Bold, Bloody and Beautiful . By Brian Kirst
The ‘real world’ may know Julie Michaels best as Patrick Swayze’s co-star in Road Show or for kicking Keanu’s ass as "Freight Train" in Kathryn Bigelow’s action packed Point Break . Horror fans know the forceful Ms. Michaels best as Agent Elizabeth Marcus in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday . As the resourceful Marcus, Michaels escapes a slippery death at the hands of Jason and leads him into his (momentary) annihilation. This singular and exceptional feat (accented by her courageous, no nonsense performance as Marcus) has resulted in Michaels’ induction into many an enthusiastic horror fan’s hall of fame. Michaels is no one trick terror pony, though. She has had major roles in such goose bump inducing fright fests as Doctor Mordrid , Witchboard 2: The Devil’s Doorway and femme horror icon Denise Duff’s Song of the Vampire . Michaels has also plied her wares as a skilled and respected stuntwoman on such productions as Domino , The Scorpion King , Sabretooth and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the television version). Currently, showing her versatility with a variety of guest appearances on such shows as Ghost Whisperer and Desperate Housewives , Michaels recently took some time to answer a few questions for me. She is strong, independent and her comments are coolly laced with a cinnamon sense of humor. Lords and ladies, behold, your new queen!
Brian: A recent news item revolved around a dog surviving an attack by a tiger. I would imagine any creative type in Hollywood is like that dog with show business, itself, being the tiger. What personal attributes do you feel have helped you survive this fun yet crazily tough business called show?
Julie: You have to love the whole process. The rejections and the acceptance. People who set out to take on Hollywood most times make the mistake of only being positive about the wins when there is a lot of good in the failures too. And because there is so much rejection, many just give up. I have learned to love it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. Finding inspiration in it all.
Brian: I am a playwright in Chicago and my latest – long gestating- work revolves around a down on her luck horror film actress who is reduced to appearing in a touring production of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Ice". She ultimately finds herself spending the night in the house of one of the mass murderers whom inspired the original Texas Massacre Film. Having appeared in a few horror films and television productions yourself – what unique qualities do you think I should imbue my character with? (I’ll give ya’ credit – I swear. I swear!!!)
Julie: I would think she would need a sense of humor. The best horror films have some of the funniest scenes. Like in Jason Goes to Hell Kane Hodder, who plays "Jason", also had a part in the film as a security guard in which he calls Jason "A Pussy"!
Brian: You performed stunts for James Cameron’s Titanic . If you actually lived on a ship and it was going down – what 3 things would you save? Also, maybe please, tell us a bit about working on that slightly well know production while you’re at it – huh:huh?
Julie: By "things" I think you are implying material stuff and not people:right? Okay then I would save a dingy, fresh water, and food:after nothing is worth saving if you perish right? As for working on the film, it was one of the worst experiences I have ever had in film. There was very little regard for safety. While shooting in Mexico, stunt people were getting hurt left right and center. The US stunts people (I say US because there were several countries of performers working) demanded that we bring paramedics down from San Diego to care for us.
Brian: Do you love Buffy like I love Buffy ? (Yep, that was a question!) In fact, my niece was so jealous of my supreme love for her – that she used to scornfully call her "that Betty!" Any cool memories about working on that famed Joss Whedon production?
Julie: I was very impressed with Sara Michelle Gellar. She could memorize her lines faster than anyone I had ever seen!
Brian: Okay, last one! – "Jason", "Doctor Mordrid" or you? Who would survive the ultimate showdown? – And how?
Julie: Well, I already survived "Jason" and was too young to go up against "Dr Mordrid". That being said, I feel relatively confident that I could take them both on. 12 years as a student of Sensei Benny "The Jet" Urquedez has given me great tools and a bad ass Axe kick!!! – Thanks for the interview!
