At this point, Devyn Dalton's biceps deserve their own Oscar. The 4′ 6″ stuntwoman first made headlines after Matt Damon shouted out her impressive work in "The Odyssey." On an episode of Josh Horowitz's "Happy Sad Confused [1]" podcast, Damon said that Dalton has the "greatest arms I've ever seen." High praise coming from Odysseus himself. For Dalton, the viral moment felt surreal, but it's also about time stunt performers received their flowers, she tells Popsugar.
With only about 22 percent of stunt workers [2] identifying as female, Dalton doubling for a leading Hollywood man is no small feat. And although she started performing professionally at just nine years old, Damon is actually the first male A-lister she's ever body doubled for. "It took a lot of years of quietly showing up," Dalton says. "Being trusted in that space is something I don't take lightly. It represents years of preparation, consistency, and a genuine love for what I do."
From her beginnings in dance and theater, to her current work in motion capture and creature performance (a physical portrayal of non-human characters like animals, monsters, and aliens), Dalton truly does it all. To find out more about her journey, we asked Dalton to share her most unusual stunt prep, her experience with being underestimated in Hollywood, and yes, the workout routine behind those famous biceps. Read on to learn all about the resilience (and hardcore training) that brought Dalton to the big-screen.
Popsugar: As the woman with "the greatest arms" ever, can you tell us about your upper body routine?
Devyn Dalton: (Laughs.) I still can't believe that's become a thing. Honestly, there isn't a secret workout. I am so proud — I have never felt more beautiful and feminine than with my muscles. My training is built around what I enjoy doing, and has been a part of my daily life since I was young. I do a mix of strength training, Muay Thai, dance, mobility work, and functional exercises that help me perform safely and move well. I focus on consistency rather than chasing quick results. I also love being outdoors, so I get outside for runs, hikes, swimming and bike rides whenever I can.
The biggest thing I've learned is that health is wealth. You can't out-train poor recovery. Good nutrition, quality sleep, hydration, and looking after your body are just as important as lifting weights.
PS: What drew you to stunt work in the first place?
DD: I've always loved storytelling through movement. Acting naturally led me into motion capture and creature performance, and stunts became another extension of that. I've never wanted to be put into one box. Sometimes you're telling a story with dialogue, sometimes with physicality, and sometimes without saying a single word . . . that's what I love about this industry: it isn't just about doing something physical or dangerous; it's about helping tell the story in the most truthful and believable way possible.
PS: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a woman in the industry?
DD: To be honest, I've probably been underestimated more because of my size than because I'm a woman. People often make assumptions about what I can or can't do before they've even met me. Then, they watch me work. The industry has changed enormously over the years and it's exciting to see more opportunities for women doing work that traditionally may have gone to men. At the end of the day, productions want the best performer for the job, and I think that's exactly how it should be. I hope seeing women in these roles encourages the next generation to realize there isn't just one path anymore.
PS: Does your health and fitness regimen change at all when gearing up for a new project?
DD: Absolutely. Every project asks something different of you. Sometimes it's building strength, sometimes it's improving endurance or mobility, and other times it's simply maintaining what I've already built . . . because my career is so physical, training isn't something I switch on for a project — it's simply part of my lifestyle.
PS: What's the most unusual thing you've done to prepare for a stunt?
DD: Learning how to create completely different creatures through movement is unlike anything else. You're studying how animals move, changing your posture, your rhythm, and even your breathing to create a believable character. I've also trained in everything from wire work and fight choreography to martial arts and movement techniques. The funny part is that you never know which random skill will suddenly become useful years later.
PS: Looking back, is there any particular stunt or body double work you're most proud of?
DD: I'm incredibly proud of my motion capture work. Performing characters that audiences connect with — often without them ever knowing there's a performer behind them — is a unique privilege. Whether I'm acting on camera, performing in a motion capture suit, or working in physical performance, the goal is always the same: to help bring unforgettable characters and stories to life.
Chandler Plante [4] (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.