Biography
Taking the stunt world by storm, April Weeden has built a resume of unparalleled accomplishments. As one of Hollywood's leading stunt women, she has doubled for numerous high-profile celebrities including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa L. Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, Gabrielle Union, to name a few. Whether it's jumping through a plate-glass window into a swimming pool, or driving through a mustard field at high speeds with a helicopter hovering overhead, there is no question that this young lady's job falls into the category of unusual occupations. A native of Washington, D.C., April has a long list of film and television credits. Her films include "Seven Pounds," "Meet Dave," "Minority Report," "Swordfish," "Rat Race," "Blade," "Lethal Weapon 4," "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer," "Anaconda," and "Eraser." Her TV work includes "Community," "True Blood," "Strong Medicine," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "JAG," "Nash Bridges," "Melrose Place," and "Beverly Hills 90210." Most recently, she completed stunts in the films, "Johnson Family Vacation" and "Crash," and in the NBC TV series, "Las Vegas."
April gave birth to a beautiful daughter named Kiera in 2002. Determined to get back in shape and back to work, April developed a strict diet and structured her workout schedule to reach her goals quickly. Every morning she attended Tae Bo classes, followed by walking, swimming or riding her horse, Freckles. She was completing stunts in four national network commercials, behind-the-scenes footage for the DVD to "The Scorpion King," and appeared in four feature films: "Looney Tunes," "Bruce Almighty," "Biker Boyz," and a western, "Gang of Roses." And on top of all of that, this new mother also competed and won first place in the Pacific Coast Barrel Association's 4D Division competition in barrel racing and she won a buckle!
April has been a source of inspiration for new mothers whose weight issues have caused them emotional distress. As a veteran stunt professional, April has mentored many women who want to enter this thrilling occupation. In fact, she is the subject of a new documentary, "Hollywood At Its Best," which profiles a handful of successful stunt women in the entertainment industry. April is the President of The Joy Foundation (Mentoring Program) and in 2011, April received a Mentorship Award from the Diamond in the Raw Foundation. In March 2004, she was honored by the Black Arts Alliance with their inaugural Trailblazer Award for her outstanding work in the stunt industry. In January 2006, April was honored to receive the Crystal Award for her accomplishments as a professional stunt person and giving back to the community, by BLM Entertainment.
April was married to award-winning stunt coordinator/second unit director William Washington. This talented divorced couple in their own right often collaborate on projects together.
April is an accomplished singer, dancer and actress. She plans to release her CD and is writing many books.
