Tell about yourself and your background! *
Originally from Southern California. I am a former Collegiate Division 1 Softball Athlete. I grew up playing ball since I was around 7-8 years old. I then quickly transitioned to Martial Arts with a focus in Muay Thai Boxing. In 2013, I got into the industry shortly after I graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors in Film Production with a minor in Performing Arts in 2012. From there I moved back to the west coast and started as a Production Assistant. Then I made my way into my passion for driving. So I got into Hollywood Teamster for Local 399 in 2018. Throughout my journey, I developed a passion for riding motorcycles, fought amateur kickboxing and Muay Thai while also incorporating competitive softball on the weekends. I also continued to take acting classes and gain more knowledge about fitness and nutrition while working on the commercial and TV/Film Industry. This journey eventually led me to pursuing stunt acting and/or action acting.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
I was inspired by the industry itself. I started from the bottom and love the people that work in it. We’re like a family. I found that the stunt community had a lot of similarities that I had. I felt really understood. Beyond that, my love for action films has been a long-time passion of mine. When I was younger I was inspired by a lot of action icons like the Power Rangers and I always wanted to be apart of something like that.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
I believe my background in fighting is my greatest skill. I’ve learned quite a few martial arts and they’re all incorporated in with my style.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
The best part, like I said before are the people you encounter. The stunt community is very tight knit and they’re like a family. Thus far, I’ve been fortunate enough and have enjoyed being able to meet so many awesome folks.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
My first stunt job, it was so small and for a music video for a friend. I had to fight like I was in a video game. It was in the middle of nowhere I think in Lancaster/Palmdale and I had to fight in what was just dirt and dust everywhere. I’m sure I’ll have a better story later down the line of my career, but that was my most memorable because it was my first.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
I would tell them like I tell myself everyday now—that I heard one of my hot yoga teacher say…”hold fast.” Meaning, what I believe to be is…”hold tight or hold on.” Life can be super rough and feel really tough but just don’t give up on yourself. There are times where you’ll be so tired and not know how to get what you want and you felt you may have tried EVERYTHING. But if you just “hold fast” and stay in there, it will eventually happen.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
Pursuing stunts is like living life on the edge. Most people will think you’re insane because your risking your life but the risk is worth taking if it’s going to give you a life worth living.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
Instagram: @andaschamoorepryor
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
Action Reel: https://youtu.be/5V9h-nsEJGo
Acting Reel: https://youtu.be/rOmmeJYKGlY
