`Live And Let Die` stunt coordinator Edward Smith dies aged 81

Edward `Eddie` Smith, who co-founded the Black Stuntmen's Association in 1967 and fought to generate jobs for black stuntmen in Hollywood, has died. He was 81 - reports TwinCities.

Smith, who had a variety of illnesses, died June 24 in a nursing home in Culver City, said his wife, Denise Shaw Smith.

Over the years, Smith worked as a stuntman or stunt coordinator on numerous television shows and films, including `MASH,``Dirty Harry,``Beneath the Planet of the Apes,``Blazing Saddles,``Earthquake,` `Scarface,` `The Nutty Professor` and the TV mini-series "Roots."

He also took pride in being the only black stunt coordinator on the 1973 James Bond movie `Live and Let Die.`

But it was in his little-recognized role in launching the Black Stuntmen's Association and helping break through the color barrier in the stunt business that Smith had the most impact.

Although it was Smith's idea to start the association, he was never interested in being president or holding any other office in the group. `He just wanted to be the fighter (for jobs),` stuntman Henry Kingi, one of the group's co-founders, said Friday.

Thanks to `Kyvan` for the alert.

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