Meet Nykki McGee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nykki McGee.

Hi Nykki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Hi! Yes. Let’s see, where do I begin. Stunts is a wild ride, everyone gets started in such different ways. For me, after years of working in the entertainment industry in various capacities — assistant at ICM, sales at the LA Clippers to years of events with CAA and Crown+Conquer – the coolest agency around, I burnt myself out. I started doing makeup and working my way back in front of the camera (I dreamed of performing as a kid in Indiana). I got so interested in the special effects makeup and soon found the world of stunts. I took a fight class back in August 2019, and the rest is history. That class alone had me finish up LA Fashion Week and Fright Fest at 6 Flags. That was a wrap-on makeup, and then I dove headfirst into stunts. I took every class, I went to every event, if someone was shooting, I would volunteer to learn as much as I could. I just wanted to help and be immersed in this amazing world. I learned how to hustle a set and got my butt in gear.  

I was non-union, and I didn’t want to wait around for someone to Taft me or to get vouchers, so I did my own project, and by January 2020, I joined SAG. I trained my ass off, I’ll tell you that. Not sure where I found the money to do it, but damn, I found it, haha. From fights to driving to filming, to waterwork and wirework, I was constantly on the move.  

I got my first SAG job in March 2021 on Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” working for the iconic Heidi Moneymaker. It was a blessing for sure and just showed my how much work I needed to do. So, I’m constantly training, all the time. And I’m definitely not mad about it. Since then, I’ve appeared on many projects, including “The Rookie: Feds, SEAL Team, 911, Beverly Hills Cop 4” and more. I just had my FIRST Super Bowl commercial air, and that whole experience is what I dreamed of as a kid.  

I’ve leaned more into driving over the past year, as the pavement (and dirt! haha) keep calling my name. I can’t explain the amount of join I get from sliding a car around or performing, it literally is a dream come true.  

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect? 
Haha. Has it been a smooth road? Hell no. But I definitely didn’t expect it to be haha.  

Just as I joined SAG, COVID. WOO! Test #1. Figured out ways to train and keep the momentum despite the shutdown. I was lucky enough to have some amazing friends who took me driving, riding dirt bikes, we got PADI Open Water certified and then I got versed on firearms. Collaborated with those wanting to film and I put together my first reel. And now repeat to level up and keep repeating.  

Things started to flow in 2022, I was so hyped for 2023 — I was on a roll, working consistently, training in the off moments, it was feeling so good. As 2023 hit, my dad passed. I dove into training and healing things to keep my mind right and kind of disappear, limited where I went, was very intentional. And as we know it, the strike hit. I was up to work on a big project and was about to go to fittings, then they were cancelled. Grieving throughout this slow period was ROUGH. But despite the difficulties, I was blessed to have some pops of work, which just helped stay in a good headspace to keep putting in the work. I also took the year to drive a lot more, which has really grown as a passion of mine.  

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do? 
I’m a stunt performer and actress! I’m really proud of my first Super Bowl commercial that just aired, as I got to act and do stunts by jumping through a window! It was so rad! All and all, I’m a well-rounded stuntwoman, I fight, I drive, I hit the ground. I love being thrown through, out, or over things. I’m comfortable in water, on wires and can ride a motorcycle. I don’t come from a martial arts or gymnastics background, I was a volleyball player (explains my oneness with the floor lol) and dabbled in basketball, softball and ice skating. This is why I decided to become as well-rounded as possible while focusing mainly on driving. I was an instructor at the Motion Picture Driving Clinic for a 1.5 years and trained at Drift 101. I’ve started to compete in Rallycross and have my eyes on Autocross. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve as a driver. I get to play make-believe for a living, and boy, is it a dream!  

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us? 
Seriously, just go for what you want. There’s so much out there so really live. Take the risks, fall, and figure things out from there. There are going to be ups and downs wherever you go or with whatever you do, so embrace it and have fun on your journey! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nykkigee.wixsite.com/nykkigee
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nykkigee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nykkixgee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nykkimcgee/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCueG_-s3_tFssq0wq5yIrYA
• Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm9653456/credits

Image Credits
Amy Sturdivant