Winning a Primetime Emmy Creative Arts Award for Outstanding Stunt Performance in 2022 marked a professional milestone for Lateef Crowder Dos Santos. Operating at the intersection of martial arts and cinema, he established his reputation through specialized movement work, utilizing extensive training in capoeira to navigate complex stunt requirements across global film and television productions.
Early Training and Foundation
Born in 1977 in Salvador, Brazil, Dos Santos relocated to San Jose, California, at age four. He began formal martial arts instruction at age six, receiving training in capoeira from his father and various gymnasts. This background in physical movement facilitated his entry into the Zero Gravity Stunt Team in 2000, where he contributed to demo reels and internet shorts like Inmate 451.
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His integration into the film industry saw him cast in the 2005 production The Protector, where he performed alongside Tony Jaa. Although an achilles tendon injury constrained his participation in that fight sequence, his profile in martial arts cinema continued to grow. He subsequently appeared in the 2007 release Duel of Legends and secured roles in productions directed by Isaac Florentine and Kevin Tancharoen, including the short film Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.
Character Roles and Technical Performance
Dos Santos translated his capoeira and gymnastic background into specific character portrayals, most notably as Eddy Gordo in the film adaptation of Tekken. His physicality also allowed him to participate in Fight Science, a project evaluating the effectiveness of various martial arts techniques. He worked alongside Scott Adkins and Mykel Jenkins in the production Undisputed 3, portraying the character Rodrigo Silva.
Work on The Mandalorian
Beginning in 2019, Dos Santos joined the production team of the Disney+ original series The Mandalorian. Serving as the stunt double for the protagonist, Din Djarin, he contributed to the series' recurring action sequences. His work on this production resulted in his 2022 Primetime Emmy recognition for outstanding stunt performance.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Salvador, Brazil
- Citizenship: Brazil, United States
- Occupations: Actor, stunt performer, choreographer
- Primary martial art: Capoeira
- Notable role: Eddy Gordo in Tekken
- 2022 Achievement: Primetime Emmy Creative Arts Award for Outstanding Stunt Performance
- Former team: Zero Gravity Stunt Team
Questions readers ask
What is Lateef Crowder Dos Santos best known for?
He is recognized for his work as a stunt performer and actor, particularly for his capoeira-based fight choreography in The Protector and his stunt work as the Mandalorian in the Disney+ series.
When did he begin martial arts training?
He began training at the age of 6.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, stunt performer and choreographer
