A Stuntman to Watch Out For: Hymnson Chan

Written By: Jenny Salazar | Photos By: Jason Rivera

From the rigorous training in stunt doubling for some of Hollywood's most prominent stars to coordinating behind-the-scenes stunts for various blockbuster films and advocating for diversifying Hollywood from within, Hymnson Chan has built himself a fascinating career.

Fighting for better AAPI representation and diversity motivated Chan to enter the entertainment industry and persevere year after year. Chan believes social media, TV, and film significantly influence people's perspectives. “When you're only fed one stereotype about a certain community, that becomes your only impression of them,” said Chan. “And that's not fair to anyone.” Given Hollywood's unparalleled global influence, promoting diversity in film and television allows audiences to gain authentic insights into cultures and communities they may otherwise be unaware of. He promotes empathy for individuals outside his social circles and amplifies the significance of narratives to empower marginalized communities by showing that their stories matter too.

Chan was born in Calgary, Canada in 1984 but grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. When he was a child, Chan had a talent for giving great performances. From singing solos in plays and being the class clown to participating in competitive sports, he always enjoyed connecting with an audience. Despite the pressure to pursue a career in engineering to meet Chinese cultural expectations, during college Chan realized that the 9-5 type of job in the office wasn't fulfilling for him. After graduating, he took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles.

Chan first got into acting professionally and earned his SAG card while working on the 2007 television series "Greek," where he played a fraternity pledge. As he spent more time on set, he had the opportunity to observe the stunt department at work. This experience led him to learn more about stunts from stunt coordinators and performers, which made him realize that he also wanted to pursue a career in stunts. "Stunts and acting have so much in common because stunt performers are actors,” said Chan. While stunt performers typically don't have speaking roles, Chan was fascinated by the crucial part they play in storytelling and decided to pursue stunt work. Having a martial arts background and various sports experience, he possessed the athleticism and willpower required for stunts, making it a natural transition.

When Chan was first getting his start in stunt performance work, one trailblazer with the same last name continuously came to mind for the actor. Jackie Chan was the first Asian hero he saw on screen, specializing in action while charming in comedy. He sees Jackie Chan as a pioneer of action-comedy, being among the first to popularize parkour, freerunning and improvised weaponry in action cinema. Jackie Chan’s lengthy career and numerous accomplishments have inspired Chan to creatively push the boundaries in his approach to stunts, choreography and filmmaking. 

"I grew up watching all his movies, so Jackie was the first Asian hero I ever saw on screen. He was so badass in his action yet so endearing in his comedy. I consider him one of the godfathers of action-comedy,” said Chan. “Plus, he's one of the first filmmakers to really bring parkour/freerunning and improvised weaponry to the forefront of action cinema at such a high level.”

When it comes to having a dream role, Chan imagines playing the lovable underdog who becomes the hero in an action-comedy series. This character would entertain and inspire the audience, breaking stereotypes and showing that anyone can be a hero regardless of race, nationality, or sexual identity. “My dream role would smash stereotypes and prejudices and show that — no matter your race, nationality, sexual identity, whatever — we can all be the heroes of our own stories. Open people's eyes to the fact that we all have more in common than not and should be supporting one another,” said Chan.

Chan is dedicated to diversifying Hollywood and promoting better AAPI representation. His passion for storytelling and advocating for authentic and diverse narratives has enriched his experiences in the industry. From acting to stunt performing, Chan has a commitment to breaking stereotypes and inspiring others through Asian representation in his films. His dream of portraying a lovable underdog hero in an action-comedy series reflects his desire to challenge conventional expectations and promote inclusivity. 

Despite facing challenges, Chan's resilience and determination continue to shape his impactful journey in the entertainment industry. Chan is currently starring in an action short film called "Rise of Chow," which has been accepted into several film festivals and is being considered for awards. He is also the writer and director of the film, which features a 99% Asian cast and crew. Additionally, he has been involved in stunt coordination, second-unit direction and performances in over a dozen upcoming movies and television shows that should be released by the end of 2024 or early to mid 2025.