Stunt Performer Spotlight: Jessie Frietze

Tell about yourself, Jessie!

I am a competitive skateboarder, stunt woman, and avid Sci-Fi fan from Southern California.  Growing up, I played softball and soccer, ran track and field, pole vaulted, and surfed most summers.

At the age of 8, I got my first skateboard and I've been hooked ever since.  In 2015, I began riding competitively and focused my attention on skating vert and bowls.  

What inspired you to become a stunt person?

As a child, I was always inspired by powerful female figures in movies and television. Admiring characters like Xena, Buffy, and Tomb Raider, I dreamt of one day becoming a stunt performer.

While living in New York, I had the opportunity to be a stunt double on a coming-of-age pilot, which inspired me to seriously pursue stunts and produce creative skateboarding projects.

After moving back to Southern California, I began training in Parkour and Mixed Martial Arts.  I'm currently focused on continuing to develop new skills in these arts and disciplines, on top of exploring my creative expression in skateboarding.

‍

Tell your all-time personal favorite stunt story!

My favorite project to work on was a skateboarding music video shoot at Furst Castle.  The location had an empty 1970's wading pool which looked like something out of a dream.  The Director wanted to get some shots of skateboarders bombing down a driveway and the one that they had in mind was a long, rough, asphalt driveway with rocks and potholes scattered all over.

It was definitely one of the steepest hills I've skated since I was a kid. The skaters looked at the hill and said, "We will give it our best to make this work." Everyone was slipping and sliding everywhere but we went for it!

We bombed the driveway over and over.  I, along with most of the skaters, took a few tumbles but that didn't stop us from having the time of our lives!  I remember the enthusiastic energy of the crew and how genuinely excited everyone was to be a part of the project that day.  It made for an incredible experience and created some long lasting friendships.

What advice would you give other stunt people?

The most profound lesson I’ve learned being apart of a vibrant action sports community is that at the end of the day, it’s really about showing up, trying again, and having fun with the people around you.

I think the most important thing we can do as performers and action enthusiasts is to continue to believe in our dreams and never lose our childhood wonder.

Instagram: @jessiefrietze

TikTok: @jessiefrietze

Stunt Players Directory: https://www.stuntplayers.com/player/jessie-frietze/