For years, stunt performers have been the unsung heroes of television, absorbing the hits and falls that bring stories to life while rarely receiving the spotlight. With the Television Academy continuing to highlight their craft, Sonja Wajih now finds herself in the center of that overdue recognition, earning her first Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Stunt Performance” on ABC’s “The Rookie.”
Wajih’s path to this moment wasn’t linear. She grew up immersed in athletics through soccer, dance, and martial arts, before eventually discovering stunt training after college. That discovery launched her into a career that has included credits on projects like “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “9-1-1: Lonestar,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Her nominated sequence came in “The Rookie” Season 7, Episode 5, a car-hit stunt that required painstaking timing and full commitment. “It was about trusting the team and committing fully,” Wajih recalls. “The first take, I remember lying on the ground, catching my breath, and everyone rushed over. When they said, ‘We got it,’ it felt like the payoff for all the nerves and preparation.”
What makes Wajih stand out is her ability to frame stunts as more than just spectacle. She describes her craft as “controlling chaos,” where discipline, calculation, and creativity blend together to make the audience believe in a character’s experience. That philosophy, coupled with her mix of professionalism and energy, has made her one of the most exciting performers in a field finally receiving overdue recognition.
Her energy off-screen mirrors the drive she brings to set. Wajih is quick to laugh, candid about the bruises and bumps of the job, and unafraid to admit that she still gets nervous before a big stunt. That honesty makes her story even more relatable and helps explain why she has become such a fresh and magnetic voice in the stunt community.
Sonja Wajih spoke to Awards Focus about her Emmy-nominated work on “The Rookie,” her path into stunt performing, and what it means to see her peers and the Academy shining a brighter light on her craft.
Awards Focus: Sonja, congratulations on your Emmy nomination. This is such an exciting moment, especially with stunts getting more recognition than ever. What was your reaction when you first found out?
Sonja Wajih: Thank you! Honestly, I was in shock. I had just gotten back from the gym, opened the Emmy website, and started scrolling. When I finally saw my name under “Outstanding Stunt Performance,” I had to do a double take. My mouth literally dropped. I jumped around, started crying, and immediately called everyone I could. It was a surreal, core-memory moment that I’ll never forget.
AF: The Emmys have had this category for a few years now, but this year especially feels like a watershed with stunts being talked about more, especially in light of films like “The Fall Guy.” Did that make the nomination even more surprising?
Wajih: Definitely. There were 73 entries this year, and it was my first time being submitted. Just knowing my peers voted for me makes it really meaningful. I’ve been working in stunts for about seven years, which still feels new, and there’s always more to learn. But this was also the hardest hit of my career to date, so I put it out there and hoped people would see the work. To have it recognized like this was shocking in the best way.
AFs: Let’s go back a little bit. What led you into stunt work in the first place? Was there a moment where you realized this was your path?
Wajih: I’ve always been a mover. I played soccer as a kid, then got into dance and martial arts. But after college, life became about paying the bills, not following passion. Years later, after a big breakup, I needed an outlet and found myself back to martial arts which lead to stunt training. It brought everything I loved together, athletics, creativity, storytelling. I remember doing my first high fall and thinking, “This is it. This is what I’m supposed to do.”
AF: On “The Rookie,” the nominated stunt was such a powerful moment. Can you walk us through that day and what went into preparing for it?
Wajih: That was Episode 5, Season 7, directed by Jen Lynch. The scene involved me doubling Bailey Nune who gets hit by a car. We rehearsed the timing over and over because everything had to be precise, the driver, my mark, the camera angle. It was about trusting the team and committing fully. The first take, I remember lying on the ground, catching my breath, and everyone rushed over. When they said, “We got it,” it felt like the payoff for all the nerves and preparation.
AF: What’s something about stunt performers that viewers might not realize?
Wajih: People see the danger, but not always the discipline behind it. We train constantly — fight choreography, wire work, falls, safety protocols. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about controlling chaos. Everything is calculated. And often, we’re doubling actors in ways that make you forget it’s not them. If we’ve done our job right, you believe the character lived that moment.
AF: Do you have a favorite stunt you’ve performed so far?
Wajih: Honestly, this one on “The Rookie” is at the top because it pushed me the furthest. But I’ve also loved wire gags. Being yanked into the air or thrown across a set feels like flying. Every stunt has its own thrill.
AF: Is there a stunt you’ve ever said no to because of the potential risk or other reasons?
Wajih: Not yet. I think about safety first, but I also love challenges. I’ve definitely said, “I need more rehearsal” or “Let’s adjust this element,” but not outright no. If I didn’t feel safe with something, though, I absolutely would.
AF: And on the flip side, what’s the worst injury you’ve had?
Wajih: I’ve been really lucky. Mostly bruises, sprains, soreness — the expected stuff. I did get a Stage 2 muscle tear early on, which taught me to listen to my body and not try to push through when something feels off. Safety and longevity are key in this career.
AF: Looking back at this Emmy nod, what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
Wajih: Personally, it’s validation that the hard work and sacrifices were worth it. Professionally, I hope it shines a light on stunt performers as essential storytellers. We’re not just the action; we’re part of the emotional impact too. Recognition from the Academy helps push that conversation forward.
Awards Focus: Finally, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Wajih: Do your research. Train in as many disciplines as you can, martial arts, gymnastics, driving, acting. And remain open to learning, always. This career isn’t just about being tough; it’s about collaboration, creativity, and dedication. If you have that passion, go for it.
See Sonja Wajih and her Emmy-nominated stunt below: