Actress Alexis Jewell chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about her motivations as an actress.
What motivates you each day as an actress?
My goal in life is to experience as much as possible. My life is meant to be lived. And that is why I chose to be an actress. I want to step into new shoes every day and get to experience as many different lives as I possibly can. Storytelling makes us so human. I want to be a part of as many stories as possible. Trying to ‘make it’ in this job isn’t easy.
Each day, I remind myself that none of this is life or death; in fact, it’s just different opportunities for joy. I get to play pretend for a living, and people like watching me do it; that is such a privilege. I am not saving lives; I don’t need to stress like it is. And I think that shows in my acting and my auditions.
I show up with joy, and I show up to play. What is acting if not play? And I remember not to take myself too seriously. That mindset keeps me happy and motivated.
What do your plans for the future include?
My future is so broad but I have a few ideas. I hope to expand outside of the vertical space as an actor. My goals have always included Hallmark Movies and Horror Movies, so hopefully some of that. But in reality I feel like I’m at a uniquely transformative time of my life. I am 24, and I have no idea what the future holds for me.
Of course, I have my goals but really I just can’t wait to see where the road takes me. I just want to experience as much as life has to offer, and I hope to be acting all while getting to adventure, and what I really hope is I love a lot of people along the way. I navigate that by just trying as many things as possible. I never know until I have tried. So I am just going to keep on trying new things and see what doors open for me.
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
The things that will make you the best actor is knowing who you are, trusting yourself, and kindness. If you don’t know who you are at the end of the day, how are you supposed to play anyone else? Or even more so, you have to be yourself when you go home at the end of the day, and knowing who you are, what you love, who is around you, are all fundamental things for an actor, or any human for that matter.
You aren’t always an actor, you have to remember to be a person too. You have to be able to trust yourself, and specifically your abilities. The greatest skill you can have is performing without looking too hard at yourself and letting it go, which comes from self trust. You want to be an actor, then act, stop thinking about every little thing. And kindness. No one wants to work with a mean human, or someone who is drama, or brings everyone around them down.
Look to lift people up, look to know the people around you. No one is better or more important in these jobs, so look at everyone like a peer and treat them kindly. Also, be kind to yourself. You live and die with you, why not treat them nicely along the way. I get rehired multiple times because I bring kindness first. If you stay true to those inner steps, you will do great things.
To learn more about Alexis Jewell, follow her on Instagram.
