Missy Peregrym planned to become a Phys-Ed teacher but fate intervened and the native of Surrey, B.C., fell into modeling and then acting, first in commercials and then dramatic series.
Peregrym, 23, had a starring role in Black Sash, where she became an expert in martial arts, and also played a saucy teenager in the short-lived but popular Life As We Know It, opposite heavy metal daughter, Kelly Osborne. Peregrym's also appeared on Smallville and The Chris Isaak Show.
In a recent phone interview from her L.A. apartment, Peregrym talked about her newest venture and first feature film role in Stick It (expected in theatres in May). She plays Haley Graham, a troubled teenager who is branded a juvenile delinquent and ordered to study gymnastics. "I love the character," says Peregrym, whose first name is short for Melissa. "Her defense mechanism is sarcasm. But she's also smart. In her life everyone has betrayed her and it's a dramatic journey as she starts to face her fears." (Though the film title sounds sexual "stick it" actually refers to landing a gymnastics routine with both feet firmly on the mat.)
If the premise - gymnastics versus jail time - sounds implausible, it's nothing compared to the training Peregrym underwent. The actor had to become a credible gymnast in just four months. Like Oscar winner, Hilary Swank, who buffed up almost every inch of her body for Million Dollar Baby, Peregrym developed muscles where none existed before. She had to master the horse, parallel bars, and floor exercises. As a result of the rigorous training, the athletic actress developed tendonitis in her knees and elbows, suffered shin splints and discovered she had minor scoliosis.
"Emotionally, physically, and mentally it was draining. I felt like I was NOT an athlete!" says Peregrym, who is a dedicated soccer player and snowboarder and played lacrosse and field hockey in high school. The training gave her a taste of what career gymnasts and Olympians endure: "I admire their strength and dedication. They have to give up a lot."
Peregrym says the highlight of production was working opposite Jeff Bridges, who plays Haley's coach. He gave her acting tips, telling her to paraphrase the character's lines in rehearsal. "He told me to tell her story in my own words. It was a breakthrough for me and really helped me get in touch with her emotions.
"I naturally related to her character." With any luck, film audiences will too.
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