‘SEAL Team’ Stunt Coordinator Called “The Babe Who Nuked Keanu” by The New York Times Acp Congo –

2024-09-18 08:44:10

I think acting is one of the most exciting professions in the world. True heroes are those who are willing to spend months, maybe even years, trying to create a role to tell authentic stories.

But do you know who impresses me more? People who can act with other creative endeavors. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Julie Michaels. That’s also why I want to tell you how she became the icon she is today.

Biography of Julie Michaels

You probably already know who Julie Michaels is. After all, the woman has been in the entertainment industry for almost three decades. However, I want to give you a glimpse into her life before acting.

Born on July 20, 1970, in Washington DC, Michaels is 54 at the time of writing this post. Many people don’t know this, but she was always interested in gymnastics.

She attended the University of Washington on a gymnastics scholarship and was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). She also competed in beauty pageants, winning the Miss USA title twice.

She even went to Asia to study martial arts under a famous martial artist, Taekwondo athlete, and actress Benny Urquidez. To this day, she continues to practice martial arts.

So, while most people recognize Michaels from her movies, she was a famous woman before she started her acting career.

Julie Michaels career

Julie Michaels is an actress, producer and stunt coordinator. Talk about a jack of all trades. Do you want to know how she juggled all that? I have you.

Acting

Michaels began her journey in the entertainment industry as an actress. You know how actresses usually start with minor roles before they hit the jackpot? Well, Julie hit the jackpot right away.

The Roadhouse (1989)

Julie’s first role was in Rowdy Herrington’s Road House. Although the film was not critically acclaimed when it first came out, it later became a cultural classic.

There was the most watched movie on cable in 2020. Critical success aside, Michaels’ performance was fresh and engaging. It captured the hearts of the audience and put her name as a rising talent on the map.

Here’s a fun fact: Julie Michaels won her role by writing “Property of Joel Silver” on her thigh during her audition.

Point Break (1991)

If Road House puts Michaels name on the map, Break Point tape it with adhesive strips. Why? How many women have you seen beat Keanu Reeves to land on the big screen? No wonder the New York Times called her “The Babe Who Nuked Keanu”.

I guess you can say it helped increase her popularity.

Jason Goes to Hell: The Last Friday (1993)

Jason Goes to Hell was another big screen appearance for Michaels. Sure, she didn’t have a leading role in the movie, but let’s be honest: Wasn’t her FBI scene one of the most memorable? Because that’s what Michaels does. She always leaves a special mark.

Stunt coordination

As mentioned, Michaels has always been a gymnast and martial arts enthusiastic. She also learned horse jumping, car racing, and more. So, it’s no surprise that she eventually became interested in stunt coordination.

How good was she? She was nominated for a 2014 Prime-Time Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or Variety Program.

You’re probably thinking: “What’s so special about that? Entertainers are nominated for awards all the time?” Well, Julie was the first woman to be nominated for that award, which shows her talent in her job.

In 2017, she won the Action Icon Award, celebrating stunt women working in the entertainment industry. She coordinated the stunts of Jane the Virgin, Seal Team, How to Get Away With Murder, Nashville, and many others.

Producing

You’ve probably seen this before: An actress becomes famous enough to enter the world of production. And let me tell you, Michaels was just as successful behind the camera as she was in front of it.

You don’t believe me? Maybe Last Writes (2014) will convince you. She starred and executive produced the film, which won a United International Film Festival Award.

She also co-produced After Forever (2018-2022), which won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series. I don’t know what would prove her competence if that doesn’t prove her competence.

Personal Life

Julie Michaels by Peewee Piemonte

She is married to Peewee Piemonte stunt coordinator, with whom she has been for nearly 30 years. Peewee is also a Hollywood stunt performer and coordinator.

The two met in 1993 on the “Jason goes to Hell” setwhere Piemonte was stunt coordinator and supervisor. They started dating and eventually exchanged vows later that year. The couple have two children: Vincenzo and Victoria.

In 2019, they were jointly nominated for Emmy Award for their work on CBS “SEAL Team.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, you can’t put Julie Michaels in one box. With a passion for creation and a knack for gymnastics, she has successfully tackled the most challenging endeavors in the entertainment industry.