Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz on Stunts and Doubling for Jenna Ortega in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Stunt performers truly are some of the biggest unsung heroes in Hollywood, and lately, Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz has been putting it all on the line to keep us immersed in the high-octane cinema action.
The stunt artist and actress has an impressive resume, including stunts for Ms. Marvel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Blue Beetle, Fly Me to the Moon and so many more, and today, Sep. 5, her action-packed work will be witnessed around the world as she doubles for Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz in the eagerly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Ahead of today's big release, we got the chance to chat with Jewelianna to learn all about her history as a stunt artist and her experience on the set of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Keep reading for the full interview.
Sweety High: Can you tell us about your path to becoming a stunt performer? How did you get introduced to that world, and why did it feel like such a perfect fit for you?
Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz: Well, Ive been a professional martial artist my whole life. I started when I was 3 years old. My parents were my instructors. I started competing young and I over the years became a multiple-time world champion. I had heard stories of martial artists going into film, but it felt like it was just a "luck" thing. The next step was either go out and get a regular job or pursue a career that included my passion and for me that next big step, the dream, was stunts.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
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SH: What would you say was your first big break?
JRO: Probably, Miss Marvel for stunts, that was my first big production that made people look at my resume and go "oh nice." For acting, it was Bad Boys: Ride or Die. That was my first big-screen acting role where I got to see my face on the big screen.
SH: Can you tell us a little bit about your recent role as Jenna Ortega's stunt double in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? What kind of physicality was required for some of those stunts?
JRO: Well, I had to get real comfortable with bike riding, crashing and wrecking, "drifting" the bike, getting real close to cars about to hit me but not getting hit, going though a wooden fence, then down a very steep hill of loose dirt and smacking myself into our cement prop tree and landing in a perfect spot where camera couldn't see my face but I was perfectly set up for Jenna to come in and continue her acting, Ha! It was some of the roughest rehearsal days with hours of non-stop crashing in extreme high 90s heat and full pad suits on for protection.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
Not to mention, the bikes we had were vintage European Schwinn bikes that were reported to be in the states for a certain amount of time but had to be sent back to Europe right after filming. So they were not mountain bikes, had terrible brakes and traction. We even had a bike technician on the call sheet and he and I worked closely every single day prepping those bikes for Jenna and I.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
SH: Did you spend time with Jenna Ortega on set at all? What was that experience like?
JRO: Yes, oh my goodness what a sweetheart. She shows love and kindness to every single person she encounters. Strangers, cast, crew, dogs, cats, everyone. She made time to go say hi, take pictures with kids and sign autographs with fans that had shown up to our location sets. We talked about journal entries, our journeys of getting into the film industry and how much we both very much love our families and culture, being that we are both Puerto Rican.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
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SH: What was your favorite memory from the set? Any standout moments with the star-studded cast?
JRO: My stunt coordinator, Heidi Moneymaker, a legend in the stunt world, gave me a hug before my tree hit and said "My little wrecker" and my colleague Sarah that was doubling Winona Ryder said "Send it!," which translates into "Smack into that tree like it owes you money."
I went down that hill and into that steel bar/cement tree, hard and fast! I laid there rolling as to keep the action alive while still covering my face as the entire neighborhood fell silent just after a collective gasp… I wait for a "Cut!" but I don't hear one, all I hear is clapping and a "Fantastic! Whoa!" in the distance. Which I peek through to see Tim Burton running at me! His A.D. yells, "I think that's a cut!" I immediately pop my thumbs up so everyone knows I'm not hurt and Tim Burton hugs me and says, "That was so good! We got it, I am not going to make you do that again and I'll bet you're happy to hear that!" I smiled and said "For you, I'd do it over and over again, but I am delighted to hear that you loved it."
That entire day he would stop what ever he was doing to show the cast the playback as they would they would show up on set. Jenna hugged me so tight and was at of loss of words for a second before she blurted out "You… you're insane! That's a cement tree!" That day is possibly the highlight of my career to date.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
SH: Is there anything you can't wait for fans to see in the movie?
JRO: The Shrinkers! I got the pleasure of being in the costume with the animatronic on my head as Chuck the Shinker, and man, that was fun!
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
But truthfully, I cannot wait for them to see the creative mastery and complete masterclass on trusting your gut and having fun that Tim Burton puts on. It's so nostalgic and incredible to see something so unique pulled off, once again, 34 years later!
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
JRO: I'm very active on my socials I love to interact with my followers @karate.jewels. You can catch me playing Maria in Cobra Kai Season 6 Part 2, dropping Nov. 15. Also, Bad Boys: Ride or Die and Jackpot! on both streaming on Prime!
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SH: What advice do you have for anyone aspiring to do the type of work you do?
JRO: Train different athletic genres, train with different people, be kind and be true to yourself. This industry is tough on the mental, possibly more than that physical. Be confident in who you are and what you are capable of and you will find your place. "Hurry up and wait" is the name of the game. Be patient and do it for the sake of doing what you love.
(Image courtesy of Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
JRO: I want to share a message of love and inspiration, one that reaches young women coming up, "beautiful" and "bada**" don't have to be mutually exclusive, they can co-exist. Be both. Do not hide your femininity to fit into male-dominated spaces, rather show the world you can carve your own space wherever your heart desires. Dream big and hustle harder. Respect for yourself and others never goes out of style.
For more on what goes into our favorite films, click HERE to read our interview with Ava Cantrell, star of Abigail.