Angela Meryl’s first official class in entertainment was Tap Dancing, she was about 7 years old. Angela enjoyed tap dancing. The movement was very freeing but I was very shy being on stage. Later, she did a play in elementary school that she totally enjoyed.
Angela Meryl is actually a former model and make-up artist from Willingboro, New Jersey. Angela received her first stunt gig alongside actor Sinbad, in the movie First Kidd. The game changer occurred when she came crashing through a glass table in the opening scene of Kill Bill Volume I, while doubling Vivica A. Fox. That performance garnered industry wide recognition and applause from peers in the business and fans to this day of the Quentin Tarantino directed cult flick hit.
Today, Angela has done stunts in over 50 films, and has doubled for Halle Berry, Beyonce Knowles, Rihanna, Vanessa L. Williams, Rihanna, Vivica A. Fox Paula Patton, Sanaa Lathan, Mary J. Blige, Gabrielle Union over 50 actresses and still counting.
@AngelaMeryl Happy Birthday. I wish you the best of the best today and always and enjoy this day with your loved ones. Many kisses and hugs. pic.twitter.com/In8DlatSQW
— JoXenite (@JoXenite75) February 20, 2017
In Meryl’s world, everyday life beyond the paramount role of motherhood to an elementary aged daughter includes the elements of proper diet, exercise and rest for constant training and playtime daily. As a result, she continues to reign supreme when it comes to crashing vehicles, jumping off rooftops, rappelling from helicopters, swimming the deep blue seas or the murky water of the Hudson Bay behind the faces of Hollywood’s finest talent on the big screen and the silver screen.
And to top that Angela is the author of Stunts: How To Handbook: Secrets From an Award Winning Hollywood Stuntwoman. The book thoroughly chronicles Meryl’s experiences in the business, beginning with an accounting of her experience on The Oprah Winfrey Show, which took place during the eve of the finale season. Part I, then goes on to reveal the intricacies of the embodiment of her work, including a plethora of tried and proven techniques that have allowed her to become the celebrated stuntwoman she is today.
#StandUpForStunts #Oscars2017 We deserve a category #AcademyAwards @StuntsUnlimited @ISAstunts @brandXstunts @SampStuntmen pic.twitter.com/cPsxrXfUF6
— Angela Meryl (@AngelaMeryl) February 25, 2017
Did you study acting?
One of my first classes was with Mike Lemon Casting In Philadelphia. Mike saw me at a Fashion Show and suggested I take commercial acting classes. I really liked being in front of the camera because I could become someone else and break out of the shyness. After studying with several others in Philadelphia I was told to really make it and take my career as an actor to the next level I would have to travel to NY, I went to HB Studios and studied with Uta Hagen.
What acting technique do you use?
I love Susan Batson’s method. I studied with her when she still owned Black Nexus in Los Angeles. I feel I use method and sense memory and substitution. However I really focus on being on the moment, being organic and focusing on what the other person is saying. I feel improv classes really make you stay present make you really listen to the other person.
Describe our work as a stunt double?
My work as a stunt double means I must be present at all times. Train in as many areas of physicality that I can possibly do. As a stunt person you need know what your going to be asked to do. You don’t and can not possible be an expert in every area but you should extremely talented in at least one. You are there to make the actor look like a Superhero!
You have been doing stunts for a while, why?
I enjoy what I do as a stunt person. I have trained with many different people over the span of my career in many different areas. I am still training and learning new things. Not one person can know everything,
What acting books do you read?
Susan Batson’s book TRUTH, and Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way
How do you keep fit as an actor?
Physically I exercise on a daily basis whether it’s Martial Arts, Pilates, elliptical machine, pool, resistance bands etc. For acting I go to a cold read class and I also go to an improv class. I watch as much TV as possible and go to the movies as time permits.
How do you prepare for a role?
I read it as much as possible so that I can get the lines and then start becoming that person and forget about the lines. If I’m able I read with a partner to rehearse.
How do you create a character in a script into a person?
I create a backstory about the person so they have a life. One actor I was reading about writes in a journal daily.
How do you stay fresh on set?
I go to crafty. LOL just kidding! I may go over my lines, go back to the trailer, Meditate and visualize how the day is going to go.
Describe a memorable character you played?
I have been a stunt double for Vivica A Fox in Kill Bill, Beyonce in Obsessed, Sanaa Lathan in The Perfect Guy and many more. These were all very memorable for me because they all had to be strong women and defend themselves.
What do you want most from a director?
Understanding, guidance, and patience.
What actors do you long to work with?
Samuel L. Jackson
Why?
I really enjoy watching him portray different people.I really believe that he lives ,breaths and eats acting I get lost in the movie
What advice would you give to actors
A Casting Director told me once that all actors should watch a lot of TV and go to the movies as much as possible that your downtime but study time.
Briefly write about your career
Steadily starting, always growing.
INTERVIEWS
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
