Biography

With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Paul Lacovara is an Emmy-nominated, SAG Award-winning stunt performer, stunt coordinator, 2nd Unit Director, and DGA director. His career spans more than 300 credits across major feature films and over 130 television shows, including more than 100 episodes of Hawaii Five-0, where he became a key creative force behind the series' most memorable action sequences.

Originally from Los Osos, California, Paul got his start as a college senior when he was cast as an extra on We Were Soldiers and quickly transitioned into professional stunt work. By the time he graduated from Cal Poly, he was already performing stunts on Hulk. He soon built a reputation specializing in stunt driving, fight choreography, and wire work, doubling A-list actors such as Tom Hiddleston, Christian Bale, Eric Bana, Chris Pine, Ryan Reynolds, Bradley Cooper, and Jon Hamm.

Early in his career, Paul earned major industry recognition, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble for Star Trek and two Taurus World Stunt Award nominations for Best High Work and Best Specialty Stunt.

Known for his action design, on-set leadership, and ability to merge performance and storytelling, Paul has expanded into 2nd unit and main-unit directing. His work is celebrated for its blend of realism and cinematic impact. Drawing from decades of experience, he has shifted his focus to writing and directing grounded, emotionally driven thrillers. His multi-award-winning film 38 Minutes-which he wrote, directed, and produced using the Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 crews-showcases his evolution into a multifaceted filmmaker with a strong command of visual storytelling, pacing, and character.