Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
We hear many stories of inspiration and success, and the story of Kylie River is no different. Kylie River, an actress, model, stunt actor, vocalist, entrepreneur, content creator, and athlete, is what one would call ‘the whole package’ who never stops at just achieving one goal. Yet, the road to pursuing her passion was fraught with obstacles, from relocating to grappling with personal struggles during her formative years in high school.
Originally, the dream of becoming an actress took a pivotal turn as Kylie discovered a newfound passion for Parkour and became a part of the famous World Chase Tag. As a lesser-known sport, Parkour was considered an ‘activity only for men.’ That changed, and Kylie, for the first time in history, became a part of a FIRST batch of women who participated in the competitive market of international Parkour. “Though it is a famous stunt in movies like Casino Royale, many do not know that this is actually a sport,” shares Kylie. “Sébastien Foucan is the creator of what we today call Parkour, or freerunning. In other words, Parkour is getting from point A to Point B as safely, efficiently, and as quickly as possible.”
Proud to be part of this, she continuously supports and encourages women to take part in this sport. This motivator and advocate for the athletes explains, “The sport teaches you how to fall correctly without getting hurt and makes you understand your physical capabilities. The moves are called precision landings/jumps, where you have 2 obstacles. You start by just jumping on the ground and gradually progress; you go up to a point where you have to jump in between 2x4s on the ground, and you would know exactly the distance and how to jump, the power you would need, and how your body would need to move to get that impact to be able to land perfectly with your feet, every single time. I feel everyone, especially women, should learn this.” From mastering backflips to honing her skills in the adrenaline-fueled world of stunts, her dedication to this sport became the cornerstone of her career.
Eager to push her limits and explore new frontiers, Kylie immersed herself in the world of stage combat and stunt performance. She embraced the physicality and artistry as an actress with unparalleled dedication, tumbling on trampolines and choreographing fight sequences. From lead roles in films like Controlled Chaos and Intruder – a suspense movie – to supporting roles in Phantom Ronin and – her favorite genre—horror film – Coke Vaccine, her hard work and passion are evident in the way she attaches herself to each character she portrays.
Yet she and many of her actor buddies faced real hardships. As Kylie shares, “Last year, when TV and film actors and writers went on a strike in Atlanta for the demand of better pay and protections, it was a horrible time for all. It slowed down the entertainment industry. My friends, relying on their pay, which they would receive after the project was over – which obviously did not happen – were stuck. It’s a really scary and hard field, but with resilience and dedication, I think people can overcome any hardships that come their way. You just need to channel your art and passion in a different direction in today’s evolving landscape.”
Born in the digital age and surrounded by techies – dad, mom, and brother – Kylie has easily navigated her social media platforms, like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, to showcase her talents and connect with a global audience. Through her captivating content and infectious enthusiasm, she quickly garnered a loyal following, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the online sphere. “I use all social media platforms for one main reason – to spread awareness on things like working on physical strengthening and keeping them motivated even during downturns.”
She extended her work beyond the confines of the digital realm with modeling and acting, her true aspirations as a child. Guided by mentors and fueled by her own determination, she has honed her craft, landing roles in commercials, live shows, and even a stunt as a zombie for a television commercial.
Now, as Kylie remains grounded in her passion for acting, she feels she can add a new skill to her portfolio. “As a child, I adored the music of singers like Avril Lavigne and Rihanna. They truly inspired me to create alternative rock music,” she shares. “I do recreate songs that are R&B and Pop-music as well on my Snapchat to work on my voice,” she further adds. From hiking through rugged landscapes to belting out tunes in vocal lessons, she has embraced every opportunity for growth and self-expression. Now, as she steps into the new realm, Kylie plans to focus on her passion for music and compose her own.
Kylie’s dreams do not stop here. With plans to open not just a regular gym but a collaborative area, Kylie strives to keep working on everything she has poured her energy into. Her story serves as an inspiration to dreamers and adventurers alike, reminding us that with passion, determination, and a dash of courage, anything is possible.
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