,” another number from “Fame” that was sung by Cara.
- 11/26/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The cast and crew of Deadpool 2, and indeed the wider film industry at large, were left in a state of shock last week following the sudden death of stuntwoman Joi “Sj” Harris in Vancouver, Canada, who was killed when an on-set motorcycle stunt went horribly, horribly wrong.
Ryan Reynolds, a Vancouver native and the title star of David Leitch’s 2018 sequel, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement, stating that Joi’s passing had left him “heartbroken, shocked and devastated.” It’s believed that Joi Harris, an experienced road racer, was doubling for Domino (Zazie Beetz) at the time of the accident, and came off her motorcycle after multiple takes of the same scene. Investigations are still underway, but The Hollywood Reporter has now brought to light some pretty disturbing and concerning details on what went down, and as it turns out, this all could have been avoided.
According to the outlet,...
Ryan Reynolds, a Vancouver native and the title star of David Leitch’s 2018 sequel, expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement, stating that Joi’s passing had left him “heartbroken, shocked and devastated.” It’s believed that Joi Harris, an experienced road racer, was doubling for Domino (Zazie Beetz) at the time of the accident, and came off her motorcycle after multiple takes of the same scene. Investigations are still underway, but The Hollywood Reporter has now brought to light some pretty disturbing and concerning details on what went down, and as it turns out, this all could have been avoided.
According to the outlet,...
- 8/23/2017
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
2017-08-17T13:45:12-07:00Was 'Deadpool 2' Accident Preventable?
The tragic death of a stuntwoman on the set of “Deadpool 2” could’ve been prevented, veteran stunt performers said Thursday.
They told The Hollywood Reporter that Joi “Sj” Harris, who was killed Monday while filming a stunt in Vancouver, wasn’t experienced enough to be driving the Ducati motorcycle she lost control of in the first place.
“She was a highly qualified motorcyclist racer but not an experienced stuntperson,” said Conrad Palmisano, a veteran stunt coordinator and second unit director who’s worked on “21 Jump Street” and other movies.
Read the rest of this article at Page Six.
Deadpool 2 stars Ryan Reynolds and Zazie Beetz.
The tragic death of a stuntwoman on the set of “Deadpool 2” could’ve been prevented, veteran stunt performers said Thursday.
They told The Hollywood Reporter that Joi “Sj” Harris, who was killed Monday while filming a stunt in Vancouver, wasn’t experienced enough to be driving the Ducati motorcycle she lost control of in the first place.
“She was a highly qualified motorcyclist racer but not an experienced stuntperson,” said Conrad Palmisano, a veteran stunt coordinator and second unit director who’s worked on “21 Jump Street” and other movies.
Read the rest of this article at Page Six.
Deadpool 2 stars Ryan Reynolds and Zazie Beetz.
- 8/17/2017
- by EG
- Yidio
“On Monday, we tragically lost one of our own: Joi ‘Sj’ Harris,” writes Zazie Beetz, who took to Instagram late last night to pay tribute to her late Deadpool 2 stuntwoman.
In what should have been a routine week for Fox and David Leitch’s action sequel, Harris was killed when a motorcycle stunt went awry. Led by Ryan Reynolds, tributes poured out from the four corners of the film industry, and those closest to Joi “Sj” Harris have been left mourning the death of the 40-year-old professional rider.
As additional details began to emerge, some of Hollywood’s leading stunt coordinators called Deadpool 2‘s set-up into question on the belief that Harris, a seasoned New York biker and film rookie, shouldn’t have been left in control of a 900cc motorcycle in the first place. 20th Century Fox is yet to go divulge the finer details of Monday’s fatal accident,...
In what should have been a routine week for Fox and David Leitch’s action sequel, Harris was killed when a motorcycle stunt went awry. Led by Ryan Reynolds, tributes poured out from the four corners of the film industry, and those closest to Joi “Sj” Harris have been left mourning the death of the 40-year-old professional rider.
As additional details began to emerge, some of Hollywood’s leading stunt coordinators called Deadpool 2‘s set-up into question on the belief that Harris, a seasoned New York biker and film rookie, shouldn’t have been left in control of a 900cc motorcycle in the first place. 20th Century Fox is yet to go divulge the finer details of Monday’s fatal accident,...
- 8/17/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Filming on Deadpool 2 is back underway just two days after the fatal accident involving motorcyclist racer, Joi “Sj” Harris.
