James Lew Cause of Death: American Martial Artist, Stuntman and Actor Has Died at 73
The martial arts and entertainment communities are mourning the reported death of James Lew, the accomplished American martial artist, stunt performer, stunt coordinator and actor whose career spanned more than five decades.
Lew, born James Jene Fae Lew on September 6, 1952, in Escalon, California, became one of the most respected figures working at the intersection of martial arts and Hollywood action filmmaking. Reports published August 24, 2026, say he has died, bringing an end to a remarkable career that saw him perform in front of the camera and help create action sequences behind it.
At the time of writing, major mainstream outlets have not yet published extensive independent reporting about his death, and details surrounding his exact date and cause of death have not been widely confirmed. His passing, however, has been reported by sources covering the martial arts and stunt communities.
Lew began his martial arts journey as a teenager, studying disciplines including Tang Soo Do and Choy Li Fut. Over the years, he developed expertise in several forms of martial arts, including Bak Mei Pai, Five Animals kung fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, boxing and submission grappling.
His skills eventually led him into the entertainment industry. Lew began working in Hollywood after answering a casting call connected to the television series Kung Fu. From there, he built an extensive career as an actor, stuntman, stunt coordinator and fight choreographer.
Among his notable screen credits was the cult classic Big Trouble in Little China, where he appeared as Chang Sing and also contributed his martial arts expertise. His career later included work on major productions such as Lethal Weapon 4, Rush Hour 3, Tropic Thunder, Get Smart, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, G.I. Joe: Retaliation and numerous television projects.
Lew’s importance to Hollywood action filmmaking extended well beyond his acting appearances. He worked extensively as a stunt performer, stunt coordinator and fight coordinator, helping design and execute demanding action sequences for film and television.
One of the defining achievements of his later career came in 2017, when he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for his work on Marvel’s Luke Cage. His professional biography identifies the Emmy as one of the highlights of his long career.
His accomplishments were also recognized within the martial arts community. In 2024, Lew was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in the stuntman category alongside fellow action professionals Simon Rhee and Jeff Imada, further cementing his standing as an influential figure in martial arts entertainment.
Beyond his professional achievements, tributes following the reported news of his death have emphasized Lew’s personality and relationships. He was remembered as someone who remained connected to the martial arts community and maintained friendships with generations of performers and artists.
His influence was particularly significant because he understood both sides of action filmmaking: the discipline required of a martial artist and the technical demands of creating convincing screen combat. Through acting, choreography, stunt work and mentorship, he helped bring martial arts action to audiences around the world.
For colleagues, students, friends and fans, his reported passing represents the loss of a familiar and respected presence in the martial arts and stunt communities. His work, however, remains preserved through the many films and television productions to which he contributed.
James Lew leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his individual screen appearances. He was an actor, martial artist, stuntman, fight coordinator, stunt coordinator and Emmy-winning creative professional whose career helped shape modern action entertainment.
As further details surrounding his death and funeral or memorial arrangements become available, additional information is expected to emerge. For now, fans and fellow professionals are remembering James Lew for the extraordinary body of work he leaves behind and the lasting influence he had on martial arts and Hollywood stunt filmmaking.
His name will remain connected to generations of action films, martial arts performances and the performers who helped make those productions possible. For a career that began with martial arts and grew into a lifetime in Hollywood, James Lew leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to be remembered.