Little Known Western actors ~ Bret Davidson

[These daily posts will cover little known actors or people that have appeared in more recent films and TV series. Various degrees of information that I was able to find will be given and anything that you can add would be appreciated.]

Bret Lane Davidson was born in February 28th, 1959, in Glendale, California. Growing up in a racing family, he was already riding motorcycles at the age of 5. By 15 he became the state champion in the 125 Pro Class in Arizona and received a factory ride from Bultaco which lead him to a 29th National Ranking. He then took his talents to the screen and in his first film he was cast to play a young Desperado in “The Kid and the Gun Fighter” in 1980. When finishing 2nd in a National Stuntman's Competition in 1983, Judge Jocko Mahoney said "Bret, go to LA and pursue your dream, you have what it takes". This was just the beginning of Bret's career as an actor/stunt man. He is credited for over 100 film and television appearances including “Star Trek IV”, “Rangers”, “Natural Born Killers”, “Wishmaster”, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’, “The Way of the Gun”, “The Crow” and ‘The Avenging Angels’ to name a very few. He also contributed to the industry as a Second Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator along with his years as an experienced stuntman. A few of his more memorable moments are riding motorcycles with Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen; working with his great friend and mentor, Paul Baxley; trapped in a car with Michael Madsen screaming for a second meal on location; his 2 years with Terrance Hill on ‘Lucky Luke’ 1990-92; playing liars poker with Jack Elam and the guidance and helpful teachings from Charlton Heston. His achievements also include a world record for the Highest and Longest Ride Hanging off the Skids of a Helicopter in “Dead Man Can't Dance” 1997.

Davidson died on April 19, 2017, in Vashon Island, Washington, U.S.A. at the age of 58.

He appeared in three Euro-westerns: as an assistant director of the second unit and stuntman on the “Lucky Luke” TV series and an assistant stunt coordinator on the “Lucky Luke” film both in 1991, and performed stunts in 1994’s “Botte di Natale” (Troublemakers).

DAVIDSON, Bret (Bret Lane Davidson) [2/28/1959, Glendale, California, U.S.A. - 4/19/2017, Vashon Island, Washington, U.S.A.] – assistant director, stunt coordinator, stuntman, film, TV actor, married to Stacey Renee North [1975-2009] (2002-2009) father of Bradley Davidson, Desi Davidson, Johnathan ‘Dustin’ Davidson.

Lucky Luke – 1991 [assistant stunt coordinator]

Lucky Luke (TV) – 1991 [assistant director, stunts]

Troublemakers - 1994 [stunts]