ComicBook.com captured a brief video of Ryan Reynolds and various members of the crew staging what looks to be a minute’s silence to honor Harris, who was tragically killed on Monday afternoon when a motorcycle stunt went awry on location in Vancouver. The 40-year-old professional rider, who hailed from New York City, was no stranger to the intense world of motorcycle riding, and became one of the country’s first and indeed most successful black, female bikers, as evidenced by her popular social media feeds.
But new allegations presented to The Hollywood Reporter insist that the accident itself “absolutely could have been prevented,” as Hollywood’s stunt community begins to raise some very pertinent questions regarding the death of Joi “Sj” Harris, and why she was put in...
ComicBook.com captured a brief video of Ryan Reynolds and various members of the crew staging what looks to be a minute’s silence to honor Harris, who was tragically killed on Monday afternoon when a motorcycle stunt went awry on location in Vancouver. The 40-year-old professional rider, who hailed from New York City, was no stranger to the intense world of motorcycle riding, and became one of the country’s first and indeed most successful black, female bikers, as evidenced by her popular social media feeds.
But new allegations presented to The Hollywood Reporter insist that the accident itself “absolutely could have been prevented,” as Hollywood’s stunt community begins to raise some very pertinent questions regarding the death of Joi “Sj” Harris, and why she was put in...
- 8/16/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
More than 100 stunt performers rallied today outside the film Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ offices in Beverly Hills to protest the lack of Oscar consideration for stunt coordinators. “It’s an insult to our profession,” said veteran stuntman and Academy member Conrad Palmisano. “We take the written page and breathe life into it. People love action; that’s why people go to the movies. No disrespect, but who goes to the movies to see the hairstyles?” Stunt…...
- 2/25/2016
- Deadline
Exclusive: Veteran stuntman Conrad Palmisano has been named to replace Stephen Collins on the SAG-aftra national board of directors. Collins resigned from the board in October after an audio tape surfaced that purports to be his voice confessing to having had sexual contact with children.
The union’s board replacement committee recommended Palmisano for the post, and the national board voted unanimously for him to finish out the rest of Collins’ term, which expires in 2017.
Palmisano is a familiar face at the guild’s offices, having served on the SAG board, on and off, since the 1970s. He co-chaired the SAG stunt and safety committee for many years. A former president of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures, he has more than 200 film and credits as a stuntman and stunt coordinator dating to the early 1970s. He also has dozens of credits as a second-unit director.
Meanwhile, Jeff Austin...
The union’s board replacement committee recommended Palmisano for the post, and the national board voted unanimously for him to finish out the rest of Collins’ term, which expires in 2017.
Palmisano is a familiar face at the guild’s offices, having served on the SAG board, on and off, since the 1970s. He co-chaired the SAG stunt and safety committee for many years. A former president of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures, he has more than 200 film and credits as a stuntman and stunt coordinator dating to the early 1970s. He also has dozens of credits as a second-unit director.
Meanwhile, Jeff Austin...
- 12/23/2014
- by David Robb
- Deadline
Chennai, Jan 29: Hollywood stuntman Conrad Palmisano, known for coordinating stunts for film series like "Rush Hour" and "Lethal Weapon", has been roped in to choreograph stunts for upcoming, yet-to-be-titled Telugu film of actor Mahesh Babu.
"Since the film has high-octane action sequences, Hollywood stuntman Conrad has been roped in to choreograph stunts. Mahesh is doing a stunt sequence today (Tuesday) under the supervision of Conrad," a source from the film's unit told Ians.
Conrad's last Bollywood project was Salman Khan's blockbuster "Ek Tha Tiger".
Sukumar Bandreddi is directing the Telugu film, which also.
"Since the film has high-octane action sequences, Hollywood stuntman Conrad has been roped in to choreograph stunts. Mahesh is doing a stunt sequence today (Tuesday) under the supervision of Conrad," a source from the film's unit told Ians.
Conrad's last Bollywood project was Salman Khan's blockbuster "Ek Tha Tiger".
Sukumar Bandreddi is directing the Telugu film, which also.
- 1/29/2013
- by Amith Ostwal
- RealBollywood.com
Once again on Eid this year, is the latest of Salman Khan, and if reviews are anything to go by, it is going to be yet another super hit from the superstar! There are number of reasons why we can predict success or failure of a movie by looking at its formula, the media speculation and word from the film industry. Here is why we think Ek Tha Tiger will be a Super Hit!
