Obituary: Tip Tipping

Timothy Tipping, actor and stuntman, born 13 February 1958, died Brunton Northumberland 5 February 1993.

'TIP' TIPPING, one of the most respected stunt co-ordinators and performers in the business, was killed at the age of 34 while re-enacting a skydiving accident for the BBC programme 999.

After performing in the Royal Marine Commandos and a short spell as a clown, Tipping joined the Stunt Register in 1980 and, although a youngster in stuntmen's terms, had become a highly respected performer, having worked on many blockbuster movies, including the James Bond series, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (1991) and the latest Pink Panther film.

Tipping had also co-ordinated such films as Hamburger Hill (1987), and many television shows, and was responsible for several sky-diving commercials. He managed to combine his stuntwork with a promising acting career with parts in Alien (1979), The Holcroft Covenant (1985), The Bill, on television, and others.

Tipping had recently served on the Equity Council, working extremely hard for the good of the other stunt performers. He worked tirelessly for charity - he was a founder member and past president of the annual Stunt Ball which raises money for many children's charities.

Although Tip Tipping's work involved risking his life every working day, he took great care to reduce the danger to himself and other performers under his supervision. He was noted for his extrovert attitude to life - everyone who came in contact with him loved him for his sense of fun.

The entertainment industry has lost a dedicated, valued member, and the stunt fraternity an up- and-coming star.

(Photograph omitted)