I think acting is one of the most exciting careers in the world. Those willing to spend months, maybe even years, trying to perfect a role to convey authentic stories are true heroes.
But do you know who impresses me more? People who can juggle acting with other creative endeavors. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Julie Michales. That’s also why I want to tell you how she became the icon she is today.
Julie Michaels’s Biography
You probably already know who Julie Michaels is. After all, the woman has been in the entertainment industry for almost three decades. However, I want to give you a glimpse of her life before acting.
Born on July 20, 1970, in Washington D.C., Michaels is 54 as of writing this post. Many people don’t know this, but she’s always been interested in gymnastics.
She attended the University of Washington on a gymnastics scholarship and was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). She also competed in beauty pageants, winning the Miss USA title twice.
She even went to Asia to study martial arts under renowned martial artist, taekwondo athlete, and actor Benny Urquidez. To this day, she continues to practice martial arts.
So, even though most people recognize Michaels from her movies, she was an accomplished woman before starting her acting career.
Julie Michaels’s Career
Julie Michaels is An actress, a producer, and a stunt coordinator. Talk about a jack of all trades. Do you want to know how she juggled all that? I’ve got you.
Acting
Michaels started her journey in the entertainment industry as an actress. Do you know how aspiring actresses usually start with minor roles before they hit the jackpot? Well, Julie somewhat hit the jackpot right away.
Road House (1989)
Julie’s first role was in Rowdy Herrington’s Road House. Although the movie didn’t receive critical acclaim when it first came out, it later became a cultural classic.
It was the most-watched movie on cable in 2020. Critical success aside, Michaels’s performance was fresh and engaging. It captured the viewers’ hearts and put her name as a rising talent on the map.
Here’s a fun fact: Julie Michaels won her role by writing “Property of Joel Silver” on her thigh during her audition.
Point Break (1991)
If Road House puts Michaels’s name on the map, Point Break tapes it with adhesive strips. Why? How many women have you seen beat Keanu Reeves to the ground on the big screen? No wonder the New York Times dubbed her “The Babe Who Nuked Keanu.”
You can probably tell that it helped increase her popularity.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Jason Goes to Hell was another major screen appearance for Michaels. Sure, she didn’t have a leading role in the movie, but be honest: Wasn’t her FBI scene one of the most memorable? Because that’s what Michaels does. She always leaves a unique mark.
Stunt Coordination
As mentioned, Michaels has always been a gymnastics and martial arts enthusiast. She also learned horse jumping, car racing, and more. So, it’s no wonder she eventually became interested in stunt coordination.
How good was she? She was nominated for a Prime-Time Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program 2014.
You’re probably thinking: “What’s so special about that? Entertainers get nominated for awards all the time?” Well, Julie was the first woman to get nominated for that award, which shows her talent at her job.
In 2017, she won an Action Icon Award, celebrating the stuntwomen working in the entertainment industry. She’s also coordinated the stunts of Jane the Virgin, Seal Team, How to Get Away With Murder, Nashville, and more.
Producing
You’ve probably seen this before: An actress becomes famous enough that she steps into the world of production. And let me tell you, Michaels was as successful behind the camera as she was in front of it.
You don’t believe me? Maybe Last Writes (2014) will convince you. She was the movie’s star and executive producer, and it won the United International Film Festival Award.
She was also the co-executive producer of After Forever (2018-2022), which won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series. I don’t know what would prove her competence if that doesn’t prove her competence.
Personal Life
She is married to stunt coordinator Peewee Piemonte, with whom she has been for nearly 30 years. Peewee is also a renowned Hollywood stunt performer and coordinator.
The two met in 1993 on the “Jason Goes to Hell” set, where Piemonte was the stunt coordinator and supervisor. They began dating and eventually exchanged vows later that year. The couple has two children: Vincenzo and Victoria.
In 2019, they were jointly nominated for an Emmy Award for their work on CBS’s “SEAL Team.”
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you can’t put Julie Michaels in one box. With a passion for creating and a knack for gymnastics, she managed to step into the most challenging endeavors in the entertainment industry.
