Former tradie reveals how he became one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stunt doubles

Thor’s stunt double Bobby Holland Hanton once spent his days working as a plasterer – he’s now one of the most in-demand stuntmen in Hollywood.

Bobby Holland Hanton once spent his days working as a plasterer – a job that couldn’t be further from his current stellar career.

He is one of Hollywood’s top stuntmen with a host of credits to his name including doubling for Chris Hemsworth for the past eight years.

The 35-year-old has also doubled for actors Henry Cavill, Ryan Reynolds, Channing Tatum, Jake Gyllenhaal and Daniel Craig.

Hailing from Portsmouth, UK, Hanton revealed as a kid growing up his dream was to be an Olympic gymnast.

But at 17 his hopes were dashed due to a combination of growth spurts and back problems.

University and a stint working with his uncle as a plasterer followed; however, it seemed, fate had bigger plans.

Tradie Bobby Holland Hanton (left) reveals how he became a stuntman for stars like Chris Hemsworth. Picture: Instagram: Bobby Holland Hanton

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Hanton revealed how, back then, he caught a glimpse of a friend’s name rolling up in the credits of a James Bond movie, an unexpected moment that helped him see there might be a way to put his talents to good use.

Shortly after he began the process of registering as a stunt double.

Speaking to LadBible, he explained to gain full registration an applicant needed to be elite in six of 12 skills; he was adept at three: gymnastics, trampolining and 10-metre high diving.

While in the throes of completing kickboxing, swimming and scuba diving training, the then unknown stuntman was offered his first role.

“I literally thought it was a joke, somebody calling me up and doing a prank, because I was training for the stunt register at this point. I had four of my six skills,” he told the publication.

Hanton (pictured with his wife Rachel) had his hopes set on becoming an Olympic gymnast. Picture: Instagram: Bobby Holland Hanton

“But a stunt co-ordinator called Gary Powell – he’s one of the biggest stunt co-ordinators in the world – called me saying he needed someone with an acrobatic skill for the art gallery scene in Quantum of Solace where Bond is fighting and falling down the ropes.”

The stepping stone allowed Hanton to launch an impressive career, including working work as Chris Hemsworth’s stunt double for the past eight years.

On top of this, Hanton has also carved a name for himself as a health and fitness expert, recently collaborating with the Hollywood star on his training app Centr.

The app offers users a six-week workout program “inspired by the training Chris Hemsworth enjoys”, reads information about the program.

Hanton holds the view health and fitness should be accessible to anyone – and creating an enviable physique is a combination of three important factors.

Speaking previously to The Daily Telegraph, the 35-year-old advised those trying to lose weight to ditch the scales and instead try intermittent fasting.

‘It is how you feel and how you look in how you have changed your body. I would throw the scales out the window, they mean nothing,’ he told the publication.

Hanton said diet, exercise and goal setting were all important factors for creating the body of your dreams. Picture: Instagram: Bobby Holland Hanton

His recommendation was to allow for an eight-hour eating window, one preferably between the hours of noon and 8pm.

Hanton also shared some diet advice, revealing that he didn’t start his day with carbs and did his best to steer clear of sugar.

‘Eat healthy food if you want to lose weight fast, that is a great way. Try to eat something clean to kickstart the day,’ he said.

Additionally, he said he stood by the importance of setting realistic goals.

“If you do your best, that is all you can ask for. You know in yourself if you have done your best or not,” he said.

The health expert said finding a small window to work out every day was important, and even as little as 20 minutes of exercise daily could yield impressive results.