Sporting Actress

The two words we like to hear follow “actress-model”? How about “surfer-snowboarder”? Add “full-throttle traveler” to the mix and you’re probably talking about Joy Bryant. The 33-year-old, Bronx-born Bryant dropped out of Yale and became a Victoria’s Secret model and, later, the face of CoverGirl. After landing roles as 50 Cent’s love interest in 2005’s Get Rich or Die Tryin‘ and the recent Martin Lawrence comedy Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, she’s decided to focus on acting—that is, when she’s not hunting waves and powder. ABE STREEP reached Bryant in Los Angeles.

Hello? Joy?

Hold on. Someone’s coming to pick up some jewels that I wore to an event. They cost a fortune. You there?

Yeah.
Sorry. I’m not into jewelry, but I love free gear.

You mean swag? Like what?

I have a Roxy longboard and snowboard.

Where did you learn to surf?
In Sayulita, Mexico, where I was doing a film with Richard Gere; and I learned to snowboard in Mammoth, where I busted my ass.

So how many days a year do you travel?
Depends. In the last year and a half? Sayulita, Fiji to surf Tavarua, some work in Louisiana, Bali . . . and I took two snowboarding vacations to Chile.

Do you prefer Sayulita or Tavarua?
You can’t beat Tavarua. I caught a shoulder-high wave at Cloudbreak. But I have a soft spot for Sayulita. There are no sharks there, and I had a hot surfer pushing me onto the board.

You’re making a movie in Sayulita now, right?
I’m producing and starring in an indie film called Dude Zombiz. A girl goes to Sayulita for a surf competition.

Sounds suspiciously autobiographical.
Until the zombies show up.

Let us know the next time you go to Fiji.
I might this year. There’s going to be a competition at Kiddieland, the mellow break. I could win, depending on my bikini. I’m not going to impress anyone with my skills.

Good luck.
Thanks—hey, wait. I need advice. My fiancé and I are thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro and getting married on top. Know any good guide services?