Search Museum of the Moving Image

Zoë Bell: From Stuntwoman to Star

Jan 4 — Jan 7, 2014

Zoë Bell is a gymnast and martial artist who became an international action icon when she achieved fame as Quentin Tarantino’s preferred stunt woman. Born in New Zealand, she began her career as the stunt double for Lucy Lawless in Xena: Warrior Princess. In Los Angeles, she landed the role as Uma Thurman’s stunt double on Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies; most of her days consisted of sword fights, body burns, karate, and all-out pugilism. Bell quickly became one of the most sought after stunt performers in Hollywood. In the 2007 grindhouse movie Death Proof, Tarantino create a role that allowed Bell to play herself, showcasing her instinctive acting talents alongside her great action skills. Her acclaimed performance showed that Hollywood had a new leading lady—with a rare flair for acting and action. The thrill-packed new movie Raze gives Bell her biggest role to date; this series showcases some of her finest work.

Past Films in Series

Muppets Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat look at camera with eyes wide
Muppets Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat look at camera with eyes wide
Muppet otters playing instruments in a jug band
Muppet otters playing instruments in a jug band
Muppet otters playing instruments in a jug band
Jim and Jane Henson surrounded by muppets
A man sits on steps in front of apartment, smiling at camera
A man sits on steps in front of apartment, smiling at camera
three muppet pigs in space suits in space
three muppet pigs in space suits in space
A man and woman operating puppets in a medieval kingdom set.
A man and woman operating puppets in a medieval kingdom set.
Muppet elves in yellow shirts smiling at the camera
Muppet elves in yellow shirts smiling at the camera
Muppet elves in yellow shirts smiling at the camera
Jim Henson surrounded by his Fraggle puppet creations, all looking at the camera.
Three muppets, Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie Bear look at the camera, their mouths open
Three muppets, Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie Bear look at the camera, their mouths open
Three muppets, Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie Bear look at the camera, their mouths open
A photo of Jim Henson on set, behind the scenes of "The Cube."
The puppet Ernie from Sesame Street being controlled in a behind the scenes image with puppeteers
The puppet Ernie from Sesame Street being controlled in a behind the scenes image with puppeteers
The characters Kermit, Gonzo, Camilla, and Fozzy, who are all puppets, are in a car.