Gillian Alexy – Outsiders

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How was your character, G’Win, originally described to you?

A) She was described as a strong mountain woman who becomes Asa’s confidant. It was really just one line, not much at all. I had to fill in the rest of the blanks.

Q) What was it that you added to your role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) As an actress when you audition for roles, you really only get the first script and a character breakdown. In the pilot, we only see a tiny little glimpse of G’Win. I think she only has two scenes. So, I had that to work off and the whole world that was being introduced in the scripts and the character breakdown. Anyone who is going to be living up in mountains and surviving those winters has to be a pretty tough chick. I felt, and brought to the audition, that she was a very strong-willed, kind of fierce individual who is very strong in their way of life, how they do things and would fight to the death to protect it. I think they are related to that in the character a little bit. She’s not someone who is going to sit down and shut up somewhere in a corner. If she has something to say, she is going to say it and I think Gillian Alexy is a little like that too – not always to my benefit. [laughs]

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of “Outsiders?”

A) It was like, “What?!” when you read the script. It was out there and had guys on ATVs. We had these tatted up individuals living up in the mountains and were away from society and technology. As an artist you kind of go, “Oh cool! This is going to be fun!” There was so much opportunity to create and be a part of the creation of this world. It was one of those scripts where you were like, “I want this. I want this one badly!”

Q) You do a great job of holding your own through large guys. How are you able to manage that?

A) David Morse and Ryan Hurst – I think they are about 6’5 and they are broad boys. They are not small! They are strong, big boys and it is actually rather hilarious when you see us all on set because I think I come up to their ribs! [laughs] In the first couple of scenes, we always joked that I would always try to find something to stand on so I’d be eye-to-eye with Ryan. But they are really two of the most sweetest, generous lovely men I’ve ever met in my life. They love my fire. They love my fierceness and my brashness. So, I feel very safe with those two. It’s been a lot of fun.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together?

A) It was pretty instant. We got to Pittsburgh a couple weeks before we started shooting. We were doing pre-production, which is when you do a lot of costume fittings and hair and makeup tests. You do read-throughs, rehearsals and have a lot of discussion about your character. A great thing that happened was we all got to be a part of our tattoo creation so that was a very collaborative effort. That was spearheaded by Ryan who found these great guys in Pittsburgh to design them. Everyone’s voices were really heard during that pre-production. I haven’t worked on too many shows as a series lead so I don’t know how common that is, but it definitely created a real strong sense of family. We all just hung out a lot and it developed into the rest of the show. I would have game nights at my home. I’d hang out with Kyle’s [Gallner] wife and kids and Tom [Wright] and his little boy. It did feel like family and it did happen pretty instantly.

Q) Are there any upcoming moments that you are most looking forward to getting a fan reaction from?

A) There is a big event coming up in G’Win’s life which involves a white dress. When does a wedding ever really go right? That’s what I want to say. When does anybody really have the perfect wedding? So, there is some stuff coming up in the next episode that I think no one is going to see coming. And I get to wear a white dress that is very pretty!

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to the episodes?

A) Yes, I really have. To be honest, I wouldn’t say I am the best at social media and I have definitely been trying to do better with this show. So, it’s great to see the feedback because it makes me see that people really love it and want to hear about it. What more gratification can you get? Sometimes in television and film you don’t get that instant feedback as opposed to in theatre when you are on stage. This is, in a way, a version of that so to get people’s reactions is amazing. People are so creative! It’s just so incredible what people come up with – with their pictures, videos and gifs. Sometimes I laugh out loud and I find it really entertaining!

Q) What have you taken away from your time working on “Outsiders?”

A) I think that I have definitely learned to trust my instincts a lot more as an actress and as a person. I feel like in a way that is reflected in maybe the journey that G’Win has as well. Being able to survive up on the mountain and hardships and tough things…Filming a television show, as much as it may seem glamorous, it’s hard work! It’s really early mornings and long, long days and you are in the elements. That, in a way, can really toughen you up as well. You don’t see it too much in the show, but there are a couple of promos where I was riding and ATV and I’ve been a part of some stunt stuff. All of that is just another indication that you can handle a lot more than you think and you can do a lot more than you think. So, I have learned something new about myself every day when I’m on that show. I’m kind of very excited about Season 2 not only for G’Win, but for Gillian as well.

Q) What would you like to see for G’Win for Season 2?

A) I just want to see more of G’Win! I just want to see her doing more stuff. I want to see her taking the reins and getting her hands dirty a lot more. I want to see her riding an ATV and see her doing the hunting. I want to see her going to town and getting messy with whatever situation needs to be. I want to see where all the relationships go with the men. There have been a few… [laughs] So, it will be interesting to see if that resolves itself, if it ever does.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) You guys just absolutely rock and it’s because of you we all have a job! We just can’t thank you enough! Keep it up and keep sending me those crazy videos and pictures because I absolutely love them.