Ashlee Fidow

Biography: Ashlee Fidow is a stunt coordinator and performer from Auckland, New Zealand. Of Samoan, Chinese, English, and German heritage, she stands as one of the few Pasifika women in the global stunt industry. Growing up in Avondale, Fidow was raised by her mother, who managed the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis while instilling in her daughter a resilient spirit. Influenced by action films and martial arts icons like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, Fidow began practising martial arts at the age of eight. She earned a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo by the age of 17. She competed in national and international tournaments, securing multiple gold and silver medals. Her martial arts journey expanded to include kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Filipino stick fighting (Kali), laying a robust foundation for her future in stunt work. Fidow's entry into the stunt industry occurred in 2009 when a friend encouraged her to audition for a television show seeking new stunt performers. This opportunity led to her first on-set experience. It ignited a passion that has driven her career for over a decade. Her extensive filmography includes high-profile projects such as "The Hobbit" trilogy, "Mulan," "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," "Alien: Covenant," "The Meg," and "Avatar: The Way of Water." She has also contributed to television series like "Spartacus," "Ash vs Evil Dead," and "The Shannara Chronicles." In addition to her on-screen accomplishments, Fidow has served as a stunt coordinator and trainer, sharing her expertise in fight choreography and safety protocols. Her commitment to excellence and representation has been recognized with nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture for her work on "The Hobbit," "Mulan," and "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." In 2024, she made history as the first stuntwoman to win the Women in Film and Television New Zealand Awards, receiving the Queenstown Camera Company Craft Award for her outstanding contributions to the field.