Hollywood stuntman James Lew’s cause of death at 73 revealed… seven weeks after passing

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ, US ASSISTANT SHOWBIZ EDITOR and ASHLEIGH GRAY 16:09 12 Oct 2026, updated 16:12 12 Oct 2026

James Lew, the stuntman who appeared in Hollywood action and kung fu films, died at age 73 of congestive heart failure.

The actor who performed stunts in Rush Hour, Lethal Weapon 4, Big Trouble in Little China, Timecop, and Star Trek, among many others passed away on Sunday, August 23.

Lew’s death certificate showed that he died at an assisted living facility with the cause of death listed as ‘end-stage congestive heart failure’ according to TMZ on Monday.

The site originally reported that he had passed away following a battle with health issues.

The sad news was then confirmed by his wife, Jordanna Potter-Lew, who paid tribute to the star in an Instagram post on August 24.

‘Honey I imagine you walking the beach with Dudley, sparring with Bruce Lee and finally getting to hug your Dad again. James MF Lew you are loved and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace. 8/23/26,’ the grieving widow wrote.

I’m Andrew Court, LA Showbiz Editor and celebrity connoisseur.

I’ve spent the past decade chasing down celebrity scoops and scandals, and now I’m bringing the best of them straight to your inbox.

In 2017, he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series for Marvel’s Luke Cage.

One of Lew’s most memorable onscreen moments was his Rambo parody fight with Charlie Sheen, captured in Hot Shots! Part Deux.

Throughout his career, the stunt coordinator worked in over 140 films and shows, according to a tribute shared by Black Belt magazine.

He was described by the publication as ‘humble, gracious, funny, passionate and always happy to be surrounded by the martial arts community.’

It was also reported that the beloved stuntman spent his final days ‘surrounded by friends.’

One fan wrote in the comments on Instagram, ‘I just met him two weeks ago at Dragon Fest. Absolutely amazing, true legendary GOAT in martial arts. I’m so honored to have had an amazing conversation with him.’

Lew grew up in South Central Los Angeles, and began his career in the early 70s, working on the TV series Kung Fu, per IMDb.

In 1976 he starred in The Young Dragon as Shao Lung.

Big budget films followed, with the entertainer hired as the martial arts choreographer for 1986’s Big Trouble in Little China.

Lew received multiple accolades throughout his long career, including being voted Favorite Action Star by Inside Martial Arts magazine in 1995.

He was also voted into the Hall of Fame in the Martial Arts History Museum, and listed as one of the Martial Arts Greats in Kung Fu Magazine.

According to IMDb, his mantra formula for long-term success in the film industry was ‘diversity, hard work and having a whole lot of fun.’

‘Devastating news… may he rest in peace,’ wrote one fan on Potter-Lew’s Instagram post.

‘He was such a kind man and genuine person. He will be missed,’ said another.

Body builder Janine Avanti honored Lew by sharing a photo of them together on Instagram and writing: ‘You will be missed James. We are so grateful for your talents and love for the Arts and The Screen.

‘You were a great inspiration and warrior. Today we honor you and send prayers to your family for comfort and peace. May you rest in heavenly peace. It was an honor my friend. Godspeed.’

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