Veteran stunt coordinator Gary Jensen, known for his collaborations on iconic films such as Bryan Singer's The Usual Suspects and first two X-Men films and multiple Kevin Smith productions, has passed away at the age of 74. Jensen died on April 11 in his California residence, according to Laura Jensen, his daughter-in-law, who confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. His passing followed a recent two-month hospitalisation for back surgery.
Throughout his extensive career, Jensen contributed his stunt expertise to a diverse range of films, including 1982's Tron, The Beastmaster, Independence Day, Hoosiers, Peacemaker, The Rookie, Due Date, and In the Line of Fire.
Beyond his stunt work, Jensen forged notable partnerships with directors Singer and Smith. He collaborated with Singer on Apt Pupil, in addition to The Usual Suspects and the early X-Men films. His work with Smith spanned several projects, including Dogma, Clerks II, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, and Red State. Furthermore, Jensen served as a coordinator on over a dozen Perry Mason telefilms for NBC between 1989 and 1994.
Born Gary Peter Jensen in San Francisco in 1950, he graduated from Chico High School back in 1969; at the school, his record in the 100-yard dash remains unbroken. He relocated to Tarzana back in 1972.
Jensen's career trajectory saw him take on the role of stunt coordinator for the 1978 film FM. This was followed by a three-year engagement performing stunts on the television series BJ and the Bear, where he also acted as a second-unit director.
His extensive resume as a stunt coordinator includes credits on films such as The Return of the Living Dead, Evil Dead II, Miracle Mile, The Grifters, Tremors, Barton Fink, Mr Woodcock, and McHale’s Navy, as well as the television series Franklin and Bash and United States of Tara.
A passionate equestrian, Jensen cherished riding horses in the Colorado backcountry and the Southern California deserts. He often expressed his intention to retire when he could no longer ride, a decision he ultimately made after his work on South Dakota.
Jensen's survivors include children: Ethan, a former stunt performer; Ben, a former stunt performer now a safety coordinator at Paramount; Molly; Jessi; and Chloe. A memorial gathering, titled a 'Final Production Meeting', is slated to take place on June 08 in Los Angeles; the specific venue will be revealed at a later date.
