Peter Brace

Peter Brace (30 August 1924 – 29 October 2018) was a British actor and stuntman whose towering presence and fearless precision made him one of the most respected figures in his field. Over a career spanning nearly fifty years, he amassed more than a hundred credits across film and television, working with screen legends such as Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Richard Burton, and Michael Caine.

Born in Southwark, south-east London, Brace began his screen career at the age of 23 with a role in Ken Annakin’s Holiday Camp (1947). Although his name rarely appeared in the headlines, his imposing height of 6 ft 4 in and rugged appearance made him a familiar face to film audiences. He became a regular presence in some of the most iconic productions of the 20th century, often performing the dangerous stunts that gave those films their excitement and realism.

Brace contributed both acting and stunt work to several James Bond films, including Dr. No (1962), From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Casino Royale (1967), and You Only Live Twice (1967). His versatility also brought him to a wide range of classics, among them Ivanhoe (1952), A Night to Remember (1958), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Where Eagles Dare (1968), Star Wars (1977), Flash Gordon (1980), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Highlander (1986), Willow (1988), Batman (1989), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Chaplin (1992), and Braveheart (1995). Among his many notable credits, he served as the stunt double for Clancy Brown in Highlander, performing as the menacing Kurgan, and for Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca in Star Wars.

Though rarely in the spotlight, Brace’s work embodied the bravery, professionalism, and physical endurance that defined the golden age of British stunt performance. He continued to be involved in film well into his later years, admired by peers for his dedication and quiet mastery of his craft. Peter Brace passed away on 29 October 2018 at the age of 94, leaving behind a remarkable legacy built on strength, skill, and cinematic adventure.