Gil Perkins, a renowned trackman from northern Australia, harbored a passion for the film industry from a young age. As a teenager, he took a bold step, leaving home to pursue his dream, securing a job as a deck hand on a Norwegian freighter. This unconventional decision ultimately led him to Hollywood in the late 1920s, during the era of part-silent, part-talkie movies.
Initially, Perkins' Australian accent was misinterpreted as English, allowing him to land roles as young Englishmen in his early films. As he navigated the industry, he gradually transitioned into stunt work, often doubling for prominent stars such as William Boyd and Red Skelton. To achieve these roles, Perkins would don a red toupee over his natural blond hair, showcasing his impressive adaptability.
Perkins' most notable stunt jobs were in the sci-fi and horror genres. He doubled Bruce Cabot in the iconic film King Kong (1933),and later took on the role of Mr. Hyde in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941),standing in for Spencer Tracy. Additionally, Perkins replaced Bela Lugosi as the Monster in the climactic battle sequence of Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943).
Beyond his work in feature films, Perkins frequently appeared in serials and television shows. He often collaborated with special effects and rigging departments, setting up elaborate action sequences. As the 1960s progressed, Perkins found himself taking on more acting roles than stunts. Although he officially retired in 1972, he continued to work on various projects, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.
