from: Spice Williams-Crosby, MSF, MS, PhD

In 1986, my mentor and dear friend, Judo Gene LeBell, told me to go over to this production office to meet Mr. Bennie Dobbins who was stunt coordinating/2nd Unit Director on The Running Man movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bennie was not there but a very kind, muscular guy shook my hand and introduced himself as Joel Kramer. He saw I was into bodybuilding also and we chatted about working out and my acting and stuntwork. I realized that we both held many of the same views about life, family, health, fitness, God, and showing up to work willing and wanting to give 150% to be part of films or TV shows! I left that day feeling totally respected and looking forward to the day Joel Kramer would hire me!

That was 32 years ago and nothing has ever changed between us. Only now, we both have families that we have raised with the same ethics and beliefs along with getting better with age and acquiring more wisdom to bring to our families, friends, and work.

Joel has always been very protective of me and the crew doing everything from simple fights to the most dangerous of stunts. Knowing I’d always give 150% in any stunt I did, he would double check on me to my annoyance, but can anyone really complain about a man who cares about another human being’s safety?

Gregory Crosby, my husband, had written the story of HACKSAW RIDGE, and it was Joel Kramer who saw the beauty and value in the must-tell true story and helped introduced Gregory to David Permut in the year 2000. Joel’s desire to be part of such a spiritual miracle was his passion and he has not wavered from this path.

When our son, Luke Crosby, was born 23 years ago, he became Uncle Joel, and we, the Crosby’s, are so proud and blessed to have him in our lives and part of our family.

Spice Williams-Crosby, MSF, MS, PhD

Actress/Stuntwoman