David Leitch is a well-known American filmmaker, stunt performer, coordinator, and actor. He was born on November 16, 1975, in Kohler, Wisconsin. Leitch’s love for martial arts started early. With no local schools, he taught himself using books and magazines. Later, he studied at the Dan Inosanto Academy while at the University of Minnesota.
Leitch’s career in Hollywood began as a stuntman and stunt coordinator. He gained recognition for his work as a stunt double for actors like Brad Pitt and Jean-Claude Van Damme. His stunt work earned him many awards. They include two Screen Actors Guild Awards for “The Bourne Ultimatum.”
In 1997, Leitch and Chad Stahelski founded 87Eleven, an action design firm. This venture paved the way for Leitch’s transition into directing. Although uncredited, he co-directed “John Wick” (2014) with Stahelski. It marked the start of his directing career.
Leitch has since directed several high-profile action films. They are “Atomic Blonde” (2017), “Deadpool 2” (2018), “Hobbs & Shaw” (2019), “Bullet Train” (2022), and “The Fall Guy” (2024). His stunt and action choreography background has shaped his directing style. It has made him a top action director in Hollywood.
Leitch often collaborates with his wife, Kelly McCormick. She is a producer on many of his projects. They push the limits of action filmmaking. They blend Leitch’s stunt skills with new storytelling methods.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David M. Leitch |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1975 |
| Age | 48 (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Kohler, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Filmmaker, Stunt Performer, Stunt Coordinator, Actor |
| Years Active | 1995 – present |
| Notable Roles | Director of “Atomic Blonde,” “Deadpool 2,” “Hobbs & Shaw,” “Bullet Train,” “The Fall Guy” |
| Spouse | Kelly McCormick (m. 2014) |
| Education | University of Minnesota |
| Notable Awards | Two Screen Actors Guild Awards for “The Bourne Ultimatum” |
| Production Company | 87Eleven (co-founded with Chad Stahelski in 1997) |
| Known For | Transitioning from stuntman to successful action film director |
| Upcoming Projects | “Undying Love” (announced), “Hot Air” TV miniseries (announced) |
| Interesting Fact | Started as Brad Pitt’s stunt double and later directed him in “Bullet Train” |