April Weeden-White: Hollywood’s Fearless Stunt Trailblazer

Actress, stuntwoman, and mentor April Weeden-White joins The Able Show to share her journey of breaking barriers, inspiring others, and shaping the future of Hollywood action.

Early Life and Background

April Weeden-White was born on April 10 and raised in Washington, D.C., later relocating to Los Angeles where she pursued her passion for performance and athletics. Gifted in gymnastics, cheerleading, and track, she also danced with the Black Ballet Jazz Company. Growing up in a creative household, with her father Paul Weeden Sr. a professional jazz musician, April was immersed in artistry and performance from the start, shaping her drive to succeed in entertainment.

April Weeden-White’s Entry Into Stunts

April’s introduction to the stunt world was both unexpected and transformative. While working as a background performer on the film Presidio, she volunteered to ride a Ferris wheel for a scene. When a camera rig malfunctioned overhead, the high-stakes moment became her unofficial initiation into stunt work. Drawn to the thrill and discipline of the field, April began training seriously, with mentorship from her then-husband, fellow stunt professional William Washington. Under his guidance and through her own determination, she mastered precision driving, fight choreography, horseback riding, and a range of physical skills that would soon define her career.

Career Highlights and Roles

Over more than two decades, April Weeden-White has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile stunt performers and coordinators. She has doubled for some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa L. Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, and Gabrielle Union.

Her filmography includes blockbuster titles such as Seven Pounds, Meet Dave, Minority Report, Swordfish, Rat Race, Blade, Lethal Weapon 4, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, Anaconda, and Eraser. On television, her credits span from cult favorites like Buffy the Vampire Slayer to prestige dramas and comedies including True Blood, Bones, Justified, House of Lies, Community, and A Black Lady Sketch Show.

Beyond performing, April has stepped behind the camera as a stunt coordinator, lending her leadership and expertise to productions such as HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show and Netflix’s The Upshaws.

April Weeden-White’s Skills and Specialties

April is celebrated for her broad range of stunt capabilities. A skilled precision driver, she has executed countless high-risk vehicle sequences. Her expertise extends to complex fight choreography, stage combat, and horseback stunts, all of which showcase her adaptability and athleticism. Known for her professionalism, discipline, and quick learning, she remains a trusted and respected presence on set.

Mentorship, Advocacy, and Faith

While her personal career has been groundbreaking, April has always been committed to lifting others. She actively mentors aspiring stunt performers, particularly women of color, advocating for equity and representation within the industry. Through outreach efforts, she has supported inner-city youth with scholarships and opportunities to train in stunt-related disciplines, including horseback riding.

Grounded in faith, April often shares that putting God first has guided her journey. This blend of spirituality, artistry, and advocacy has shaped her not just as a performer, but also as a leader and role model.

April Weeden-White’s Personal Life

April was married to stunt professional William Washington for more than a decade, and together they raised a family. She is a proud mother, balancing her personal life with her dynamic career. Professionally, she has been credited under several variations of her name, including April Weeden, April Weeden-White, and April Weeden-Washington.

Recognition and Legacy

April Weeden-White has been honored with industry accolades such as the Trailblazer Award from the Black Arts Alliance, a recognition of her pioneering work in breaking barriers for women of color in stunt performance.

With an enduring career spanning film, television, and coordination roles, she continues to push boundaries while inspiring the next generation of stunt professionals. April’s legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and representation—a career built on skill, courage, and the determination to make space for others to follow.

About The Able Show
The Able Show is a groundbreaking show celebrating diversity, creativity, and innovation, where individuals with disabilities take the lead. Hosted by a dynamic team of individuals from diverse backgrounds, the show explores a range of topics, including fashion, entertainment, technology, and culture. With engaging discussions and thought-provoking interviews, The Able Show inspires listeners to embrace their unique abilities and pursue their passions fearlessly.