Christopher M. Dukes is a seasoned actor, stuntman, and entrepreneur whose career spans over two decades in film, television, and live performance. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Dukes moved to Los Angeles in 1995 after earning a degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska. Known for his versatility and physical prowess, Dukes has performed as a stunt double for Patrick Swayze and worked on major productions like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. His recent acting credits include NCIS and the upcoming holiday film, A Heart Full of Hope. Other credits include roles in hit series such as Alias, Las Vegas, The West Wing, Transformers, Fresh Off the Boat, Very Frightening Tales, and Pump. His film work includes Angie’s Cure, Twisted Date, Middleton Christmas, Reed’s Point, They Crawl Beneath, and The Christmas Chain. Beyond acting and stunt work, Dukes is the founder of Dukes Wealth Management, Inc., through which he has managed over $100 million in client assets. He is also a philanthropist, giving back to cancer and veteran organizations in honor of his family’s legacy. With training in improvisation, live performance, and business, Dukes brings a rare combination of talent, heart, and entrepreneurial spirit to every project he takes on.
@the_real_christopherdukes
How do you balance the demands of acting with the physical requirements of performing your own stunts?
As I’ve gotten older, I tend to gravitate towards roles where I can explore a character while also lending my physicality to the character’s believability. While I always prefer to have a stunt double for the most dangerous stunts, I relish being able to handle the physical aspects of my character’s development.
Can you describe your training and background both as an actor and a stunt performer?
After moving to Los Angeles in 1995, I enrolled in the Groundlings Theatre and School. Those improv classes benefited me more than any other training I’ve had to date. In terms of stunts, my best training came from performing in live shows for Six Flags theme parks. Later in my career, I received training from stunt friends such as Jason Gray and Tony Snegoff. Both of these individuals helped me hone skills that I used later in projects.
What is your process for preparing mentally and physically before executing a stunt during filming?
It’s all about safety first. While I want to entertain the audience with whatever I’m tasked to do, I make sure that it can be done safely under the supervision of trained professionals. Mentally, I’m at ease while executing a stunt because I know my stunt brothers and sisters will keep me safe.
How do you collaborate with stunt coordinators and directors to ensure both a convincing performance and safety on set?
A great example of this is in early 2020, I was hired to stunt coordinate an independent film by director Dan Mirvish. The finale of the movie is a fairly complex fight sequence between four characters that takes place entirely in a beach cabin and involves multiple unique ways in which the characters are killed off. I was able to spend a day coming up with the plan for the sequence and then was given time with the actors to rehearse and to make sure that everyone was comfortable with what I had designed for them. The result was an ending to the movie that far surpassed my expectations.
Can you share a memorable experience where your acting skills enhanced a stunt sequence or vice versa?
In late 2020, I filmed a horror short film with the incredible Eric Roberts. My character didn’t end up surviving and had a fairly gruesome death scene. I have had to “die” on screen several times. To make it believable, you have to be in control of your senses and body. In this case, I had a minor stunt that involved hitting the floor as the throes of death took me over. My stunt skills definitely helped to make my death scene much more believable.
With the rise of CGI and visual effects, how do you see the role of actors performing their own stunts evolving?
This is a huge area of concern for both actors and stunt performers. As of 2025, CGI and AI have evolved so rapidly that this has really taken the industry aback. My hope is that audiences will still yearn for real actors and stunt performers instead of AI or CGI.
How do you find balance in both your professional and personal life?
This has been a challenge over the years. As my children have grown, I have always wanted to be there for those life moments like soccer games and grade school plays. My wife and I made a pact to always place family first. My professional life will continue because I have good work ethic. I just never want to sacrifice family time to try and get another appointment or new gig.
Can you tell us about any of your philanthropic work and what causes/organizations you support?
I am on the board of directors for two non-profits as of June 2025. First, I am the president of the board for the Bumblebee Foundation. Their mission is to inspire hope and faith by providing support to the overall well-being of pediatric cancer families. Secondly, I am on the board of directors of the non-profit WeSpark Cancer support center. Since 2001, WeSpark has provided free programs and services for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. As someone whose family has been touched by cancer on more than one occasion, I can’t stress to you the importance of supporting non-profits such as these and the difference they make in the community.
You worked closely with the late Patrick Swayze. Can you tell us a bit about your experience working with him?
Patrick was the consummate professional, and moreover, a good human being. I first worked with Patrick or “Buddy” to those of us close to him on Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar. I was his stand-in and stunt double for several of the major sequences in the film. While we didn’t speak at length, he was always very kind to me. Years later, we worked together again on Along for the Ride with Melanie Griffith. Once again, I was Patrick’s stand-in and stunt double. He and I spent a lot of downtime together on this movie and he even helped me get a small part as a bellhop in a hotel sequence. His generosity and professionalism are something I will always remember.
Any upcoming projects you would like to tell us about?
I have a movie coming out called A Heart Full of Hope in late 2025. I play a doctor in a pivotal scene of the film. Additionally, I have several projects streaming on Amazon Prime right now, including Reeds Point, Scars, and Very Frightening Tales. Please stream those when you can and leave a positive review!
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