Speaking French with Denise

A Brief Interview by Ivy Dillinger
Director of Publicity, BDFC



Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, young Denise Gallo was a sports-minded tomboy and an excellent dancer. Certainly a recipe for growing up to become a professional cheerleader for the NFL's Miami Dolphins. So... she did just that. Then she did some modeling and acting. Then a casting agent noticed her resemblance to an actress who needed a stunt double. Then her life found a path she hadn't anticipated.

Denise - whose stuntwork's been featured in the films 2 Fast 2 Furious and Snow Dogs, and the television dramas CSI: Miami and Third Watch - has graciously agreed to answer a few quick questions. So without further adieu...

IVY
On your website, you mentioned "paying your dues" as a stuntwoman. What exactly does that entail?

DENISE
There's no school to attend to learn how to be a stuntwoman. There are some courses such as stunt driving or martial arts to help you build your craft but no "how to." You really have to be persistent. It takes a long time to earn the trust and respect needed to excel in this business.

IVY
Which of your stunts are you most proud of?

DENISE
I would have to say working on 2 Fast 2 Furious as the assistant to the stunt coordinator and doing stunts is the job I'm most proud of. I had a lot of responsibility and learned a lot.



IVY
Have you seen Open Water?  If so, what's your impression of actress Blanchard Ryan, who acted alongside real sharks?

DENISE
Yes, I did see the film. I thought she did a great job. I'm sure she must have been scared but she has what it takes to get the job done. She put her fears aside and did her job.

IVY
Good advice for anyone. Thanks Denise!