Episode 169 – Lights, Camera, Action! Chatting With Celebrated Stuntman & Actor Peter Kent – Part 1
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
In Part One of my captivating conversation with legendary stuntman and actor Peter Kent, you’ll hear how a small-town kid from Vancouver somehow found himself in the middle of Hollywood history. Best known as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s longtime stunt double and stand-in, Peter looks back on a career so unbelievable, even he admits he never would have believed it himself. One minute he was chasing a dream in Los Angeles, and the next, he was on the set of “The Terminator”, launching an extraordinary adventure.
Peter shares the wild journey that brought him there—from working as a salmon fisherman, sawmill laborer, and nightclub bouncer to surviving a devastating car accident that nearly took his life. After being rebuilt—quite literally—he found himself looking a little more like Arnold than ever before. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and a few astonishing twists of fate that seem almost too cinematic to be true.
You’ll also hear the unforgettable story of how Peter met Arnold for the very first time on the dark, late-night set of “The Terminator”. What began with Arnold joking that Peter was “too tall” quickly turned into one of Hollywood’s most enduring friendships. Their bond grew into far more than a professional partnership—Arnold would eventually call Peter his “idiot brother,” a nickname that perfectly captures their hilarious and heartfelt connection.
From grueling overnight shoots with visionary director James Cameron to practical jokes, on-set adventures, and behind-the-scenes stories that are simply priceless, this episode is packed with unforgettable moments. It’s a fascinating, funny, and inspiring look at the making of movie magic—and the remarkable friendship at the heart of it all.
PETER KENT
Peter Kent is a Canadian actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and director whose life and career have been defined by adventure, resilience, and reinvention. Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, he grew up along the rugged Seymour River, where a fearless childhood filled with rapids, towering trees, and daredevil exploits laid the foundation for his extraordinary path.
After surviving several serious car accidents in the early 1980s—one of which left him bearing a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger—Peter’s life took a dramatic turn. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career, and within six months landed the opportunity of a lifetime: becoming Schwarzenegger’s stunt double on “THE TERMINATOR.” That role launched a remarkable 13-year partnership.
Peter went on to double Schwarzenegger in 14 films, including “TRUE LIES”, “TOTAL RECALL,” “PREDATOR” and “T2: JUDGEMENT DAY.” Their professional relationship grew into a close friendship, with Peter also serving as Schwarzenegger’s workout partner, ski companion, chef, confidant, and dialogue coach. His deep understanding of action filmmaking later inspired a successful writing career, including multiple screenplays and his acclaimed memoir, “STAND OR FALL: Autobiography of a Stuntman.
After returning to Vancouver, Peter expanded his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director. He created the award-winning television series “STUNTDAWGS”, founded ARK (Actors Reading for Kids), and established Peter Kent’s School of Hard Knocks to mentor aspiring stunt performers. Inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2009, Peter continues to inspire others while sharing life with his wife, Marcia, and their twin sons, Ryder and Hunter.
Peter Kent Website – https://www.peterhkent.com
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