NORTH BRUNSWICK – Scarlett Angelina has had to drink a shake made of boiled alligator tail, take part in a blindfolded boat race and be dumped into water for 30 minutes while hanging from a crane.
Though these tasks sound like torture, they are ones Angelina has decided on her own to tackle as part of “American Grit,” a military-grade and survival-themed competition show that airs on FOX.
The North Brunswick native and current New Brunswick resident has aspirations to be in the entertainment industry, so while looking for casting opportunities online she realized this particular show was about making a life change or becoming more motivated.
“I was depressed, I felt a bit complacent in my career and I felt stuck,” the 25-year-old said.
She applied for the show, was granted a Skype interview first and then in-person interviews with producers in Los Angeles during casting week. She then underwent a three-hour psychological evaluation.
The part-time publicist, model and actress did not have a strong fitness or athletic background, but nonetheless wanted to test her own stamina.
“I prepared myself mentally knowing I was going to be in a competition for money,” Angelina said, noting she found out the day before filming that she would have to fly to the Hampton Islands, Georgia. “I talked about my issues and it’s why I needed to find my grit.”
During the show, each team has to face certain challenges together while facing individual elimination. Since only three episodes had aired as of press time, Angelina could not elaborate on the feats that will be faced throughout the season.
However, she said she went into survival mode during each task.
“You just have to have grit. Everything is mind over matter. Even though we’re using our bodies it’s about how much you trust your team members,” she said.
This is a lesson taught by WWE Superstar John Cena, who is the host and executive producer of the show.
“He’s very intimidating but very, very nice,” Angelina said. “He has this energy and this presence when he walks into a room that you just have the utmost respect for him. … He’s very genuine. All of us got the feeling he really cared about us and cared about the show.”
Although Angelina cannot divulge the struggles she shared with viewers throughout the season, she said her ultimate goal is to have someone relate to her personal story.
“I’m really hoping I changed someone’s life for the positive,” she said.
“American Grit” airs on FOX 9 p.m. Sundays. Episodes are available On Demand.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
