logo
'One in a billion': French stuntwoman putting fizz into Hollywood

'One in a billion': French stuntwoman putting fizz into Hollywood

eNCA27-05-2025
When Sarah Lezito began messing around with motorbikes at 13 she never dreamed that one day she would become the stunt double of some of Hollywood's biggest stars.
The French winemaker's daughter has stood in for Scarlett Johansson -- twice -- on "Avengers 2" and "Black Widow" and appeared in a dozen films including "The Batman".
The 32-year-old is one of a very rare breed of motorcycle stuntwomen, with a massive social media following that helped bring her from the vineyards of France's Champagne region to Hollywood.
AFP caught up with her on her own personal training track amid the otherwise tranquil vineyards near Epernay, the Champagne capital in northeast France.
Barely astride her red chrome Kawasaki, she was off down the track performing stunts with disconcerting dexterity, her long brown hair trailing out of her helmet in the wind.
"This is kind of my temple," she said after performing a series of gravity-defying tricks including standing with both feet on top of her 200-kilo machine and then flipping herself onto the handlebars.
"People think I'm working, but it mostly allows me to release all the pressure," said Lezito, whose lucky charm -- a plastic beaded bracelet -- is wrapped around the throttle of her bike.
- 'Doing wheelies in a field' -
AFP | Thibaud MORITZ
The woman now popularly known as the "world stunt champion" (although there is no recognised world championship) began her acrobatics career young on the family holding near Epernay.
"I fell into stunts by watching videos," she told AFP. "No one in my family was in the motor sports world. My father only had an agricultural quad, not at all made for sports, but I started trying to do wheelies with it in a field."
Then she began posting her stunt videos on YouTube.
But she seemed destined to follow her family into wine and viticulture until she posted a video of a medley of tricks one day in March 2013 called "One out of Billion Girls".
AFP | Valery HACHE
"It was thanks to this video that they noticed me," she said.
The "they" being the team from the Hollywood blockbuster "Avengers 2".
A few months later, she abandoned her winemaking studies to fly to South Korea to perform Johansson's stunts in the movie.
Because she "adapted quickly" to stunt work, Lezito decided to go professional, appearing in several major movies, including "Inferno", "Millennium" and "The Batman" with Zoe Kravitz.
"I met all the actresses I've doubled for," she said.
- 30 million followers -
She has had her moments on some of the movies, although she insists she has never felt fear on those she does "at home" for social media.
AFP | Thibaud MORITZ
"I had to ride through flames for 'Bad Girl', a film which was never released. On paper, it was very simple, but I didn't have a helmet," she recalled.
And in the summer of 2023 while filming David Fincher's "The Killer" in Paris, starring Michael Fassbender, Lezito had a severe fall.
"I flew off the motorcycle, I wasn't going very fast but fast enough to land on my head and the helmet cracked."
She ended up in the emergency room with a head injury.
It "made her think", she told AFP, and she "decided to take a break" and put her Hollywood career on hold.
Lezito now devotes herself to her social media channels, posting videos of her stunts to her more than 30 million followers -- including 9.5 million on Instagram, some two million more than MotoGP star Marc Marquez.
Her garage doubles as a studio, with her YouTube trophies and gifts from her fans displayed on the walls.
But it is also where she gets her hands dirty repairing her fleet of roughly 10 motorcycles.
"As long as I enjoy sitting on the motorcycle, I'll keep doing this," she said.
By Hélène Dauschy
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love
#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love

The Citizen

time11 hours ago

  • The Citizen

#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love

#BookReview: Four new picture books kids will love Looking for your next great storytime read? These four beautifully illustrated picture books offer little readers big adventures, from silly pets and dancing dinosaurs to heartfelt tales about emotions and finding your place in a changing world. Perfect for children aged 3 to 6. 1. 'If I had a crocodile' by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow This sweet little board book in the bestselling 'If I Had a…' series imagines what life would be like with a crocodile as a pet. Children will delight in the silly possibilities of such an unwieldy companion, making this a fun read for parents and children to enjoy together, with plenty of giggles guaranteed. The sturdy pages make it perfect for even the youngest readers. 2. 'I hate everything!' by Sophy Henn Big feelings can be overwhelming, but sometimes all it takes is a little perspective. In this gentle picture book, a little ghost who is feeling angry with life gets support from a friend who loves him. A heartfelt story and a wonderful conversation starter for talking to children about emotions. 3. 'The Comet' by Joe Todd-Stanton When Nyla and her dad move from their countryside home to start over in the city, all she can think about is what she's left behind. In this tender and beautifully illustrated picture book by award-winning author Joe Todd-Stanton, the emotional journey of moving house is brought to life. Through Nyla's eyes, readers explore the sense of loss and disorientation that change can bring, and the surprising joy of discovering new places to belong. 4. 'Never Dance with a Dinosaur' by Pamela Butchart and Marc Boutavant When Peri attends her older sister's ballet class, she finds it difficult to fit in. While the teacher wants her to conform, Peri has her own unique style of dancing. Hiding in the bathroom, she's joined by an unexpected guest, a dinosaur (yes, a real live dinosaur!), and the two set off on a dance party that boogies all the way through town. This vibrantly illustrated story is a joyful reminder to stay true to yourself and always dance to your own tune. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.

