David Ellis American film director, stuntman and actor Date of Birth: 08.09.1952 Country: USA

Biography of David Ellis

David Richard Ellis, an American film director, stuntman, and actor, was born on September 8, 1952, in Santa Monica, California. He began his career in the film industry after a successful youth surfing career. In 1975, David made his debut on the big screen as a student in the family comedy "The Strongest Man in the World" alongside Kurt Russell.

By 1978, Ellis had become a stunt coordinator for the horror film "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers." After several years in this position, he advanced further and became a second unit director in 1986. He first sat in the director's chair for the Disney family film "Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco."

As a director, Ellis gained the most recognition for directing the second and fourth installments of the "Final Destination" film series and the action-thriller "Snakes on a Plane" in 2006, which became an internet phenomenon.

As a stuntman, Ellis is primarily known for his work in the film "Scarface." He also performed stunts in movies such as "Fatal Attraction" and "Lethal Weapon," as well as television series like "Baywatch" and "Patriot Games."

At the time of his death, David was preparing to adapt the anime "Kite" into a live-action film. The director's chair for the project was eventually taken by Ralph Ziman. Ellis was nominated for a Taurus Award, alongside Glenn Boswell and R. A. Rondell, for his stunt work in the film "Matrix Reloaded."

Throughout his career, Ellis directed seven films, including "Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco," horror films "Final Destination 2," "Final Destination 4," "Asylum," and "Shark Night 3D," the crime action film "Cellular" starring Kim Basinger, and the infamous "Snakes on a Plane" featuring Julianna Margulies and Samuel L. Jackson.

David Ellis was the father of film producer Tawny Marie Ellis and photographer Cheyenne Ellis. He left behind his wife Cindy. He was found dead on January 7, 2013, in the bathroom of a hotel room in Johannesburg. The cause of death was not disclosed, but the police ruled out the possibility of murder. In a real-life incident, Ellis was targeted by assailants who attempted to rob him while he was driving. He quickly utilized one of his stunts and maneuvered his car to scare off the criminals.