Tell about yourself and your background! *
I was a total daddy’s girl growing up! I come from Alabama and always had a good mix of activities: cheerleading, dance, sports, academics. After graduating Tuskegee University I moved to Atlanta to be a cop for Cobb County PD. One day a car hit me when I was on my way to an accident. It was a life changing event but I bounced back and focused on a different job in safety: being a flight attendant. I started flying for Delta and I’ve seen the world. I was acting and modelling about 6yrs ago and doing stunts 5yrs ago, it’s been very rewarding.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
I was doing background in the movie Game Night when I was in the crowd cheering for the fighters. I really enjoyed it, I asked the main actor what they were doing (😂) and he explained that they were stunt performers. I’d been doing TKD and karate for several years at that point so I made it a goal to switch over to stunts. I trained harder in more classes including boxing, weapons, kickboxing, fighting on camera, anything that I thought could help improve my abilities.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
At first glance I’d say I love hand to hand combat and very good at it, but my best skill without a doubt is acting. Although the eyes are a true window to the soul, we have to embody a character with our whole bodies. The cameras are rolling from every angle you should BE that character and persona until you’re not ‘acting’ at all.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
The best part of being a stunt performer is the knowledge you gain to shoot your own movies. We truly understand action, it’s why films like John Wick and Extraction have had such success. It doesn’t require a super complicated plot line, audiences like to see ground pound, explosions, and intricate fight choreo. The bad guys killed his dog….they kidnapped a kid- let’s get em! I’ve written and produced several short films myself and I'm currently working on my first feature film called Malevolence😈 This new generation of stuntmen/producers have truly inspired me.
Tell your all-time favorite stunt story!
I just recently did an amazing stunt for Andy Gill on Black Panther 2 involving water! I love swimming as well as scuba diving. I’d say waterworks are my fave alongside acting and fighting. But it’s hard to choose I also played Brittany, with a few lines on the show Bigger and I can’t deny improv is where I shine:) it’s totally fun to say and do things we’d never do in real life.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
I’m still learning, as this is such an amazing journey to be in the entertainment industry. But I’d tell other stunt performers to broaden their skills. It took me a full 3yrs to step outside of fighting and swimming to learn something new. I started horseback riding and learning driving. There are opportunities missed when you only stick to a specific skill set. I’d also advise please be yourself, you are authentic there is no other you! Although it’s fun to take a scene or fight from a famous movie, we shouldn’t be copying other performers (sizes, tricks, wardrobe, looks, fight ideas). Be your own person, brainstorm and think of what you can do today to improve yourself. What new format can you bring to audiences that’s fun and interesting? You will go far, just be courteous and move forward don’t stop!
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I look forward to working with all of you. We hope to have Malevolence (an action sci-fi thriller) out on various platforms by next year…stay tuned!
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
My Instagram was hacked last year so please friends reach out!😂 My new IG handle is: only1bridgettebentley
My FB is Bridgette.Michelle.58 You can also see my works on IMDb.
Please include any links to stunt reels or videos you'd like to share!
FORESHADOWING Horror Movie Short I wrote and Lead actress. A woman seeks out the help of a psychic when she’s having trouble with her man. The reading doesn’t go as planned !
POWER RANGERS: RESURGENCE” helped with production and lead actress in. A Green Ranger/Rita Repulsa saga!
“THE MISSION” Action Short written by me and lead actress. Two gunrunners Max Dillon and Joe Xander become close like family in the underworld when one betrays the other. Michelle Reign, girlfriend of Joe is along for the ride. What happens next….no one will see coming!
MR BUFORD😂 This substitute teacher has had enough!! Lol straight comedy! I helped produced this and wrote 4 follow up episodes! The students at Trap High don’t play that
https://www.facebook.com/100001272196436/posts/3652248181494219/?d=n
