Eliana Alexander – Perpetual Grace, LTD.

By: Donna Sgro

Q) What are the recent projects you are working on?

A) I am excited to share that I write novels and I love it. My first novel, The Neighbor, was released in 2012 and received excellent reviews. Now, I am proud to announce the first installment of my new action/adventure sci-fi novel series, TILT: Magic Ei8hts. The series follows Blane and Jake, two teens who inadvertently set off an inter-dimensional time vortex that takes them on adventures to exciting and dangerous new worlds and times. Blane and Jake learn a great deal about themselves while learning about the Universe and different eras. These teens are super savvy with technology yet when they travel back in time they have to learn how to exist in a world with bare minimum necessities and no technology. The first book in the series is set for release on August 8^th, 2019. I am very excited for readers to lose themselves in their imagination and to also evolve and grow while enjoying the journey with Blane and Jake.

Q) Please tell us about your role as Marisol Contreras on “Perpetual Grace, LTD.”

A) Marisol Contreras is the wife of Hector Contreras (Luis Guzmán) who is the town sheriff in Hermosillo, Mexico. She is a mom of two very smart teen boys Emile (Alonso Alvarez) and Mathias (Calvin Anthony Benuto) and extremely proactive in their lives. I have to say that I absolutely love my TV sons and they are magnificent. Marisol works on keeping a strong family unit. When she begins to discover that something is going on with Hector, even though she doesn’t know what, you see a change in her. Throughout the series you see her step up for her family. You will see her turn into a warrior.

Q) What was it about the series that really drew you in?

A) The script was magnificent and I knew immediately that I really wanted to be a part of this. I also had admired Steven Conrad’s work and wanted to work with him and the co-creator Bruce Terris. It’s a true gift to be on this series.

Q) Talk about the audition process and how it led you to be cast in the show.

A) When I was called in, I thought I was going to be too light-skinned. I am Latina, fluent in Spanish and English without accents, yet I was born blonde and for years many casting directors did not believe that I was Latina. I had to die my hair brunette and speak with an accent. The Contreras family lives in Hermosillo, Mexico and I was thrilled that the family speaks Spanish throughout the series. Rachel Tenner, the casting director, and her team were amazing. First take she said, “I love it,” and then said, “Let’s do another one for fun slightly different.” I did it again, one take and I was on my way. Two days later I was pinned and a day after – booked. Pure joy and heaven knowing that I was going to be on a series with a stellar cast and brilliant writing.

Q) How excited are you to be working with Sir Ben Kingsley and Luis Guzmán?

A) Of course, I knew that Sir Ben was the lead of the series and I knew that I was playing Luis Guzmán’s wife yet when I found out I was going to working with Sir Ben I was elated. As an actor, to be in scenes with this magnificent thespian I knew it was going to be wonderful and it was. Sir Ben is very focused throughout the day and it was beautiful to work with him. When working with just my TV family, the boys and Luis, Luis is funny and keeps the cast and crew laughing. I mean it when I say I am truly blessed to be a part of this amazing project!

Q) We read that “Perpetual Grace, LTD” is being labeled a “modern noir” – is this the first time you’ve worked on a project in this genre?

A) Modern noir is fantastic and, yes, I have done this style of filming before. I had the pleasure of play Magdalena Linney, a femme fatal in the feature Agenda filmed in Texas. I love this style of filming and on “Perpetual Grace,” the lighting and camera work is formidable. Jimmy Whitaker and his lovely wife Nicole Whitaker are the cinematographers that designed a beautiful pallet. It is absolutely magnificent.

Q) The series was filmed in New Mexico, serving as the story’s “modern Wild West” backdrop. How did the setting play a role in the series?

A) New Mexico, especially Santa Fe, works great with this series. The incredible scenery of the mountains and the vast desert is fantastic. The beautiful sunsets and colors of the sky are incredible. This series thrives on this backdrop for a modern wild west. This series is very beautiful to see while getting pulled into the story.

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming the show?

A) Anytime I am on set I am beyond happy. There are too many golden moments. One that I am proud to share is that my TV sons and their guardians and I got along incredibly well. We truly felt like a family. Many times we made memories by sightseeing and having lunches or dinners in the plaza. I absolutely adore Alonso and Calvin as if they were my own. We continue to stay in touch and are very excited and in great hopes for season two.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

A) Of course, getting great feedback lifts our spirits. My followers and my friends have already been leaving sweet messages. I am truly grateful for their support and great energy!

Q) If a potential actor or actress is reading this what piece of information would you give to them to keep them on their path?

A) Stay strong and always believe. Keep doing what you love. Formulate a plan, get into action and trust that you will see results. Always be humble and kind and lead by being a great example as an artist and a professional.