Julie Michaels Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Height, Young, Movies, Net Worth, Husband, Family, Children
Julie Michaels is an American actress, stunt performer, and producer, widely recognized for her breakthrough role as Denise in the 1989 cult classic Road House, where she starred alongside Patrick Swayze. Born on July 20, 1970, in Northwest Washington, D.C., Michaels initially gained attention as a gymnast on the Division I team at the University of Washington before entering beauty pageants. Her background in athletics and physical performance made her a natural fit for the action-heavy roles that would come to define much of her career.
Following her Road House debut, Michaels appeared in a string of high-profile films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, including Point Break, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, Batman & Robin, and The Scorpion King. She also built a robust television portfolio with appearances on shows like Desperate Housewives, House M.D., Ghost Whisperer, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Weeds, and SEAL Team. Her film and TV presence has consistently balanced acting and physically demanding stunt roles.
Over time, Michaels transitioned into stunt coordination and production work, becoming one of the most respected women in the field. She made history as the first woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination. Along with her husband Peewee Piemonte, a veteran stuntman and coordinator, she has co-managed numerous productions. The couple married in 1993 and often collaborate professionally.
In addition to her stunt coordination credits, Michaels has received praise for her work as an executive producer and actress in the award-winning short film Last Writes. She continues to work in both film and television, with recent credits including the 2020 film Chick Fight and the 2017 series SEAL Team.
Age, Early Life and Family
Julie Michaels was born on July 20, 1970, in Northwest Washington, D.C., and is 53 years old as of 2023. Raised in a modest household, her father, Juan Manuel John Cavazos, was a firefighter, while her mother, Julie Doreen, worked as an elementary school teacher. She reportedly has a sister named Jaden Michael, although specific public information about her family remains limited.
Growing up, Julie showed a deep interest in athletics and the performing arts. Her early exposure to physical training and performance would eventually become the foundation of her long-lasting Hollywood career.
Education and Training
Michaels was an exceptional athlete from a young age. Her talent earned her a full gymnastics scholarship to the University of Washington, where she competed on their NCAA Division I team—the Washington Huskies. Her experience in competitive sports instilled in her a sense of discipline, fearlessness, and physical agility that would prove critical to her later stunt work.
In addition to her gymnastics background, Michaels pursued martial arts training, even traveling to Asia to study with the legendary Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. This intensive experience not only elevated her skills but also prepared her for action-heavy roles and behind-the-scenes stunt coordination. Julie later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992, further broadening her academic and artistic credentials.
Career
Julie Michaels’s career began with an electrifying debut in the 1989 film Road House, where she played Denise, a sultry and mysterious character opposite Patrick Swayze. The film became a cult hit and showcased Julie’s bold screen presence, physicality, and emotional range. Producer Joel Silver discovered her during a martial arts exhibition, recognizing her potential as both an actress and action performer.
Her performance in Road House opened doors in Hollywood. She began appearing in action-packed films where she frequently combined acting with stunt work. A pivotal moment came in Point Break (1991), where she portrayed a female fighter named Freight Train in a gripping scene with Keanu Reeves. This marked her first major foray into professional stunt performance.
Julie’s reputation quickly grew, and she became a sought-after stunt double for leading actresses in some of Hollywood’s most intense action films. Her work appeared in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, Titanic, Batman & Robin, The Scorpion King, and Rush Hour 3. These roles often involved complex fight choreography, wire work, and practical effects, all of which she executed with finesse.
On television, Julie brought the same energy and professionalism to popular shows including Desperate Housewives, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, House M.D., Ghost Whisperer, Weeds, Southland, Matador, Jane the Virgin, and SEAL Team. Her appearances varied between stunt work, guest acting roles, and eventually coordination responsibilities.
As her career evolved, Michaels transitioned into stunt coordination and production. Alongside her husband Peewee Piemonte, she co-founded JMP Productions Inc., which has overseen stunts for numerous TV series and films. Julie and Peewee have worked together on acclaimed projects like Southland and SEAL Team, with their coordination work earning industry-wide respect.
Julie made history as the first woman nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for her work on Shameless. In 2019, she earned a second Emmy nomination for her contributions to SEAL Team. These achievements marked a major milestone for women in the stunt industry, traditionally a male-dominated space.