WATCH: Before John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan – 5 of the wrestler's most iconic moments
WATCH: Before John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan – 5 of the wrestler's most iconic moments

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • The Citizen

WATCH: Before John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan – 5 of the wrestler's most iconic moments

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 71. Wrestlers John Cena and Hulk Hogan present an award onstage at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on August 14, 2005 in Universal City, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, Hulk Hogan was a household name, much like John Cena and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson are today. Hogan paved the way for many of today's WWE stars to grow beyond the wrestling franchise. Who is Hulk Hogan? Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on the 11 August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia. He started his professional wrestling career in 1977 and signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983. Hogan soon took the WWF by storm, becoming the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of fame in 2005. Wrestler Hulk Hogan with Sylvester Stallone (left) and Vince McMahon (right) attend the induction of Hulk Hogan into WWE Hall of Fame at Universal Amphitheatre on 2 April 2005 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP Hulk Hogan's acting career Throughout his illustrious career, Hulk Hogan acted in a host of Hollywood blockbusters, with Rocky III being one of his breakthrough roles. In 2005, his reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, aired on VH1. Wrestler Hulk Hogan appears on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV's Time Square Studios on 15 March 2006 in New York. Picture: Getty Images via AFP Hogan always wore a bandana on his head and proudly showed off his horseshoe/handlebar moustache. For much of the 80s, Hogan was the face of the WWF, and he paved the way for many modern wrestlers to follow suit. Five of the most iconic moments in Hulk Hogan's career Hulk Hogan acts in Rocky III (1982) One of Hogan's biggest Hollywood roles came in Rocky III, where he played a character named 'Thunderlips'. This was undoubtedly Hogan's biggest film role and helped him seal his professional contract at the WWF. Hogan signs a professional contract with WWF (1983) Shortly after his cameo in Rocky III, the WWF offered him a professional contract. Hogan was lured to the WWF by Vince McMahon, who saw him as the perfect face of the wrestling federation. Hulk Hogan body slams Andre the Giant to win Wrestlemania (1988) One of the most iconic matches in Hogan's career was against Andre the Giant. At the time, Hogan had been the reigning WWE champ for 1 474 days. Andre the Giant was the favourite to win the match but Hogan prevailed by body slamming his big opponent. This move won the match for Hulk Hogan, but caused a lifetime injury to his back. Hogan inducted into WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone (2005) In 2005, Hulk Hogan finally got inducted into WWE Hall of Fame at the Universal Amphitheatre. The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan (2002) One of the biggest modern matches for the rebranded Hollywood Hulk Hogan was when he wrestled against Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in the WWE. Although he did not win this match, it was one of the biggest matches to take place at the Toronto Skydome. This was the first match between the two opponents, drawing a lot of attention from fans, although it was not a title match. ALSO READ: Wrestling boss Vince McMahon quits WWE amid misconduct allegations

Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone lead tributes for WWE legend Hulk Hogan
Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone lead tributes for WWE legend Hulk Hogan

IOL News

timea day ago

  • IOL News

Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone lead tributes for WWE legend Hulk Hogan

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan greets the crowd during the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Crown Jewel pay-per-view at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on November 2, 2018. Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who parlayed his prowess in the ring into an acting career, has died at the age of 71, US media reported on July 24, 2025. Picture: Fayez Nureldine/AFP Image: Fayez Nureldine/AFP US President Donald Trump led the tributes for WWE legend Hulk Hogan, who died at the age of 71 on Thursday. Hogan, who was born Terry Gene Bollea, died a month after rumours emerged that he was battling with his health. According to reports, he died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. Hogan had long been associated with Trump. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Trump Pays Tribute to Hulk Hogan on Truth Social: A MAGA Icon Remembered On Thursday, Trump paid tribute to Hogan on Truth Social: 'We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster.' Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,' Trump posted. 'He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!' WWE co-founder Vince McMahon said of Hogan: '[He was] the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.' Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone, who acted alongside Hogan in Rocky III, said on Instagram: 'He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone…' WWE Legends Pay Tribute to the Iconic Hulk Hogan Fellow WWE star Rick Flair paid tribute to Hogan on X: I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan ! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! 'Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!' Another pro wrestler, Sting said on X: 'Can't thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you. My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP,' Sticking with WWE legends, The Undertaker said on X: 'The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store