Philip Tan

Biography

Philip Tan, originally from Singapore, spent his early years before relocating to the United Kingdom at just five years old. He began his athletic journey as a gymnast, where he distinguished himself by becoming the British Youth Tumbling Champion and earning a place on the elite British squad for several years. As he transitioned into martial arts, he achieved further accolades by securing the title of Men's British Tae Kwon Do Champion.

Tan's entry into the film industry came in 1980 when he took on the roles of actor and fight choreographer in the film “Le complot diabolique du docteur Fu Manchu,” alongside Peter Sellers. He continued to hone his craft in 1984, appearing in “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan” as both an actor and a trainer for lead actor Christopher Lambert. His talents caught the attention of industry giants Steven Spielberg and Robert Watts, who recruited him to train Jonathan Ke Quan for “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” also released in 1984.

In 1986, Tan became a member of The British Stunt Register, marking the beginning of his successful stunt career. Today, Philip Tan resides in Los Angeles, where he has established himself as a prominent 2nd Unit Director and a skilled stunt and fight coordinator, contributing to some of Hollywood's most notable blockbusters. His diverse background and expertise have made him a respected figure in the film industry.