Stuntwoman Nancy Thurston of Agua Dulce has lived a “Charmed” life.
Thurston’s stuntwoman specialty is that of being a “high faller” – meaning she executes steep drops playing the role of lead actresses.
“She’s absolutely crazy,” said one of her fellow stuntwomen about Thurston, who just laughs at the apparent compliment.
Thurston was in the midst of helping to organize the 15th annual bowling tournament of the Stuntwomen’s Assn. of Motion Pictures on Saturday night at AMF Woodlake Lanes in Woodland Hills.
She had some time to talk about her profession because she wasn’t directly taking part in the festivities, other than playing the costume role of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley as part of the night’s “Totally ’80s” theme.
Thurston said she couldn’t bowl because she was part of the tournament’s organizing committee. “I love to bowl, but I’m not that great at it,” she said.
Thurston spends her time working in movies and television shows by performing such acts as dropping 95 feet onto an air bag, which she’s done a “couple of times.” She’s worked her way up, so to speak, by working as a professional high diver at such venues as Magic Mountain in Valencia.
Thurston has been a stuntwoman in numerous roles. One role that stands out because of its longevity is the television series “Charmed,” which was broadcast by The WB Television Network for eight seasons beginning in 1998.
The series follows three sisters, known as the “Charmed Ones,” the most powerful good witches of all time. These witches’ destinies are to protect innocent lives from evil.
Piper, played by Holly Marie Combs, was one of the sisters. And Combs' double was Thurston.
Thurston worked eight years on the show. “It was a dream come true,” Thurston said.
Thurston has well over 100 credits, including movie roles in “Titanic,” “The Avengers,” “Oz the Great and Powerful,” “Get Smart,” “X-Files,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Sgt. Bilko.” And she’s performed in such television shows as “CSI: Miami” “Castle” and “Heroes.”
“It’s a roller-coaster,” Thurston said. “Once you’re done with a job, you’re looking for another one. But I’ve made a living in it for 21 years.”
