The BBC's 999 danger man Marc Cass knows what it means to be tough. He's only able to perform his treacherous and staggering stunts for the series because he's a fit and highly skilled professional
Marc has endorsed Next of Kin as he believes that carrying next of kin information is so vital, as many of the reconstructions show on 999 medical information and contact details are so crucial to the patient and the emergency services. We take it for granted that our next of kin are informed immediately, but it can take many hours even days before the next of kin can be traced.
What's the most dangerous stunt you've pulled?
Jumping 100 feet from the top of the Ramada Hotel in Manchester, in the wind and the rain, handcuffed to Tom Lucy for an episode of Cracker. I was very proud of that stunt, especially as the programme won a BAFTA Award.
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Have you used your stunt man skills in real life?
Once, when my neighbour had locked herself out. I scaled the house and climbed in through the window to let her in.
Is there anything you wouldn't do?
Anything that was a danger to myself or the crew, or that had not been planned properly.
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How qualified are you to do what you do?
Very. Stunt men have to be. I'm trained in 6 different sports to instructor level, including martial arts, swimming, trampolining and horse riding. Plus, I've got 12 years experience of course!
What Important lesson has life taught you?
To be honest.
If you could learn one thing what would it be?
Languages. I'd love to be a fantastic communicator with both humans and animals. Good communication skills are so important in life.
What's the strangest place that you've visited?
Iceland - I was filming a commercial there. At certain points during the year it stays light 24-hours a day and at other times it stays dark all day. I was there when it was light all the time. There's an awe-inspiring 200 ft waterfall too, just outside the capital Reykjavik. |
What social issue will dominate the 21st century?
The internet. It has such interesting implications on how we'll live in the future - some positive, some negative.
If you could meet anybody who would it be?
I'm not a particularly religious guy but I am spiritual so I'd love to meet Jesus - he's such a cool dude. I'm interested in all those big questions like 'why are we here?'. I reckon he'd be able to enlighten me!
Name a TV programme and a book that you'd give to the world to make it a better place.
It sounds biased but it would have to be 999 and, for a book, the Bible. There should be more programmes that help the general public like 999 does and, although religion has caused a lot of conflict in the world, there are a lot of good lessons and morals to be learnt from the Bible.
How do you relax when you're not performing?
Good friends and good food. I also love watching films. It doesn't matter what kind as long as it's believable and well made.
Do you have any advice for budding stunt people?
To be yourself and to be honest. Don't be too desperate or you may well do something that's too dangerous and wind up getting hurt. What CD do you put on when: a) you're angry b) you're feeling romantic c) you're happy?
a) Queen - Greatest Hits; b) Any Celine Dion; c) Gypsy Kings - Greatest Hits.
How can people find out more about what you do?
I'd love to hear from anyone who's interested in my work or 999. You can contact me direct at: marccass@enterprise.net or visit 999. |
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Marc with J from the band Five on
a Next of Kin fundraising day. |
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