As most of my readers know, I am a huge proponent of the broad range of mystery series that air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. In my humble opinion, I tend to think I am typically one of the biggest supporters of each of the franchises. However, Gourmet Detective is a noteworthy series of films that has distinguished itself in an amazing fashion while featuring a cast and crew that is bar none, and I was rather dismayed when the network made the decision to cancel this phenomenal series. Be that as it may, when it was announced a few months back that Gourmet Detective was returning, imagine my overwhelming exhilaration! While most of the original cast was able to return, Marc Senior, the talented actor who originally played Bailey, was unable to return and the role had to be recast. Thankfully, Alex Barima embodied the role and was seamlessly integrated with the rest of the cast. Shortly after Gourmet Detective: Roux the Day premiered on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this past January, I reached out to Alex for an interview to which he readily agreed. It is my honor to share our virtual chat with my readers today.
Photo by Malcolm Tweedy
RH: Please tell us a little bit about your background and how that led to you pursuing a career in film/TV.
Photo by Dale Klippenstein
AB: I’ve always wanted to get into film acting since I was very young, so I don’t recall ever wanting to do anything else. I’ve always loved performing, whether on stage, on camera, or just for my friends while hanging out! I studied theatre in college and moved to Vancouver almost ten years ago to start pursuing that goal.
What was your first professional on-screen credit and what are your memories of working on that job?
Photo by Dale Klippenstein
My first professional credit was actually a wireless phone commercial. That was my very first time on a professional set and I’ll never forget it. The minute I arrived, I knew that I wanted to work on sets for the rest of my life. It was an overwhelming experience because up until that point, I’d never realized just how many people and moving parts are involved in creating just a few seconds of screen time. It was eye-opening and very humbling.
The Returned
More than likely, I first saw you on The Returned. I believe that may have been one of your first recurring roles. What did you enjoy about working on that show?
That was indeed my first recurring role, so a very big deal for me! It was fantastic because I got to work with my now long-time friend Keenan Tracey, and met some other wonderful people on the show as well.
It looks like The Exorcist opened the door for you in significant recurring roles. How did that role come about? Any special memories?
The Exorcist
The Exorcist was an enormous chapter in my life without a doubt; it certainly took my career to a completely different level. I remember sitting at my desk where I was working at the time when my agent called me with the news. Everybody stopped working and was listening to my reaction; it was hilarious. I was quite nervous when we began shooting the season, but thankfully the people running the show, namely Sean Crouch, were some of the kindest I’ve ever worked with. They gave me all the reassurance and confidence I needed to tackle the project with everything I had. Working with John Cho is also nothing to sneeze at!
You also worked on Tomorrowland. Many of my Canadian friends appeared on that movie (and I’ve seen this movie as well). What was it like being a part of a big movie like that?
The Man In the High Castle
Tomorrowland is the largest production I’ve ever been a part of. We shot our section on location in Spain, so it was completely surreal to be flown across the world to act in a George Clooney feature. That memory will always be one of my all-time favourites.
In recent years, you have been on The Hollow, Project Blue Book, The Man in the High Castle amongst other roles. Any special moments stand out from those shows?
The Hollow was my first time having a significant role in an animated program. I’ve always loved cartoons and have wanted to do voiceover since I was a teen, so that was a huge milestone for me. I love the show, the producers, and of course my fellow castmates, so I’m really hoping we get to keep the show going for many more seasons!
The Hollow
You have also been able to do some voice work. In Vancouver, it can be difficult to break into voice work. How were you able to get involved with voice work. What do you enjoy about vioce work?
As I mentioned, voiceover was always on my mind since before I came to Vancouver. It is hard to break into, but I think it all comes down to dedication. It takes a long time to get your voice out there and to have someone give you a shot, but when that shot comes, it’s up to you to be prepared! I enjoy absolutely everything about voice work and I want to do as much of it as possible over the course of my career.
Riverdale
Recently, you joined the cast of one of my favorite shows, Riverdale. First of all, were you a fan before joining the show? What can you tell us about your character this season? What is it like working on that show?
Yes, I had actually seen every single episode of the show before landing the role in season four! Being on the inside of such a wild production was everything I had hoped it would be. Their TV sets are the most impressive I’ve worked on.
Everyone was gracious and kind across the board, and as the season went on, the material became more and more fun! Riverdale was definitely on my bucket list and I couldn’t be happier with my time spent working on it. The Stonewall arc has been one of my favourites so far in the series, and I think many fans feel the same, so I’m extremely proud to be a part of it. Can’t say too much more however, so you’ll have to keep tuning in!
Hallmark fans saw you in your first Hallmark movie, Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery. What did you know about Hallmark before making that film? What was your experience like on that set (Dylan Neal is a good friend of mine.)
with Matthew
Gourmet Detective was actually the first Hallmark project I’ve ever worked on. I knew that Hallmark shot a lot of films (a lot) in Vancouver, but I’d never managed to book one until GD. My good friend Matthew Kevin Anderson plays Detective Munro and he made me feel right at home from the get-go. Dylan was an absolute joy to work with and his passion for the series really shone through the entire process. I’m hoping that we get to make many more of them because I had a blast!
Any upcoming roles you can mention?
Resident Alien
Right now, I’m working on the new Syfy series Resident Alien starring Alan Tudyk. I’d say it’s definitely my favourite project yet, and I’m particularly excited for its release. Not to mention Linda Hamilton just joined the cast as well so this show is sure to pack a serious punch!
I understand you are active in indie {independent} film as well. What are your aspirations in indie film?
I like to participate in indie productions mostly to help out my filmmaker friends, but I’m always up for a good indie project if I like the scripts and the people involved. I think it’s a great way to meet talented and hardworking people who are all trying to tell amazing stories in their own unique manner.
When not acting, what do you like to do for fun?
If I’m not hanging out with friends, then I’m almost certainly playing video games or watching anime. Nothing makes me happier than that on a day off!
Photo by Malcolm Tweedy
Naturally, Alex is a perfect fix with Hallmark and any other network that chooses to utilize his exceptional gifts. Even as a young man in this business, he has already amassed some spectacular credits on his resume, and I have no doubt that many more incredible opportunities will be sent his way. Boasting some of the top current credits in Vancouver, such as Riverdale, Supernatural, The Hollow and more, Alex is certainly making his mark in a business that can sometimes be difficult to infiltrate. I am immensely grateful to Hallmark and those who chose to cast him in the most recent Gourmet Detective movie, and I anticipate many more Hallmark movies in his future.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch Alex in his most recent Hallmark credit, Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery, be sure to investigate when it will be airing next on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (March 22nd is the next scheduled showing). You may also choose to watch him in his non-Hallmark works (Riverdale airs on the CW Wednesday nights, and The Hollow can be found on Netflix.). Additionally, please visit his links below and consider following him via social media in order to connect with him further while not missing any of his upcoming works. The fact that he has become such a popular commodity in the Vancouver film and TV industry is a testament to his training as well as his dedication to the craft. Of course, it also helps that he has made some helpful connections along the way, and he never fails to appreciate the fans who continue to watch and support him in his burgeoning career.
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Alex Barima, Samantha Ferris, Matthew Kevin Anderson, Dylan Neal, Brooke Burns Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
