Ep. 84 – Megan Hui: Triple Threat Performer Blending Rhythmic Gymnastics, Dance & Stunts in Vancouver & Hollywood

Interview Date: September 17th, 2023

Episode Summary:

Megan, a former rhythmic gymnast turned dancer, actress, and stunt performer. Megan’s journey from a national-level gymnast to a successful career in entertainment showcases the power of leveraging one’s skills in unexpected ways. Starting with rhythmic gymnastics at the age of nine, Megan became a national silver medalist before transitioning into dance while pursuing a business degree at the University of British Columbia. After moving to Los Angeles to further her dance career, she discovered her love for acting and later stunt work, leading to impressive roles in feature films and TV series like Kung Fu and Deadpool 2. Megan shares her unique path, the challenges she faced, and how dance opened doors to acting and stunt performances.

Throughout the episode, Megan offers valuable insights into the versatility of a dancer’s skill set, emphasizing that dance can be a springboard to other areas in the entertainment industry. She encourages dancers to explore various creative avenues, from acting to stunt work, and highlights the importance of honing skills like acrobatics, martial arts, and acting for dancers looking to expand their careers. This episode is a testament to the power of exploration, resilience, and seizing opportunities, and is sure to inspire aspiring dancers and entertainers to take bold steps toward their dreams.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Introduction to Megan’s background

• (3:15) Megan’s gymnastics career

• (7:45) Transition to dance

• (12:00) Moving to LA to pursue dance

• (18:30) Discovering acting and stunt work

• (24:45) Dance skills in stunt work

• (30:15) Advice for aspiring dancers

• (35:00) Exploring new skills

• (40:00) Closing thoughts and inspiration

Biography:

Megan Hui was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C, Canada. At the age of 9, Megan began rhythmic gymnastics and soon became the national silver medalist after which qualified her to compete at the 2003 Pan American Games and World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships as part of Team Canada. 

Following her retirement from rhythmic gymnastics, Megan started taking dance lessons while attending the University of British Columbia where she attained her degree in business. 

After graduating, Megan moved to Los Angeles to continue dancing and study acting. Since then, she has studied with numerous coaches at studios including Joe Palese at The Actors Space, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB Theatre), Andrew McIlroy at McIlroy & Associates, Crystal Lowe at VADA, Crichlow Actors' Studio, Lyric School of Acting, and more. 

It was then that she fell in love with acting and has since been cast in the feature films The Before Time, Other Halves, and Alison's Choice as well as several television series including iZombie, Kung Fu, Legends of Tomorrow, and Siren.

In 2016 Megan began adding martial arts to her training and in combination with her rhythmic gymnastics and dance background, was able to pursue a career as a stunt performer alongside acting. Over the years she has been given the opportunity to perform as the lead stunt double for Olivia Liang (CW Kung Fu), Haruka Abe and Ursula Corbero (Snake Eyes), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Madeline), Chelsea Zhang (DC Titans), and others. You can also catch her on the big screen in the opening action sequence of Deadpool 2!

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/meganhui

https://www.facebook.com/meganhui16

Website

https://www.meganhui.com/