How did you get started in stunt work? Was it something you wanted to do from a young age?
I think I was destined to have an active career – I’ve been active all my life. I had my first birthday in the snow and started snow and water-skiing as soon as I could walk. I started ballet and gymnastics at the age of three, and later did swimming and tennis. I started my professional career as a contemporary dancer and lived in London, following my dreams, but wanting more action and adventure, I moved into the field of film and TV as a stunt actress – and I love it!
Your grandma is featured in the photos with you. Tell us a little about her.
She is an amazing person. Can you believe she is 90?! I hope when I’m 90 I’m going strong like her. She was born in Estonia and I call her Vanaema, the Estonian name for grandma. She escaped WWII with her young son and sisters. Both my parents are Estonian – I was born here in Australia – but have strong ties to Estonia. Vanaema has been a great support through my career and life – she has always been involved and present. She’s also your typical loving grandma, always trying to feed me…. as the Europeans do. She started driving at 60 – that’s when she first got her licence – and, thankfully for the rest of us, she no longer drives. Her first and only car was a V8 Commodore and as soon as I got my L’s I was driving that with her as my passenger.
What do you do in terms of training?
I train six days a week, between 90 minutes and three hours per day. My general training involves cardio, weights, yoga, Pilates, and dance classes, and I do a lot of body weight exercises. When I have a specific role coming up I will train especially for that: it may involve fight training, gymnastics, whatever. I like to keep my training diverse and challenging, so I’ll get outside when I can.
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