Maggie Q leaps into the spotlight: The action veteran finally gets her due as a movie star in 'The Protege'

One powerful action scene in "The Protégé" required Maggie Q'sfleeing assassinto leap offa four-story balcony, holding a wall-secured fire hoseto sail safelytothe floor (whilefiring a handgun, of course).Even with a ceiling-secured safety wire, most Hollywood stars would wisely give the moment totheir stunt double.But in her first leadaction filmrole, Maggie Q, the 42-year-oldformer star of CW's2010-2013 spy series"Nikita,"sought to make a statement– not only could sheholdher ownwithco-stars Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton, but she could also kicklegit action star butt.Even if that meant jumping over the rail four stories in the airfor two nights."We specifically designed the stunt with the cameras following me in the fall tomake sure our audience saw, it'sme," says Maggie Qproudly, speaking on a Zoom call. "So there's no dispute. Which is awesome."Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.Michael Keaton:Reveals he hasn't seen 'an entire' comic book movie since 198...