John Epper; Stunt Double in Films

John Epper, veteran stunt double for Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn and Henry Fonda and the founder of a dynasty of stunt people, has died. He was 86.

Epper died Thursday of prostate cancer at his home in Newhall.

He was the double for Cooper in “Springfield Rifle,” for Flynn in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and for Fonda in “Fort Apache.”

Epper’s other stunt work included the films “Spartacus,” “The War Lord,” “Cheyenne Autumn,” “The Bride Wore Boots,” “How the West Was Won” and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”

He specialized in Westerns and had been a trainer of horses and a riding instructor before he began his film career.

A native of Switzerland who came to the United States in 1927, Epper retired in 1969. All six of his children, 12 of his 17 grandchildren, and his one great-grandchild followed him into stunt work for films.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Frances; three sons, Andy of Mission Hills, Gary of Agoura Hills and Tony of Saugus, and three daughters, Margo Story and Stephanie Epperson, both of Canyon Country, and Jeanne Kimick of Simi Valley.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth. The family has requested that any memorial donations be made to the John Epper Memorial Fund at the Screen Actors Guild.