Interview with a Stuntwoman

You may not recognise Danielle Burgio’s name straight away but it’s a good bet that you’ve seen her work. As one of Hollywood’s top stunt women Danielle has worked on such projects as The Matrix 2 & 3, Daredevil, CSI NY and Blade to name but a few. She has guest starred on the hit show ‘24′ and has written The Stuntwoman’s Workout which includes a foreward by Director John Carpenter. We were fortunate enough to steal a little time away from her busy schedule!

We’ll get the obvious question out of the way first of all - how and why did you become a stuntwoman?

Pardon the pun, but I just fell into it. I had been working as an actress and dancer when some stuntpeople I met sparked some interest in my head. From there, everything just fell in place. I guess I was willing to let my life take a sharp turn and I was never the same again.

It was a very atypical experience. Most people work for years to get into this elite circle. For me it was just, right time, right place with the right body and the right skills and bam, new career!

When you are performing as a stuntwoman do you adapt your performance to the actor’s style or do you do your own thing?

When I’m doubling an actress I watch her like a hawk. The more I can emulate her walk, her gestures, the easier it is going to be for the director and editor.

Of everything you have done from dancing to stunts to acting and to writing your book which have you found most challenging and which have been most personally rewarding?

They have all been challenging and rewarding for different reasons. This entire business is a challenge of the ego and when you get a great gig, the highs can be so high that it takes weeks to come down. (ie. when I booked the matrix sequels). The actual stuntwork has been an incredible journey of challenge. There have been countless times when I’ve been waiting for the director to call “action”, and I’m standing there with my heart pounding, wondering if I’ll be able to pull it off without killing or maming myself. Then, when they call “cut” and I’ve made it to the other side - wow, the rush of adrenelin! There’s nothing like it.

When I wrote the book, it was a different sense of accomplishment, but certainly one of my great moments. I had never even dreamed of writing. but an opportunity came along, I took the challenge, and on the other side, was a published author. I learned so much. And found a tremendous amount of reward from inspiring people and helping them realize what an adventure life can be for everyone.

Is there a stunt that you are particularly proud of?

There have been so many cool or weird things I’ve done that it’s hard to pick the favorite. And what I’m the most proud of is just being a part of this incredible community of people who amaze and inspire me everyday.

Ever have a stunt go bad?

Certainly, more than one. The first one that pops into mind is an incident with a motorized paraglider.
picture this, the motor is strapped to your back and you run pulling the canopy until you can get it up above your head, then take-off. We were shooting in mohab where the air is thin from altitude and where the wind creates turbulence from the rock formations. 2 of the 3 gliders broke down before I could get them off the ground. We were all frustrated, I was exhausted and time was running out. I just about had the 3rd machine off the ground and was heading toward an enormous drop when a gust of wind sent one of my lines into the propeller….exploding it.

Who is your favourite pop culture heroine?

Trinity is certainly close to my heart for many reasons. The first Matrix had a huge impact on me. And for the sequels, getting to slip into that vinyl was a dream come true.

Is there a stunt that you’ve seen on tv or film that you’ve thought to yourself ‘man I wish I did that!’?

I was unavailable to work on Mr. and Mrs. Smith and when I was sitting in the theater watching those stunts I was so jealous.

What advice would you give a young girl thinking of becoming a stuntwoman?

Realize there is more to it than the fun stuff. There are many times when you’ll be required to hurl your body into a brick wall as hard as you can, over and over and over.

You’ve worked with some very big names anyone stand out that you’ve really enjoyed working with or admired?

So many great people. I really love the cast of Crossing Jordan, Will and Grace, 24, Reno 911! and everyone on the Matrix. And there are so many more…. Gary Sinise, Willliam H Macy, Colin Farrell, Jane Fonda, John Carpenter, Adam Sandler, James Woods, Harrison Ford, Cher…the list goes on and on.

You had a part on 24 and didn’t even get to blow anything up! Is acting in a role that doesn’t include action an enjoyable experience for you?

I’ve been doing a lot of roles lately that have nothing to do with action and I’m having a blast. I started as an actress and feel like I’ve come full circle.

What’s next up for Danielle Burgio?

I have episodes of Crossing Jordan, According to Jim and Reno 911! that will be airing soon. There are also a few commercials that you may catch a glimpse of me in. The one I’m most excited about is a great spot for propel fitness water. It’s pretty hot!

You can read more about Danielle at her website or her IMDb entry. You can also order her book through Amazon!

Lee is a a huge popular culture freak, loves comic books, science fiction, soundtracks and writes for Quit Your Day Job.