We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse La Flair and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jesse, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is the heartbeat of my career and life. From launching myself off rooftops as the worlds first professional parkour athlete with his own pro signature model shoe to transitioning from stuntman into full time actor, I’ve learned that calculated risk is where growth begins. With out knowing where the edge of our current limitations are we can not make proper goals to progress past them.
In my early days, the decision to step away from a traditional career path to pursue parkour was a massive gamble, but it opened doors to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined—such as competing in international parkour championships, building a global following of 2.3 million, and performing as a stuntman in major productions, including working with Marvel Studios.
The biggest risk I’ve taken recently has been shifting from stunts to full-time acting—a bold leap that involves redefining myself in an industry where I’ve built a reputation as a world-class athlete and action performer. This transition requires not only honing my craft as an actor but also showcasing my unique ability to bring physicality, authenticity, and depth to every role. It’s about trusting that the skills I’ve mastered—whether performing death-defying stunts, creating compelling stories for social media, or collaborating with top-tier filmmakers—are the foundation for something greater.
For me, taking risks is more than a career strategy; it’s a way to honor my potential, embrace new challenges, and chase a life that truly worth living.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is the ability to adapt, a skill honed through years of navigating risks, challenging industries, and the ebb and flow of life. It’s about embracing change, learning new skills, and finding creative solutions in real time. In a world that’s constantly changing, the ability to adapt isn’t just a survival skill—it’s an art form that allows me to innovate, inspire, and grow with every new opportunity.
Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. The biggest challenges have been navigating moments of uncertainty—times when the path wasn’t clear, or didn’t even seem to exist and I had to trust in my intuition and rely on my passion and work ethic to see me through. For instance, moving away from stunts, where I had built a reputation, to focus entirely on acting required starting over in many ways. It meant doubling down on training, embracing rejection, and staying committed to the process. But these challenges taught me invaluable lessons: resilience is everything, authenticity is magnetic, and success often comes down to showing up consistently, even when it’s hard.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m passionate about creating stories that inspire and connect. Whether it’s through my work on-screen or behind the camera, I’m driven by the belief that great storytelling can change lives. My journey has been about more than just career milestones—it’s been about building a legacy of perseverance, creativity, and authenticity. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you combine passion with hard work and a willingness to take risks, the possibilities are endless.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie at heart, so my experiences often have a through-line of food and good company. One place that truly stands out is L.O.A. Social Club—a must-see destination with a stunning location and a menu that never fails to amaze me. Every time I try something new, it feels like a revelation. Honestly, just thinking about their burger is enough to make my mouth water!
For sushi, my go-to is UMI. Not only do they serve some of the best sushi I’ve ever had, but it’s also the perfect spot to run into fellow film industry friends. There’s something about the energy there that keeps me coming back.
Speaking of the film industry, one of the most exciting things I get to do is share that world with my family. Taking them to Trilith Studios for a behind-the-scenes experience on the film lot or even just shopping at the Trilith Experience is always a blast. It’s a fun way to blend my professional life with family memories, and it never gets old
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give the biggest shoutout to my wife, Brienne La Flair, who has been my rock, my muse, and my greatest supporter for over two decades. We’ve been together since we were teenagers in high school—24 years and counting—and her unwavering belief in me has been the driving force behind everything I’ve accomplished.
From the moment we started dating back in 2000, Bri has been by my side, encouraging me to take risks, follow my passions, and chase my wildest dreams. She’s been there for every leap—literally and figuratively—from our early days in LA when she made me choose between parkour and acting, pushing me to focus on one so I wouldn’t “half-ass” them both. In hindsight, dedicating all my energy and attention to training, competing, and building a brand around myself through parkour was the key to my success. That foundation not only allowed me to excel as a professional parkour athlete but also paved the way for my transition into stunts and, now, a full-time career in acting.
Bri’s support isn’t just emotional; she’s actively pushed me to level up, to never settle, and to always keep growing. Her faith in my potential started long before I saw it in myself, and that belief has been everything. I’m endlessly grateful for the love, partnership, and inspiration she’s given me every step of the way. Bri, you’re my greatest cheerleader, my toughest critic (in the best way), and my forever teammate. None of this would be possible without you.
Website: http://vm.tiktok.com/J4SjfM/s
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jesselaflair
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-la-flair-b7891b33
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jesselaflair
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesseLaFlairFanPage/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LaFlairParkour