Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
#aTypical Interview: Stunt woman Jenny Umbhau
CAPE TOWN-BORN stunt woman, dancer, gymnast, activist and actress Jenny Umbhau is best known for playing the stunt double of Wednesday Addams on the Netflix original,
Wednesday.
Umbhau has had her share of on-screen appearances, working on the set of the Resident Evil TV series and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, The Maze Runner, Tomb Raider and Escape Room. Locally, she was involved in the production of Black Sails, filmed in Somerset West, outside Cape Town.
You are able to stunt double for any actress in the world. Whom do you choose and why?
If this was an unrealistic world, and if Charlize Theron were 156cm tall, then definitely her. I idolise her as an actress, but she also plays the most bad-ass characters with the coolest fights and stunts.
How would you describe being a stunt double for Wednesday Adams ?
Working on Wednesday changed my life. It was the biggest show I’ve worked on. Getting to work alongside Tim Burton was a dream come true. Being chosen to be (Jenna) Ortega’s stunt double was an honour. She’s a wonderful and talented actress.
What does it take to be a great stunt woman?
The recipe is being persistent, hard-working, resilient, humble, lifting others up with you, sharing your knowledge, never giving up when times get tough, keeping your body physically and mentally strong, having a crazy love for adrenaline, and being passionate about what you do.
The greatest stunt man/woman?
Jackie Chan. He is the epitome of the world-renowned stunt performer. All his stunts are crazy dangerous, and he’s sustained multiple serious injuries in his career. I hope to be half of the stunt performer he is one day.
Three items you have to have in your fridge at all times?
I’m a bit of a sauce head. Ketchup, Dhanya & Chilli Sauce, Sweet Chilli, Mrs Balls Chutney, Lappies Chilli, Braai Sauce, Chick-fil-A, Tabasco, Perinaise … you name it, I have it. Blueberries. I’m an addict. All Japanese foods that I bring from abroad. I guard these items with every inch of my being.
Your biggest fear?
Losing my family (and that includes my best friends, my dogs and my partner). They mean everything to me. They are the reason I’ve come as far as I have in my career. They are my biggest supporters.