In addition to stunt coordination, Michaels has also explored film production. She produced and starred in the award-winning short film Last Writes, which received acclaim at multiple film festivals. Her ability to pivot between on-screen performance, action choreography, and executive production is a rare skill in Hollywood.
Filmography
Julie Michaels’s work spans more than three decades across both film and television. Her notable movie credits include:
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Road House | Denise |
| 1991 | Point Break | Freight Train (stunt) |
| 1993 | Jason Goes to Hell | Stunt performer |
| 1997 | Titanic | Stunt performer |
| 1997 | Batman & Robin | Stunt performer |
| 2002 | The Scorpion King | Harem Girl |
| 2007 | Rush Hour 3 | French Patron |
| 2020 | Chick Fight | Mary |
On television, Michaels has appeared in or coordinated stunts for:
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Desperate Housewives
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The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
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Weeds
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House M.D.
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Ghost Whisperer
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Southland
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SEAL Team
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Jane the Virgin
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Matador
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How to Get Away with Murder
Net Worth
Julie Michaels has accumulated a significant fortune over her three-decade career in Hollywood, stemming from her work as an actress, stuntwoman, coordinator, and producer. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is believed to be between $1 million and $2 million.
Her income streams have been diverse. In addition to acting and stunt performances in blockbuster films and hit TV shows, Michaels has also earned money through stunt coordination projects, producing award-winning short films, and collaborating with networks like CBS, FX, and HBO. Julie’s company, JMP Productions Inc., which she co-runs with her husband, also contributes to her net worth, as the firm has provided stunt services for various productions over the years.
Husband and Marriage
Julie Michaels is married to Peewee Piemonte, a highly respected stunt coordinator and former stuntman. The couple met in 1993 while working on the set of Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, where their professional connection quickly turned into a romantic relationship. They tied the knot later that year and have remained partners in both life and business ever since.
Together, Julie and Peewee have become one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos in the stunt industry. They co-founded JMP Productions Inc., a company dedicated to stunt coordination, safety, and consulting for television and film productions. Their combined expertise has been showcased in high-profile projects such as Southland, SEAL Team, and Shameless. The couple has also received joint Emmy nominations for their collaborative work, reflecting the synergy in their personal and professional partnership.
Children and Family Life
There is limited public information about whether Julie Michaels and Peewee Piemonte have children. Some online sources suggest they may have kids, but there are no verified public statements or interviews that confirm this. It appears that Julie and her husband have chosen to keep their family life private, which is not uncommon for professionals who work predominantly behind the camera.
Conclusion
Julie Michaels’s biography is a story of grit, grace, and groundbreaking achievements. From her early days as a gymnast to her memorable Hollywood debut in Road House, and her historic Emmy nomination as a stunt coordinator, Michaels has continually redefined what it means to be a woman in action cinema. Her influence extends far beyond the screen, as she continues to champion safety, representation, and innovation in film and television.
Her journey has been marked by both visible triumphs and quiet revolutions—from fighting villains on-screen to fighting for recognition behind the scenes. Whether you’re a fan of classic action films or someone interested in the inner workings of Hollywood’s stunt world, Julie Michaels stands as a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and passion.
FAQs About Julie Michaels
Who is Julie Michaels?
Julie Michaels is an American actress, stuntwoman, and producer best known for her role in Road House and for breaking new ground in stunt coordination as the first woman nominated for an Emmy in that category.
How old is Julie Michaels?
As of 2024, Julie Michaels is 53 years old. She was born on July 20, 1970.
What is Julie Michaels famous for?
She is famous for her acting role in Road House and her stunt work in films like Point Break, Titanic, and her Emmy-nominated work as a stunt coordinator.
Is Julie Michaels married?
Yes, she is married to Peewee Piemonte, a well-known stunt coordinator and producer. They married in 1993.
Do Julie Michaels and Peewee Piemonte have children?
There is no publicly confirmed information about their children. The couple has kept their family life private.
What was her first movie?
Julie Michaels’s first film role was in Road House (1989), where she played Denise alongside Patrick Swayze.
Has Julie Michaels won any awards?
She has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Stunt Coordination and has received other accolades for short films and production work.
What company does she own?
Julie Michaels co-owns JMP Productions Inc. with her husband, a company focused on stunt coordination and production services.
Is Julie Michaels still active in the industry?
Yes, she continues to work in the industry as an actress, stunt coordinator, and producer, with recent projects including SEAL Team and Chick Fight.
