Building a Hollywood Career on a Communication Foundation
When Alec Back arrived at Purdue University, he didn’t envision a future in Hollywood stunt work, winning an Emmy, or doubling A-list actors. Instead, he came to West Lafayette as a student-athlete, recruited to dive for a program he instantly knew felt like home.
“I took my recruiting trip to Purdue because Adam Soldati facilitated a legendary diving program,” Back said. “As soon as I met him and the team and walked around campus, I just knew that’s where I had to be.”
Like many students, Back’s academic plans evolved once he arrived on campus. He initially envisioned a career in medicine, but an introductory communications course changed his trajectory.
“I took the intro communication class and thought, this is me,” he said.
That decision to major in communication quietly shaped everything that followed.
“People say they don’t use their major in my industry,” Back said, “but being comfortable on camera and confident speaking in front of people is all due to diving and my communication degree at Purdue.”
An Unexpected Connection
After graduation, Back moved to California and explored several career paths. During that time, he leveraged his connection with Doug Osman, a now-retired communication professor, who had taught him in a video production course.
“He noticed how comfortable I was on camera and encouraged me to pursue entertainment,” Back said. “He connected me with people he knew out there and helped open doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Finding His Calling
The turning point came when Back met Andy Jones, a stunt performer, while he was coaching a Junior Olympic Diving Team. Jones noticed Back’s background in martial arts and diving and asked a simple question: Why aren’t you doing stunts?
“It was a lightbulb moment,” Back said. “Growing up in Indiana, you don’t think of the entertainment industry as a realistic career.”
Back soon auditioned for Universal Studios’ long-running live stunt show WaterWorld, which required performers to be set on fire and dive 45 feet. While he had never been set on fire, the diving and athleticism aligned perfectly with Back’s background.
“That’s where I found my first mentors in the stunt world,” he said. “They taught me how to build a demo reel, navigate the industry, and get my name out there.”
Earning Trust—and Momentum
Breaking into the stunt industry wasn’t just due to Back’s physical abilities; his communication skills became vital. He learned that trust on set is built through collaboration and understanding the needs of coordinators, directors, and especially the actors he doubled.
That skill became critical on Ghosted, where Back served as the primary stunt double for Chris Evans. Evans, Back said, was deeply collaborative, often discussing what felt true to his character and how action could support storytelling.
“Learning how to not just do what the coordinator says, but also understand what the actor wants to incorporate into the character,” Back said.
Back credits his communication degree with giving him the confidence to speak up, listen closely, and translate creative ideas into action.
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Looking Ahead
Looking back on his own path, Back offers practical advice for students finding their way.
“Don’t get stuck on one thing. If you’re unhappy, pivot. Try something else,” Back said. “With a Liberal Arts degree, we’re adaptable. Just don’t be afraid to say yes to something that scares you a little.”
For Back, that philosophy stemming from his time at Purdue has carried him from the classroom to Hollywood sets, and continues to shape what comes next.
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