Marie Mouroum, a rising star in the world of stunt work, is making waves not just in Hollywood, but also on the hit dance competition show, Let's Dance. Mouroum, known for her incredible skills as a stuntwoman, is proving she’s not only capable of performing high-octane action sequences but can also master intricate dance moves.
Born on July 6, 1992, in East Berlin, Mouroum's journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. With roots in Cameroon, she developed a passion for martial arts early in life. By 15, she became a junior world champion in Pencak Silat, showcasing her extraordinary talent in combat sports. This achievement marked her entry into the film industry, landing her a role as an extra in the 2009 movie Ninja Assassin. Little did she know that her career was about to soar.
Mouroum has since worked alongside major stars like Vin Diesel, Daniel Craig, and Keanu Reeves—an impressive feat for any actor or stunt performer. However, her breakthrough came in 2017 when she appeared as one of the elite warriors, the Dora Milaje, in Disney's blockbuster film Black Panther. This role opened the door to multiple high-profile projects, including Avengers: Endgame, James Bond: No Time to Die, and The Matrix Resurrections.
During her time in the spotlight, Mouroum has also ventured into dance. Participating in Let's Dance 2025, she has partnered with professional dancer Alexandru Ionel. The show debuted on February 21, 2025, and in the introductory episode, Mouroum and her team earned a respectable 17 points for their Tango performance. Following that, they scored 16 points for a lively Jive, and her Paso Doble captivated judges, earning them a stellar 19 points. The highest score yet was their spirited Wiener Walzer, which received 23 points and earned them standing ovations from the audience.
However, Mouroum’s road to stardom has not been without challenges. Despite being an accomplished stuntwoman, she has expressed fears surrounding the very weapons she expertly handles on set. In an honest revelation, she admitted during an interview that she hates weapons and feels scared of them. This paradox highlights the complexity of her character. It also showcases how she wants to break stereotypes as a strong female figure in an industry often dominated by men.
"Some men on set sometimes feel threatened by my presence," Mouroum stated, noting that her strength can prove challenging for some male colleagues. Still, she embraces her femininity and uses it to her advantage.
Aside from her film career and dance competition, Mouroum leads a disciplined personal life. Training daily is a part of her routine, fueled by a healthy diet and abstaining from alcohol to maintain her peak performance. She is deeply connected to her roots and frequently visits Cameroon to strengthen her relationship with her culture and family.
Marie Mouroum's childhood was significantly shaped by the challenges she faced while growing up in East Berlin, which involved conflicts with neo-Nazis and other struggles. Her mother prioritized teaching her self-defense, stating, "We grew up in an environment where it was dangerous for us black children outside." This motivation led Mouroum to embrace martial arts—not just for defense, but also as a pathway to empowerment.
“My brother and I played games based on films like Star Wars, and now I'm part of those worlds,” she reflected in an interview, emphasizing how surreal it feels to have transitioned from childhood games to actual film sets.
As Mouroum continues her journey in both film and dance, her participation in Let's Dance serves as yet another accomplishment, pushing her boundaries further. "I have great respect for live shows," she remarked, noting the distinct differences between performance in film and on stage. "In film, you can cut and redo scenes, but here, it’s live, real-time performance. It’s a true test of skill and endurance.”
From defying stereotypes to inspiring others with her journey, Marie Mouroum is much more than an accomplished stuntwoman and dancer; she embodies resilience, strength, and empowerment. As fans watch her challenge herself on the dance floor, they are reminded of her incredible achievements and the realities that shaped her. With every step and performance, she brings her story, her heritage, and her determination to the forefront, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
