An Interview with Jwaundace Candece, Actress and Stuntwoman

by Mike Haberfelner

March 2015

First of all, why don't you introduce yourself to those of us who are unfortunate enough to not already know you?

Hi, my name is Jwaundace Candece, you can call me "JC".

You have only recently made the transition from stuntwoman to actress - to ask quite bluntly, why?

I've always had a passion for acting since I was a little girl. And I figure that I can not do stunts forever so why not embrace my passion.

How easy or difficult is it to make that transition from stunting to acting, actually, in terms of getting work and changing industry people's perceptions of you?

I always felt that stunts IS acting because you are pretending to be the actress you are doubling or a character who had a lot of physicality --- so that part of the transition I found easy. As far as professionally, it's still a challenge just like stunts but I am competing in the audition world. Same hustle different role.

What can you tell us about your training as an actress?

I've had well over 15 years of training as an actor beginning in college, then Atlanta at the Alliance, then LA at The Groundlings, The Beverly Hills Playhouse and lastly, The Ivana Chubbuck Studios. So, I've had quite my share.

Your first major acting gig was I believe in the comedy Let's Be Cops - now what can you tell us about that movie, your character in it, the shoot as such, and how did you get the role in the first place?

I actually auditioned for a smaller role. The casting directors saw potential and gave me the sides for "JaQuandae" and I nailed it. I was then introduced to the writer, director and producers and then got picked. It was quite an experience.

Of late, you've also been in a handful of episodes of the TV-series Resurrection - so what can you tell us about that experience of yours?

Now THAT was an AMAZING experience. I was surrounded by such great actors I always admired and I HAD to be on my P's and Q's. I hope when season 3 gets picked up I can be in more episodes. 

Any other acting gigs of yours you'd like to talk about?

There were other shows before I booked these two, like Cinemax's Banshee and BET's Let's Stay Together, where I had some supporting roles that I loved portraying, and recently Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots. I look forward to many more in the future

How would you describe yourself as an actress, and some of the techniques to bring your characters to life?

I love portraying character roles where I can be someone soooooooo opposite of myself. I love bringing those roles to life. As far as my techniques---besides what I learned in classes, EXPERIENCE is always a great teacher... LOL.

Are you actually still working as a stuntwoman these days?

Yes I am. I will never give up the best day job anyone can have until I book a steady acting gig.

As far as I know, your initial claim to fame was neither as an actress nor a stuntwoman but as a wrestler with WOW - so what can you tell us about that period of your career, and how did you get into wrestling even? And how did this prepare you for things to come?

HEHEHHE... yessss... those were the good old days. I just arrived in LA in 2000 and a friend convinced me to audition because I've always been athletic. I made the team and went on to become WOW's first tag team champions with my partners, Loca and Vendetta, in 2001, and we were know as Caged Heat. It was so fun and amazing and from there, it jump-started my stunt career.

How did you morph from wrestler to stuntwoman, how do you train to be a stuntwoman, and what are some of your special talents within the world of stunts?

I was recruited for my first gig in Bringing Down the House as Queen Latifah's stunt double. I already had fighting background to perform the fight scene in that movie. I went on to learn other skills like driving and wire work and fire burns, which came naturally and kinda easy. But as a stunt professional, you have to keep up your training to maintain your skill above the rest.

Do talk about some of your career highlights as a stuntwoman for a bit!

Performing stunts for Queen Latifah, Viola Davis, Taraji Henson, Tyra Banks, Mo'Nique and other actresses whom I always looked up too. And being able to travel to parts of the world I would have never dreamed of such as Prague, Austria, Hong Kong, etc.

Any future projects you'd like to share?

None I can discuss at the moment.

Actresses, stuntperformers, whoever else who inspire you?

Honestly, there are TOO many to name because I've worked with so many amazingly and talented stunt women and actresses that they all have inspired me in some way or another.

Your favourite movies?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Jwaundace Candece at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find Jwaundace Candece here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai

The Notebook, Beyond Lights, Shawshank Redemption, Heat, Malcolm X, I can go on and on... and action movies of course like The Avengers, the upcoming Suicide Squad (can't wait to see that unfold on screen), and I am a sucker for love stories and a great drama.

Your website, Facebook, whatever else?

Here is all of my social media:

Twitter: @jwaundace

Facebook: jwaundace

Website www.jwaundace.com

Instagram jwaundace candece

www.IMDB.com/JwaundaceCandece

Anything else you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

Can't think of anything at the moment --- thank you so much for this opportunity.

Thanks for the interview!

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