Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Peebles.
Gary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey through stunts began 14 years ago. I was very very excited to be a fighter pilot as a teen. I had taken classes to shape my future around being a United States Marine aviator. But later didn’t care who I flew for, I just knew I wanted to fly fighter jets. As I pursued my dreams in the Afjrotc program, I was told (and basically laughed at) that I was too big to fly fighter jets. I’d never fit in the cockpit. It was true. My shoulders were too wide. I was crushed. Heartbroken, lost and no direction to follow at this point. “What am I going to do with my life?” That was a pivotal moment. That day changed my life forever.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was a very very tough road. My father was addicted to drugs most of my life, stealing my possessions as a child into adulthood. He went to jail when I was a kid, my family kept it from me. I found out in front of my 6th-grade class as my mom put the papers in my school notebook by mistake. It was awful and horrifying.
My relationship life wasn’t the greatest either on both sides of the equation. Being in an emotionally abusive relationship I lost sight of my goals, but they were always in the back of my mind. I had to dig myself out. But I needed a push. And that push came in the form of something small, but then something enormous. I met a very kind lady who I’d briefly explained about what I wanted to do in stunt work, and she said that I should run toward it a full head of steam. And every day, it replayed in my head, her voice. Over and over and over. But I still wasn’t budging. Then I lost a supervisor to suicide. I couldn’t be at my old job anymore, there was no way. I HAD to go. And that very horrifying moment was the beginning of my steps into my life now.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with gforce stunts – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Well, Gforce Stunts Inc is an army of one but an army for all. I specialize in stunt work for tv and film. I’m a 33-year kung fu practitioner. I very very much enjoy helping and mentoring new stunt people into and about the business because so SO many have given me pearls of wisdom along the way. Out of the goodness of their hearts, little bits of vital information was the difference in a show of professionalism and a rookie mistake. I tend to cater to the heavyweights of stunts because of the limitations the business puts on them, and that they put on themselves. I’m told that for 290 lbs. I move like someone who’s maybe 160-180. I pride myself on that and showing others how they can do that also. The KEY is realizing that the more weight you’re moving around, there’s a different set of rules to overcome those limitations.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the people. These are some of the most beautiful, kind, loving, approachable progressive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I’m from DC and the people there are cold, off-putting and just mad all the time. I love the exposure to art. I love the push for people to dream. I love how dreams are pushed to come true. I love how progressive and motivated young people are. There’s so much to appreciate and admire. I could keep going forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5420629/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gforcestunts/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
