What is Nicholas Dashnaw’s Career and Life About?
Nicholas Dashnaw was an American stunt performer. He was known for his work in films such as Django Unchained in 2012, The Lone Ranger, and The Magnificent Seven in 2016. He was a talented athlete, stuntman, and a member of the United States Coast Guard. Dashnaw’s career represents the unsung heroes of cinema stunt performers who risk their lives to bring thrilling action to the screen. He died on March 29, 2016, at the age of 29 due to substance abuse.
Nicholas Dashnaw Family Background
Nicholas Dashnaw was born on November 19, 1986, in the United States. He came from a family that was deeply involved in the entertainment industry, particularly in stunt work. His father, Jeff Dashnaw, and mother, Tracy Keehn-Dashnaw, were both stunt coordinators and performers. Nicholas’s brothers, J.J. Dashnaw, Chad Dashnaw, and Jake Dashnaw, also worked as stunt performers and coordinators.
The Dashnaw family’s legacy is remembered as a family that has contributed to several high-profile projects over the years. The 4th Annual Nick Dashnaw Memorial Roping was on May 26 at the JPK Arena in Agua Dulce. The family has been holding memorials to honor his work in fighting against drugs. Although the family has kept their personal lives private, their professional achievements and the family’s collective effort have made an impact in the entertainment industry.
Details of Nicholas Dashnaw’s Career Life
Nicholas Dashnaw was a stunt performer and started doing stunts as a child. His first performance on The Real McCoy in 1993. Other roles include:
- The Little Rascals
- Slappy and the Stinkers
- The Lucky Ones
- Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams
- Spring Breakdown
- Get Him to the Greek
His last performance was in 2016 in the TV series Westworld, The Magnificent Seven, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Hollows Grove, Quick Draw, and two episodes of Quick Draw.
Dashnaw’s expertise included high-risk stunts, precision driving, and fight choreography. As a stunt coordinator, he ensured safety and creativity on set. He is credited for his appearances in the TV series High Incident in 1997, and Django Unchained as Baghead in 2012. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard. His life was marked by discipline, service, and a strong sense of duty to protect the nation’s maritime interests. He enjoyed a better work-life balance.
Dashnaw’s contribution has left a lasting impact, and his dedication towards his craft and family makes him stand out in the industry. His career was affected by his drug addiction, something he battled with for a while, and used it as a form of coping or escape. Remaining clean was a constant fight in his life. He founded the Nicky D Memorial Fund to work with local hospitals and nurses to care for babies born addicted. His family disclosed that when he was at his best, being clean and sober, he was tormented the worst by his addiction. Unfortunately, he succumbed to addiction and died on March 29, 2016.
