If you have enjoyed Hallmark over the past couple of years, no doubt you’ve seen some dynamic supporting actors. I noticed one from one of my favorite films last year (The Last Bridesmaid). Because Brandi Alexander is returning to this weekend’s line-up with Wedding Every Weekend on the Hallmark Channel, it was the perfect time to interview this vivacious and talented young lady.
RH: Why did you decide to pursue a career in acting? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this?
BA: I’ve always been passionate about acting since I was a kid, participating in school plays. I love the aspect of bringing characters to life through my personal experiences. So I decided to follow my heart and pursue acting. I’ve trained with various coaches throughout the years, learning different styles and techniques.
What was your first professional role in film/TV? What was that experience like?
My first professional role was on the hit TV series Smallville. I had a brief scene with Tom Welling. I was super excited and nervous, but working alongside a seasoned and professional actor and an amazing crew made it such a memorable experience.
One of your notable works has been in Romeo Section. What was special about that project for you?
Working on Romeo Section was special because it was all Canadian, written by the talented Chris Haddock, had an all Canadian cast and set in the lower mainland where I grew up. It looks into the harsh and complicated realities of our society, which many shows do not touch on. So this show has such a special place in my heart.
The Hallmark fans first saw you in the first Darrow & Darrow (and at least two others in the series). What have you enjoyed about that particular series? Since this was your first Hallmark experience, what did you appreciate about working for this network?
Darrow & Darrow is part of the Hallmark Mystery division, and it just so happens mysteries are one of my favourite genres, I love the aspect of the audience following along the journey discovering clues along the way solving a case. Getting to work with Kimberley Williams-Paisley and Tom Cavanaugh was such a treat. They both super talented sweethearts. The Darrow & Darrow law firm was like a little family. We would have such great times on set filming in the “bullpen,” creating such a fun dynamic with our diverse cast.
Your first Hallmark Christmas movie was A Gift To Remember. What did you know about Hallmark Christmas movies before this movie? Any special memories from this movie? Also, you came back for the sequel last year. What was that like for you?
To me, Hallmark Christmas movies always embrace the holidays of family and tradition. There’s a feeling of getting into the spirit of Christmas through the nostalgia and festivities they always incorporate into their films. I really enjoyed following Darcy and Aiden’s journey of love as it developed through the movie. Helping Aiden regain his memory was so gratifying for me to play as Nurse Nancy. I was thrilled to film the sequel last year. It’s always a treat when you get the opportunity to work again with such a great talented team of colleagues.
One of our favorites of your Hallmark movies has been The Last Bridesmaid. What made this movie so special?
This was the first film where I’ve gotten married. It was so much fun to wear a wedding dress, have the bridal hair flowers and the whole works! I also loved working with Rachel Boston. Playing her best friend was so special. We had that BFF chemistry from the first day of filming.
This weekend, we will see you in Wedding Every Weekend. What can you tell us about your character in this movie & how she relates to the overall story? Any special on-set memories?
I play Ginny, who is Brooke’s best friend, who is getting married. In the film, Brooke is navigating her love life. I am always there, giving my best friend advice on following her heart. As much as it seems that I have it all together, I have a few of my own conflicts, and I get through them with the advice of Brooke. It was so much fun as this was the first production filming after the COVID lockdown, so to work with some familiar fellow actors again was such a treat, human interaction!!!!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Late last year, I had the opportunity to work on a show called Grand Army, where I play the high school girls basketball coach. It was such a fun, different role to play. It should be airing on Netflix sometime this year! I also have another Hallmark in the works that I am currently filming, which should also come out just in time for the Countdown to Christmas!
How did you keep yourself occupied during the pandemic shutdown?
At first, I watched a lot of news programs to keep afloat with what was happening. But as the lockdown progressed, a majority of my time was split with reading. I also started a garden with my husband and planted a ton of veggies, including kale, tomatoes, three types of lettuce, carrots, beets, celery, red potatoes, and put in three blueberry bushes. This kept me very busy, especially with the weeding! Aside from the gardening, I also built a little gym in my garage to keep fit, especially with all the treats I was consuming while watching movies and series during the lockdown.
It’s a blessing to discover an enchanting, dynamic young lady such as Brandi. After virtually chatting with her, it’s thoroughly evident why she has been experiencing unparalleled success in her career, especially as of late. Not only is she an absolute dream to behold on screen for a plethora of reasons, but she is delightful, grounded, and kind. There is no doubt that she is a rising star in the Vancouver film community, and I have no doubt that she will maintain her steady rise as long as she holds fast to her strong ideals. I hope that everyone makes it a point to tune into the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, August 15th, for the premiere of one of the most highly-anticipated rom-coms of the summer season, Wedding Every Weekend. Additionally, I hope that everyone visits Brandi’s links below and considers following her where applicable. Her charisma, her commitment to her art, her radiant smile and her sparkling personality are some of the reasons that I am convinced she will continue to experience success in this industry, and I sincerely hope that all of us will support her in all current and future endeavors.
FOLLOW BRANDI
2 Comments
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I’ve enjoyed her career on Hallmark. Lovely Q&A.
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Author
Thank you, thank you!
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