From NYU to Hollywood Stuntwoman: Heidi Germaine Schnappauf’s Career Built on Precision and Purpose
Hollywood stuntwoman. Trained actor. Fight coordinator. Director. Heidi Germaine Schnappauf’s career defies simple labels—and that’s exactly what makes her story so compelling.
In this episode of No Wrong Choices, Heidi takes us inside the high-impact, high-intensity world of stunt performance. But what makes her journey especially fascinating is how it all began: with a foundation in acting, storytelling, and a deep respect for the craft.
The Art Behind the Action
Before she was jumping off buildings or coordinating fight scenes, Heidi studied acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her early career was focused on performance and character work—skills that would later give her a unique edge in the world of stunts. She didn’t just want to execute choreography; she wanted to bring real emotion and believability to every scene.
As she trained in martial arts, firearms, motorcycle riding, and tactical movement, she began blending her creative instincts with intense physical preparation—and that’s where everything changed.
Turning Risk Into Craft
The stunts may be extreme—underwater scenes, rooftop jumps, even being buried alive—but Heidi’s mindset is grounded in precision and preparation. Every move is calculated, rehearsed, and backed by rigorous training.
She shares how her ability to stay calm under pressure (including in literal life-and-death simulations) is less about adrenaline and more about mindset. Mental control, breathing, trust in the crew—these are the pillars of her success.
Shaping a Career Behind the Camera
Over time, Heidi evolved her career beyond performance. She co-founded a stunt team, began training others, and started stepping into directing and coordinating roles. Through it all, she’s remained committed to excellence, collaboration, and using her platform to help others find their way in an industry that’s often hard to access.
Character, Commitment, and Transformation
Heidi’s work demands more than physical strength—it requires full-body transformation. As a stunt double and character actor, she has donned elaborate prosthetics, taken on creature roles, and performed in ways that require both total control and creative expression.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Her credits span from Blindspot and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to Loki, Birdman, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. Along the way, she’s earned respect across the industry—and even joined Blindspot star Jaimie Alexander at Comic Con to celebrate their work together.
A Career on Her Own Terms
What comes through most clearly in this conversation is how intentional Heidi has been at every stage of her journey. She didn’t fall into stunt work—she built a career from the ground up, combining creativity, discipline, and a willingness to take smart, informed risks.
Whether you’re in a creative field, navigating a career pivot, or just curious about how people forge unconventional paths, Heidi’s story offers insights and inspiration in equal measure.
🎧 No Wrong Choices is available everywhere you get your podcasts - or click here
Larry Samuels
Hello! I'm Larry, the first voice you'll hear on "No Wrong Choices," a podcast where we dive into the myriad paths to success. As someone who's navigated the crossroads of media and technology for years, I've seen firsthand that success isn't a straight line – it's a winding road of choices, experiences and adventures.
From leading and scaling businesses to mentoring the next wave of innovators, I've worn many hats – company President, advertising innovator, college professor, and yes, a devoted parent too. My journey in broadcasting began with SiriusXM, highlighted by my time spent anchoring "The Original" Sirius Sports talk show "Da Fellas," a gig that wasn't just about sports but also building lifelong friendships.
I bring a wealth of experiences and a unique business perspective to our podcast, and I'm truly passionate about the stories behind the successes. Whether it's chatting with artists, entrepreneurs, or athletes, each guest on our show brings a distinct viewpoint on decision-making and embracing every twist and turn.
I live with my family in New York City where you'll often find me cheering for the Yankees, or my hometown teams, the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Off the air, I'm jamming to Bruce Springsteen or staying active – be it in the gym or on the court.
Living on the Edge with Jessica Golloher: Reporting from the World’s Most Dangerous Places
