Stunt Performer Spotlight: Kara Smith

Tell about yourself, Kara!

I was born and raised in Nashville, TN.  I became a single mom at 17 years of age, but still went to college.  Once I graduated, I moved to LA to pursue an acting career. While in LA, I became a martial artist and earned my 2nd degree black belt.

With acting and martial arts as my passions, I merged the two and became a stunt professional.

What inspired you to become a stunt person?

Acting is my first love and martial arts was my second.  Combining the two, I found I loved "pretend" fighting more than I loved "real" fighting.

What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a story behind it?

My greatest skill is kickboxing/fighting, and my ability to "sell" the performance.

I have my second degree black belt, and love all things Martial Arts.  Martial Arts is the reason I fell into stunts.

What is the best part about being a stunt performer?

The best part about being a stunt performer, for me, is the community I get to be a part of and train with.  Also, being on set to help create someone's vision is the best job in the world.

What advice would you give other stunt people?

Network, Network, Network.

Anything else you would like to tell the community about?

I started stunts late in life.  It's never too late to start a new dream.