In town recently for the New Zealand premiere of Quentin Taratino’s latest heart-stopper, The Hateful Eight, actress and stuntwoman Zoë Bell spoke to FQ about her career highlights, handbag must-haves and what scares her the most…
What inspired your career as a stuntwoman and actress?
A combination of my love of being up high, going fast and entertaining people.
Tell us about your first stunt job.
The first time I was told “you got the job”, I was 17. It was a pilot called Amazon High. We shot in Taupo for three weeks and I was hooked.
What’s the craziest/most exciting thing you’ve had to do on the job?
Death Proof chase sequence and the high fall in Catwoman.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve had so many amazing career moments over the years but honestly – as cheesy as it sounds – the highlight is getting to do what I do.
You looked stunning on the red carpet for The Hateful Eight. What do you do to get red carpet ready?
Good bubbles, good tunes, a New Zealand designer and little help from my friends. In particular, my dear friend and stylist Natasha Guttenbeil!
You worked closely with Jennifer Jason Leigh for the film. What did you learn from her?
Jennifer Jason Leigh was phenomenal. Dedicated, committed and simply brilliant.
My favourite New Zealand restaurant or café is…
SPQR. Caramelised onion, feta and Cajun chicken pizza. All day, every day.
The New Zealand fashion designer who I wear the most is…
Impossible to pick just one, but current stand outs are Stolen Girlfriends Club, Zambesi and Juliette Hogan.
I would most like to work with…
There’s a multitude of amazing people that I am inspired by and would be honoured to work with. The first names that come to mind: Taika Waititi, Catherine Hardwicke, Denis Villeneuve and New Zealand industry folk who want to bring films home with me.
In my handbag right now…
Five different lip glosses, two pairs of sunglasses and a muesli bar.
The thing that scares me most is…
Praying mantis’.
My favourite movie is…
There are far too many movies to even began a list! But to name a few (early ones) Stand By Me, The Castle, Pulp Fiction, The Matrix, Labyrinth etc etc etc…
The best advice I’ve ever received is…
From my mum: “Don’t interrupt someone unless it is to point out beauty.”
My top three beauty must-haves are…
Water for my skin, a great black mascara and my favorite fragrance head-to-toe!
I maintain my health, fitness and wellness by…
Running, skating, hiking, surfing, swimming, bike riding in any amounts and combinations.
