Jayne Trcka, the bodybuilder and actress best known for playing gym teacher Miss Mann in the horror-comedy film “Scary Movie,” died December 12 in San Diego, California. She was 62 years old.

A friend found Trcka unresponsive in her kitchen after calling her several times without receiving a response. The friend went to Trcka’s home to check on her, then called 911. First responders arrived on scene and pronounced her dead.

The San Diego Medical Examiner confirmed Trcka’s death, with the cause of death still pending. According to the medical examiner, trauma to the body was noted during the examination. Trcka’s son was not aware of any medical condition or illness that would have caused her death.

Born Jayne Marie Trcka in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she studied gymnastics in her early years before discovering a passion for fitness that would define her career. After moving to Southern California in 1986, Trcka embraced weightlifting and quickly transitioned from recreational training to competitive bodybuilding.

Trcka began competing in bodybuilding shows in the 1980s, with her first documented competition occurring in 1988. Her dedication to the sport intensified throughout the 1990s as she climbed the ranks of competitive bodybuilding. In 1997, at age 34, she won the California State Championships, a significant achievement that demonstrated her elite status in the sport.

The following year, Trcka captured top prize at the 1998 Junior Nationals, competing in NPC junior nationals events. Her success in bodybuilding required total commitment to training and nutrition, leading her to make a major career change. In 1998, Trcka quit her job as a postal service employee to pursue fitness full-time, becoming a personal trainer.

“I have been able to turn my hobby and love for fitness into my career and help other people with their goals,” Trcka wrote on her website.

Her imposing physique and striking presence caught the attention of Hollywood casting directors. In 2000, Trcka landed her first acting role in “Scary Movie.” She played Miss Mann, an androgynous physical education teacher whose memorable scenes included a disturbing pep talk with main character Cindy Campbell, played by Anna Faris. The role paired Trcka with stars including Marlon Wayans in the ensemble cast.

The success of “Scary Movie” opened additional doors in the entertainment industry. Trcka appeared on television shows including “The Drew Carey Show” and “Whose Line is it Anyway?” where her distinctive look and physical presence made her a natural fit for comedic roles.

In 2010, Trcka expanded her entertainment portfolio by appearing in the music video for “Telephone,” the chart-topping collaboration between Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. She played a prison guard in the video’s opening scenes.

Trcka also appeared in the 2022 film “Black Magic,” continuing to work in the entertainment industry more than two decades after her breakout role in “Scary Movie.”

Throughout her career, Trcka maintained a strong presence in the fitness world. She appeared in numerous fitness publications, including Flex magazine, MuscleMag International, and Women’s Physique World.

Beyond her entertainment career, Trcka worked as a California realtor, applying her interpersonal skills and work ethic to help clients navigate the competitive real estate market.

Trcka’s journey from Minnesota gymnast to California bodybuilding champion to Hollywood actress represented a uniquely American success story. Her willingness to take risks—leaving the security of postal service employment to pursue personal training, then transitioning into acting without formal experience—exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit that defined her career.

Trcka’s death in San Diego marks the end of a multifaceted career that spanned competitive athletics, personal training, acting, and real estate. Her ability to reinvent herself across different industries while maintaining her commitment to fitness and helping others achieve their goals defined her professional life. From the bodybuilding stage to the movie screen, Jayne Trcka left an indelible mark on both the fitness world and the entertainment industry.