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Dave Lea began training in martial arts during his early teens. He traveled worldwide to learn from some of the greatest martial arts masters, including Dan Inosanto, a protégé of Bruce Lee, and Joseph Cheng, renowned for Wing Chun. He also studied under Grand Master Leong Swee Lun of Shaolin 5 Animals in Malaysia.
Eager to absorb all knowledge, Dave ventured into TV, landing a recurring role on the UK's top show EastEnders—all before taking an acting class. He later auditioned for the 1989 Batman film, where he stunt and fight doubled Michael Keaton.
His first film in Los Angeles was Tango & Cash, starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell. Hired to train, choreograph, and fight alongside Stallone, Dave earned the Best Fight Sequence award. This breakthrough placed him firmly on the map. Since then, he has worked with numerous A-list actors, preparing them for action roles and choreographing their fight scenes.
Advancing his career, Dave became a stunt coordinator and fight choreographer, consistently readying actors for complex action sequences that captivate modern audiences. Whether in front of or behind the camera, his passion shines through.
Michael Keaton personally called on Dave to train, choreograph, stunt, and fight double him again in Batman Returns, which drew further attention from Warner Bros. and major studios. Dave has prepared actors for action roles under tight deadlines, working with stars like Sylvester Stallone, Ashley Judd, Ben Affleck, Colin Farrell, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Will Smith, Sandra Bullock, Michelle Pfeiffer, Famke Janssen, Dennis Quaid, David Boreanaz, and many others. He continues to evolve his choreography to thrill today's action film audiences.
Dave’s expertise spans numerous fighting styles, including close-range tactical combat, flashy moves, penitentiary brawls, street fighting, gang fights, period combat, and whatever the script demands. Having studied dance for many years, he incorporates its principles into his routines. Dave explains, “Action is like dancing! Turn on the music and dance. The best action moves arise naturally from the choreography—you don’t seek them out; you feel them.”
He is known for efficiently preparing actors for action roles within demanding schedules. For instance, while working with Sylvester Stallone on Demolition Man, producer Joel Silver introduced Dave to Sandra Bullock, challenging him to get her ready in just seven days—and he succeeded.
Dave remains motivated, continually seeking new and innovative ways to elevate action sequences. Recognizing that no two actors are alike, he crafts unique action styles tailored to each film, whether a low-budget indie or a major studio production. He states, “When your passion is in the action, the fights and stunts will be genuine and believable. I’ve learned from some of the best teachers, and the least I can do is honor their teachings.”
He credits his mother for greatly influencing his physical abilities and flexibility. “She could do the splits and kick above her head just because she could—she was incredible. She remains my greatest inspiration.” Dave continues to train himself, viewing it as a lifestyle and a rewarding challenge to maintain his kicking, stretching, and overall physical fitness.
In developing movie fight scenes, he researches and creates rare and unusual fighting styles. To enhance his choreography, he also took up Latin dancing. Dave designs unique and explosive moves that even the most uncoordinated actors can perform, lending authenticity to their performances and action sequences. “I do the impossible! God helps with the miracles. Camera ready, real-to-reel! And action!”
