Can you imagine sliding down the side of a 12 story building and the only thing keeping you from crashing to the ground is a thin wire and no air bag below? R. David Smith, the first one-armed Hollywood stuntman can because he actually performed this stunt in the movie Predator II. In fact, David can imagine doing a lot of stunts because he has been a stuntman for over 24 years.

This native San Diegan was born missing his left arm just below the elbow and grew up with a learning disability, but it never stopped him from following his dream of working in the film industry. Smith has worked in movies such as Predator 2, Artificial Intelligence, Tales from the Crypt, and numerous television shows including Baywatch and A-Team. David also created and hosted the Award Winning talk show “Outlook on the Physically Challenged”. When David is not on a movie set, he is passionately working as the Executive Director of Stunts Ability, a nationally acclaimed non-profit organization he founded in 1995. One of Stunts-Ability's programs gives basic skills in stunts, acting and how to work on a movie set for limb deficient and other people with disabilities. Stunts-Ability has helped place over 100 limb deficient adults and children in movies, television shows and commercials.

“One of the best motivational speakers and story tellers I ever heard”
Ed Fletcher
San Diego Downtown Lion’s Club.

Because of his vast accomplishments as a pioneer for the disabled in the entertainment industry, Smith has also become a highly sought after speaker. His motivationally inspired presentation coupled with a sense of humor teaches us all about overcoming obstacles. His audiences leave his presentations with a better understanding of what people with disabilities live with and how they can help break down those centuries old social barriers.

One of Smith's biggest thrills is speaking at schools. He has taken his program to over 150 schools, hospitals and even larger venues from Wall Street to California’s state capitol in Sacramento. Growing up with both a physical and learning disability, Smith identifies with children who are different. Whether it’s his one arm, his Hollywood stuntman status, his jokes, his stories, or compassion, children listen to what he has to say because they can tell he understands what they may be going through. His lifelong goal is to break down social barriers and change attitudes toward children who are different and those who are targets for “bullies”. Smith does this because “I wish someone would have done it for me”. His compassion and ease helps children to understand the power of a cruel word or the effect of a fearful look towards a person with a disability. Smith’s ability to reach his audience empowers people to overcome their fears and gives them a better understanding. The goal is to make each child feel a little better by the time Dave leaves their school, by changing attitudes one person at a time.

This has led to one of Smith's dreams, Camp Stunts-Ability Youth Empowerment, a 3 day program. Camp Stunts-Ability brings disabled and able-bodied boys and girls together for a life-changing experience. The camp will help educate all kids as to what it's like to be different, to honor their truth and their fears about people with disabilities. Through a special process of mentoring, the children are made to feel safe to participate without fear of judgment from others.

"No professional organization in the entertainment industry or the disabled community has been able to accomplish what Stunts-Ability has. Young people are captivated and motivated when Mr. Smith presents to them and works with them."
Catherine Baird
Executive Director
California Governor's Committee

This process encourages all the children to get involved, to relate something hurtful that someone may have said or done that made them feel badly about themselves. One of the great things about this program is that hour by hour these children grow closer and many leave having made lifelong friends. This program is not just about having fun, but about growing as thoughtful, kinder and more compassionate human beings.


In 1998 Smith was awarded "The Governor’s Trophy" which is the highest honor given to a Californian with a disability. The award is for outstanding achievement in the workplace by making a significant contribution to increase public awareness of the experience of disability. The recipient of the award is automatically inducted into the California Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities, and is nominated for the national competition for "The Presidents Trophy" presented by the President's committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Smith was also honored with a "Cable Ace Award", "The A&E City Video Award" and two Emmy Nominations for his work as the Executive Producer of "Outlook on the Physically Challenged" which he created and hosted. Smith was also honored in “Time Magazine's Local Hero”column. Also, television shows such as "Ripley's Believe It or Not", "Extra", and "10 Most Dangerous Jobs", and magazines like "Variety" and "Maxim" have featured David in their stories.

For more information on booking and fees please call us at:
(619) 542-7730
FAX (619) 542-7731
or email: davidsmith@stuntsability.com

Dave Smith, Michael Landon, Monica Zech	Stan Winston (creator of Alien and Predator creatures) and Dave Smith

Dave Smith is available to speak at your corporate event or school assembly. For more information on corporate events, click HERE. And, for more information on school assemblies, click HERE.