Kayley Carrigan is a Filipina stuntwoman and performing artist from Manila. Carrigan became a stunt performer at 21 and made her debut on Encantadia. She began dancing at a young age, starting her her career at the age of 11, before becoming a stunt performer. She was discovered by a stuntman while working as an extra on LolaBasyang.com and from there she got more opportunities and her career took off.
Aside from stunts, Carrigan makes music, dances, sings and acts. Carrigan is also an independent wrestler from Manila Wrestling Federation and her ring name is Jorelle Liwanag.
Describe yourself in three fictional characters?
Natalie Yue (House of Fury), Black Widow, Lorraine Broughton (Atomic Blonde)
What was your introduction to the world of stunts?
Before I started my stunt career, my first love was dancing. When I was 11 or 12, I had Taekwondo lessons in Physical Education subject and got interested to participate in Sports competitions around the private schools, but not for long. I remember when my dad was watching plenty of action films, I was captivated by Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung’s ‘Knockabout’, Jackie Chan’s ‘Police Story’, ‘First Strike’, and ‘City Hunter’. I’ve kept my eyes on their fighting scenes and felt amazed at their works.
Fast forward to my high school and college days where I followed my passion. I joined in a dance organisation to perform school events, enlighten, and teach other members to use their capabilities by moving rhythmically and to beat the stage fright. After I graduated from college, I continued pursuing my dancing career where I became a member and performer of a dance group named ‘Powered iOX’ and together we tried competing in dance contests around the towns here in the Philippines. During the rehearsals, a Talent Coordinator messaged a fellow dancer looking for people to be bit players for a fantasy series and I volunteered. While filming, I was discovered by a veteran stuntman, he told me, “You look athletic – would you like to train with us?”. I found it more fascinating though it’s literally similar to my dancing skills because it’s based on body manoeuvre but it has different skills and techniques. He recommended me to train with him and his other stuntmen, and so I agreed.
After a lot of basic training, I got an opportunity to start my journey as a stuntwoman (I was 21). I made a small debut in ‘Encantadia (2016 series)’ followed by my works as an action actress and stunt double in various TV series, movies, and commercial projects.
Then in 2018, I played as Chongki’s Goon in Erik Matti’s ‘BuyBust’ – I also worked on other short film projects like ‘Low Blow Streets: Shattered Dreams’ and ‘Assassin One’ directed by Jeff Centauri (you may find it on YouTube) and then in 2019 I played as a stunt double of Maria (played by Cristine Reyes) in ‘Maria’. Every year I I learned what I need to be accountable in my career, and for the rest of my life. I kept training in FMA (Filipino Martial Arts), and other artistry of stunts with my ‘RedLine Action Design’ team. I am forever grateful that I made my history in this Entertainment business in just 4 years.
Just like what I’ve done in my college days, I want to encourage and uplift somebody who is willing to learn, especially for the women of the stunt community here in the Philippines, because I can see any of them have potential that they can bring for future female action films – for the next decade I would like to demonstrate what I’ve learned in my previous works as the fresh face of stuntmen and stuntwomen.
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