The cutest and hottest couple of Bollywood is back again in this movie after4 years. This is their first movie together after their speculated breakup in 2009. Audiences are keen to see the chemistry of their favorite couple on screen again.Salman Khan’s past lineup of hits came around Eid’s holiday period, so this is also a big reason behind the film’s predictable success. ‘Wanted’, ‘Dabang’ and ‘Bodyguard’ were all bull’s eye in previous years.
The cutest and hottest couple of Bollywood is back again in this movie after4 years. This is their first movie together after their speculated breakup in 2009. Audiences are keen to see the chemistry of their favorite couple on screen again.Salman Khan’s past lineup of hits came around Eid’s holiday period, so this is also a big reason behind the film’s predictable success. ‘Wanted’, ‘Dabang’ and ‘Bodyguard’ were all bull’s eye in previous years.
- 8/13/2012
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
Salman Khan who has been entertaining the Indian audiences with his action packed punches and thrilling stunts is all set to deliver some Hollywood ishtyle punches in Ek Tha Tiger. The stunts of the film have been designed and co-ordinated by ace Hollywood stunt directors who have iconic action flicks such as Rambo- First Blood (1982), the Lethal Weapon series and Rush Hour series to their acclaim.
Director Kabir says, "I was sure that we needed action sequences that looked real, and yet retained the element of larger-than-life heroism. That is why we approached Conrad Palmisano."
The great stuntman is considered to have launched Jackie Chan and Jet Li in Hollywood.
Kabir adds, "As a stunt co-ordinator, we roped in Markos Rounthwaite, because of his work in Bourne Ultimatum (2007). The action in the Bourne series looks so real and gives you a sense of exhilaration."
Salman will be seen in...
Director Kabir says, "I was sure that we needed action sequences that looked real, and yet retained the element of larger-than-life heroism. That is why we approached Conrad Palmisano."
The great stuntman is considered to have launched Jackie Chan and Jet Li in Hollywood.
Kabir adds, "As a stunt co-ordinator, we roped in Markos Rounthwaite, because of his work in Bourne Ultimatum (2007). The action in the Bourne series looks so real and gives you a sense of exhilaration."
Salman will be seen in...
- 7/18/2012
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
After couple of sizzling item numbers, Katrina Kaif will be seen doing some daredevil stunts for her upcoming film, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ directed by Kabir Khan under the supervision of Hollywood action director Conrad Palmisano. The stunt director is making Katrina do some daredevil stunts and she is doing very bravely. Salman Khan makes sure that she was not hurt. "These are stunts that any macho hero would think twice before daring. Katrina is really pushing the envelope as far as the female machismo is concerned. She is doing free-falls with Salman by her side. We hear Kareena in `Agent Vinod` and Kangna Ranaut in `Krrish 2`...
- 2/1/2012
- Bollywoodmantra.com
Katrina Kaif is shooting in Havana for Kabir Khan.s .Ek Tha Tiger. and Hollywood action director Conrad Palmisano is making the actress do daring stunts like free-falls.Katrina, under the protective eye of co-star and friend Salman Khan, is doing what one member of Cuban unit describes as .the real thing...These are stunts that any macho hero would think twice before daring. Katrina is really pushing the envelope as far as the female machismo is concerned. She is doing free-falls with Salman by her side. We hear Kareena in .Agent Vinod. and Kangna Ranaut in .Krrish 2′ would also be attempting the hi-jinks.,. said the unit member.When asked about her daredevil act, Katrina said: .Yeah, it.s scary but great fun. I.ve only done very feminine delicate roles so far. This is a new challenge for me. I guess that.s what I.m looking for at this stage of my career.
- 2/1/2012
- Filmicafe
Katrina Kaif has revealed that she is undergoing training with Transformers action director Conrad Palmisano. Mumbai Mirror reports that the actress is currently shooting stunt sequences on Salman Khan vehicle Ek Tha Tiger in Cuba. "It's scary. But it is also great fun. I've only done very delicate feminine roles till now. This is a new challenge for me. I guess that's what I'm looking for at this stage of my career," said (more)...
- 1/31/2012
- by By Steven Baker
- Digital Spy
In a Screen Actors Guild election that was widely considered a referendum on merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, proponents of that idea emerged with a clear mandate.When the results of SAG's 2010 national board of directors election were announced Sept. 23, MembershipFirst, the SAG faction that emerged from the group of actors who helped scuttle merger in 2003, lost the fight for all 13 Hollywood-based national seats up for grabs to its rival faction, the pro-merger Unite for Strength. MembershipFirst partisans had held all 13 of those seats. The loss hands the coalition of Hollywood, New York, and regional moderates who had held a slim majority of the national seats—and who have been vocal in support of merger—a commanding boardroom advantage.Even more striking is MembershipFirst's loss of its majority on the Hollywood board. Unite for Strength won an overwhelming 33 of 35 open seats. Ufs, formed in...
