Alexis Dzeina – By the Grace of God

Q) What are some of your most recent projects that you are working on?

A) My recent television projects have been: a pilot for ABC, two episodes of “Joan of Arcadia,” and the CBS film, “Stone Cold” with Tom Selleck. Over the summer, I had the pleasure of working with Amy Sedaris on Strangers With Candy and Jim Jarmusch on his latest film.  I’ve been very fortunate to be working with so many talented people . . . actually, I’ve been very fortunate to be working in general. It’s been a fun year.

Q) Your manager mentioned that you are working on a pilot for ABC. What can you tell us about this project and the character you will be playing?

A) It’s an exciting show that explores common family struggles in the midst of an extreme ecological and philosophical disaster.  My character is the town Sheriff’s daughter, a rebellious sixteen-year-old girl, a bit lost in her own world. She is struggling to define herself, having lost her mother, and is dealing with the typical trials and tribulations of high school.  The cast is incredibly talented and diverse.  William Fichtner, Eddie Cibrian, Tyler Labine and so many other unique talents provide for a dynamic ensemble that was truly a gift to work with.

Q) You were recently on the show “Joan of Arcadia.” Can we expect to see your character Bonnie more often on the show?

A) I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Bonnie.  It would be exciting to see where she would go, but right now I’m focused on the new pilot.

Q) How did you hear about the role of Bonnie and what was your audition like?

A) When I first read the script, the story drew me in, and I fell in love with Bonnie. I thought it would be so exciting to be a part of such an original and interesting project. As far as the audition, it was so nice to be in the room with the director and producers. They had incredible insights as to the character of Bonnie, and they made the process so welcoming and warm. I was so thrilled to be working with such a creative group.

Q) Bonnie had to perform community service at a homeless shelter. Why do you think volunteering is important?

A) Volunteering is an essential part of being a member of a community. As part of a larger whole, it is up to each of us to contribute what we can to help others, to be a responsible citizen.  The time spent is such a small portion of what you get in return.

Q) You guest starred on an episode of Law & Order: SVU. How was your
experience on the set?

A) I was at once nervous and excited. The cast and crew were incredibly
sweet to me, and it couldn’t have been more fulfilling. It was very early on in my career, and I considered it to be a great stepping-stone to my future projects.

Q) You made an appearance on “The Sharon Osbourne Show.” What was it like meeting Sharon?

A) She was cool, although I was warned to stay away from her dog, because it would bite me. I was so nervous, besides the dog, and I almost got lost on the stage walking to find Sharon. Ever see This Is Spinal Tap? Enough said.

Q) What has been your favorite role and what made it your favorite?

A) I’ve never really had a favorite role; I’ve had favorite moments. They are usually on set when I find something I didn’t expect. Surprises are part of what is rewarding about being an actress. So, I guess you can say that each and every role has been my favorite.

Q) Why did you decide to get into acting?

A) Honestly, it was because I had a crush on the high school actors I worked with in my fifth grade play. I guess I’m still following them.

Q) How did you get your nickname “Wonder Girl?”

A) To tell you the truth, I never had that nickname prior to today. It was posted on IMDB months ago by some anonymous source. I have no idea where it came from; however, this very afternoon, I was telling this story to a friend of mine, and he has not stopped calling me “WonderGirl” since. So, now in a strange twist of fate and life imitating fake Internet gossip, it now has become my nickname. Thank you, Anonymous Biographer.

Q) Your bio says that you are a playwright. What do you tend to write about?

I work with mostly character-based stories. I begin with a character or a monologue, and see where they take me. Plot becomes a way for characters to interact. When I see a play, I like to see fleshed out people on stage. So, I develop characters independently, and then see what they do.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your career?

Thanks, mom. Seriously, though, I just feel that I’m so fortunate to be able to do what I love. The work is truly its own reward. It is reassuring to know that people are watching when you’re up there performing, and if they appreciate it, if they like it, it’s just the icing on the cake, the cherry on top. It makes me so happy that people are actually enjoying it; I’m so very grateful. Thank you.