Today we’d like to introduce you to Preston Corbell.
Hi Preston, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my film career when I was a teenager. I’ve always been a creative person and film gave me that outlet to express myself. Some of my earlier projects included Cabin Fever and Reno 911!, along with being the bright enthusiastic kid in commercials such as the koosh ball. Those projects set the groundwork for what would be my stunt and double career that lasted over two decades. In the early 2000’s, I was cast as the double for Lucas Scott on the teen drama series One Tree Hill. I moved to North Carolina where the show was filmed and worked on a lot of the projects that went the Screen Gems Studios in the 2000s and 2010s. HBO did a comedy pilot centered around baseball player called Eastbound and Down, which ran for 4 seasons. I worked as the double for Kenny Powers, the loudmouth self-destructive retired major leaguer. Throughout my stunt and double career, I have been hit by cars, set on fire and drove automobiles into and off crazy places. There have been countless injuries, the effects I still feel every day. However, the memories and grit live forever.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a fun ride full of excitement and appreciation. I got to do the thing people dream of doing. It’s also a rough ride with injuries and the everyday pain, however I would do another 20 years if my body would hold up. Mental strength is huge in all our lives, getting through adversity and becoming stronger is always the goal. When dealing with the pain of past injuries and recovery, mental strength is often the biggest obstacle to overcome.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for being an actor, stuntman and double. I have worked on such projects as the WB/CW drama series One Tree Hill, The Vampire Diaries, Doom Patrol, Cabin Fever, Eastbound and Down, The Punisher, Grim, Escape Plan, Workaholics and Blue Mountain State. What sets me apart is my ability to transform my body image. I can go from 235 down to 170 for two different roles shot within the year. I doubled as a skinny high school student and now look completely different as a weightlifter with a bald head and a full beard. Having the ability to transform into a role allows me to get more work. With transforming comes the responsibility of nutrition and fitness, turning the switch on, putting my head down and working is what sets me apart.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It’s all about mental strength and the willingness to not focus on fear but focus on the art of performing. If I’m scared of a height, I need to instantly block that fear and steer my focus on performing the stunt correctly and safely.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stunt.beast
- Other: https://www.cameo.com/prestoncorbell
Youtube video (5 things I wish I knew before I was a stuntman):
