PUBLISHED 25 AUG 2026

Inside Ninjutsu pays tribute to James Lew, the pioneering martial artist, actor and stuntman who has died aged 73.

The martial arts and film communities are mourning the loss of James Lew, one of the most respected figures to emerge from the golden age of martial arts cinema.

Lew died in Los Angeles on August 23, 2026, aged 73.

Born James Jene Fae Lew on September 6, 1952, Lew built an extraordinary career spanning martial arts, acting, stunt work and choreography. He amassed an enormous body of work, appearing on screen in films and television while also working behind the scenes as a stunt performer, double and coordinator.

His career was built on a formidable martial arts foundation. Lew studied a wide range of disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Bak Mei Pai, Five Animals kung fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, boxing and submission grappling.

That versatility made him an ideal performer for an industry increasingly demanding authentic martial arts ability from its action stars and stunt performers.

A familiar face to martial arts fans

For fans of 1980s and 1990s martial arts cinema, Lew became a familiar and highly respected presence.

One of his most memorable roles for fans of the ninja genre came in American Ninja V, the fifth and final instalment of the Cannon franchise. Released in 1993, the film starred David Bradley, with Lew taking on the role of the villainous Viper.

The film culminates in a spectacular showdown between Bradley's character and Lew's Viper—a fitting showcase for a performer whose martial arts ability was every bit as important as his acting.

But Lew's influence extended far beyond his appearances on screen.

His credits included work across some of Hollywood's biggest productions, and he was also selected by director John Carpenter to serve as martial arts choreographer on Big Trouble in Little China.

Emmy recognition

Lew's achievements eventually earned the highest recognition from the television industry.

In 2017, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for his work as stunt coordinator on Marvel's Luke Cage. The Television Academy confirms Lew as the winner in the category for the Netflix series.

The award recognised not only his physical skills but his ability to create and coordinate the complex action sequences that brought martial arts and superhero combat to the screen.

It was a remarkable achievement for a performer whose career had begun decades earlier.

A pioneer behind the scenes

Lew's career also placed him alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the martial arts world.

His credits brought him into contact with stars including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris and Brandon Lee, among many others.

Yet for many colleagues, it was not simply his skills that made Lew special.

His friend and fellow actor and stunt coordinator Simon Rhee paid tribute to him following news of his death.

“Thank you, James Lew, for being a best friend for over 50 years,” Rhee wrote. “You are dearly loved by your Stunt community and will be missed and remembered.”

That sentiment was echoed by martial arts film star Cynthia Rothrock, who described Lew as an “exceptional martial artist” and “award winning stuntman” as well as a trailblazer and one of the kindest and most caring souls.

Rothrock also recalled that Lew had been one of her heroes while she was growing up and expressed her heartbreak at his passing.

A legacy beyond the screen

James Lew's career is a reminder of the important contribution martial artists have made to cinema.

Long before modern action films routinely employed specialist stunt teams and martial arts coordinators, performers like Lew helped demonstrate what was possible when genuine martial arts skill was combined with the demands of filmmaking.

He was equally at home performing in front of the camera or working behind it—creating, coordinating and refining the action that audiences would eventually see on screen.

For American Ninja fans, he will always be remembered as Viper.

For martial artists, he was a practitioner who dedicated his life to studying multiple disciplines.

For the stunt community, he was a colleague, mentor and friend.

And for the wider film industry, he leaves behind an impressive body of work and an Emmy-winning legacy.

James Lew may have left the screen, but his contribution to martial arts cinema will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, James Lew.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and the countless martial artists and film fans who were inspired by his work.