- 9/29/2010
- backstage.com
SAG yesterday released the official list of candidates for its upcoming national board elections. Notably, all of the open seats in La (the Hollywood Division) are held by MembershipFirst members, which means that, as was the case last year, Mf can at best maintain its level of representation on the national board. More likely, it will lose some of its board seats.
On the Hollywood divisional board, Mf could gain or lose, as all division seats are up every year. This contrasts with the national board, where approximately 1/3 of the 69 seats are up in any given year. The president and secretary-treasurer, who are ex officio members of the board, have two-year terms, and are not up for election this year.
Ballots in Hollywood and New York will be mailed on August 24 with a return deadline and tabulation on September 23. Election results are expected to be announced that evening.
The Hollywood...
On the Hollywood divisional board, Mf could gain or lose, as all division seats are up every year. This contrasts with the national board, where approximately 1/3 of the 69 seats are up in any given year. The president and secretary-treasurer, who are ex officio members of the board, have two-year terms, and are not up for election this year.
Ballots in Hollywood and New York will be mailed on August 24 with a return deadline and tabulation on September 23. Election results are expected to be announced that evening.
The Hollywood...
- 8/5/2010
- by jhandel@att.net (Jonathan Handel)
Jeff Garlin, Ron Perlman, Clark Gregg and Gabrielle Carteris are among the candidates from the Unite for Strength party vying for seats on the Screen Actors Guild's national and Hollywood Division boards.
Ufs announced Wednesday its full slate of 35 candidates, which includes 15 Hollywood board incumbents and a number of first-timers. Ballots go out to Hollywood Division members August 24 and must be returned by Sept. 23, when results will be tallied.
A first round of preliminary discussions with employers for a new TV-theatrical contract begins four days later. That deal expires June 30.
The Ufs party, which is part of a majority coalition that now runs the guild, was founded in 2008 in the midst of inter-union strife and took the hotly contested presidency last fall with its candidate Ken Howard.
"I'm inspired by our candidates," said Howard. "These are smart, dedicated SAG members who are passionate about protecting actors. They represent the diversity...
Ufs announced Wednesday its full slate of 35 candidates, which includes 15 Hollywood board incumbents and a number of first-timers. Ballots go out to Hollywood Division members August 24 and must be returned by Sept. 23, when results will be tallied.
A first round of preliminary discussions with employers for a new TV-theatrical contract begins four days later. That deal expires June 30.
The Ufs party, which is part of a majority coalition that now runs the guild, was founded in 2008 in the midst of inter-union strife and took the hotly contested presidency last fall with its candidate Ken Howard.
"I'm inspired by our candidates," said Howard. "These are smart, dedicated SAG members who are passionate about protecting actors. They represent the diversity...
- 8/4/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SAG's filing deadline for fall elections came and went Thursday, and it remains unclear who will face each other for the presidency. Only Unite for Strength, formed last year in opposition to the MembershipFirst faction led by SAG president Alan Rosenberg, has gone public with its complete slate.
Ken Howard will lead the charge as Unite for Strength's candidate for president, and Amy Aquino will run for secretary-treasurer. Unite for Strength also will field 33 candidates from the guild's Hollywood Division for seats on the national board of directors.
Months ago, Rosenberg stated provisionally that he will seek a third term, but first national vp Anne-Marie Johnson or another candidate could heed the call to represent MembershipFirst in the elections.
On the eve of MembershipFirst announcing its slate Sunday during a scheduled fundraiser, the Unite for Strength candidates took direct aim at and issue with their political opponents of the past year.
Ken Howard will lead the charge as Unite for Strength's candidate for president, and Amy Aquino will run for secretary-treasurer. Unite for Strength also will field 33 candidates from the guild's Hollywood Division for seats on the national board of directors.
Months ago, Rosenberg stated provisionally that he will seek a third term, but first national vp Anne-Marie Johnson or another candidate could heed the call to represent MembershipFirst in the elections.
On the eve of MembershipFirst announcing its slate Sunday during a scheduled fundraiser, the Unite for Strength candidates took direct aim at and issue with their political opponents of the past year.
- 7/23/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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