Richard PattersonWe’re just getting started introducing our past guests — and who better to spotlight than someone who inspires through both talent and faith? Today, we’re proud to feature stunt double and actress April Weeden.
Life and Injuries
April was born on April 10, 1972, in Washington, D.C. She grew up immersed in athletics and the performing arts, participating in gymnastics, cheerleading, horseback riding, and training with the Black Ballet Jazz Company. These early pursuits fueled her determination to become a stunt performer — a goal she achieved within just a few years.
Over the course of her career, April tackled demanding stunts and endured multiple injuries. One of the most dangerous occurred during the filming of Eraser, when a series of explosions misfired. Flying debris struck her, leaving her severely bruised with a concussion and an injury to her left hand that cost her full mobility.
Another major setback happened during a stunt that required her to leap over another performer. She landed on her head instead of her back, and after finishing the day’s shoot, she was rushed to the hospital. She spent two weeks recovering from a concussion, experiencing memory loss and having to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat. The injury nearly ended her career — but thanks to her resilience and her faith, she ultimately recovered.
Many Performances
April has been performing stunt work since 1995 and is recognized as one of the first Black women to establish a long-term career in the field. She has doubled for numerous celebrities, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, and Vanessa L. Williams. Her early work includes the 1996 film A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, and one of her most recent stunt credits was on 2014’s Marry Me. Since then, she has shifted toward stunt coordinating and is currently attached to the upcoming project Christmas Kennel.
April began her acting career in 2000 with a role in Dancing in September. One of her most memorable performances was as “The Subway Slayer” in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. More recently, she appeared in the 2021 short film Little Vagabond.
Closing
April is nearing completion of her memoir, which reflects on the many chapters of her life and career. Today, she serves alongside her husband as the First Lady of his church and mentors her daughter, who is following in her footsteps toward an acting career.
https://theableshow.com/april-weeden-high-faith-performer
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0917252