The actress co-stars alongside Sir Ben Kingsley and Luis Guzman in EPIX original series!
By Elia Esparza
After hearing about Eliana Alexander (Gossip Girl, Sin Verguenza, Desire) being cast in a new Neo-noir-thriller television series, set to premiere on EPIX on Sunday, June 2, 2019, we had to catch up with her to get the scoop on her new gig.
What we know so far about Perpetual Grace, LTD is that it’s a story that follows James, (Jimmi Simpson), a young grifter, as he attempts to prey upon Pastor Bryon Brown, (Sir Ben Kingsley), who turns out to be far more dangerous than he suspects.
Let’s see what the consummate artist who has been immersed in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, had to share:
Latin Heat: Tell us about your new role as “Marisol Contreras”
Eliana Alexander: I love Marisol Contreras! What a treat to work on a series that is incredibly well written and stylized. Marisol truly values strong family life. She is proactive as a Mom raising her boys; two very smart teens Emile and Mathias played by Alonso Alvarez (Emile) and Calvin Benuto (Mathias) who are amazing actors. She knows something is going on with her husband Hector (Guzman) and through the series you see her step up for her family. She is proud of Hector who is the town sheriff of Hermosillo, Mexico yet she wishes he would spend more time at home and with his boys.
LH: What was it about the series that really drew you in?
EA: The writing was unique. I knew by reading the pilot episode this series was going to be powerful. I could tell that it was going to be stylized. I am a Shakespeare fan and the way it was written I could tell it had that essence. Then once I read the rest of the script I felt a huge Shakespeare presence in the episodes. Then I found out that I was going to
LH: Can you speak briefly about the audition process and how it led to you being cast?
EA: When I received the sides I was happy that they were all in Spanish. Even in Spanish, I could see that this was just a touch of something that is brewing. Rachel Tenner casting and her team were absolutely amazing. I am a creature of habit and prepared well. I came in with a strong choice. I gave her my read, she said ‘love it’ and that was it. I thought she said that just to be nice yet I know my work so I left it there and went on my way. Next thing I know I am pinned and within two days I was booked. I was extremely thrilled that I was going to be part of a series that is cool, edgy and filmed modern noir.
LH: How excited are you to be working with Sir Ben Kingsley and Luis Guzman?
EA: Of course, I’m thrilled to be working with both actors. Sir Ben was powerful and especially on one particular day, we worked long hours and very hard. He is very focused. Of course, it is a dream to work with a powerful actor and an Oscar winner. Luis is funny and easy going, playing his wife was a riot.
LH: Have you worked with Luis before?
EA: My husband John and I had the pleasure of meeting Luis at the Imagen Awards a few years ago. However, on Perpetual Grace, Ltd it was the first time working with Luis. We did a lot together so it did feel that we had worked on other projects together.
LH: 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?
EA: I have worked on a modern noir genre before. I absolutely love it! I played Magdalena Linney on a modern film noir titled Agenda directed by Jon de la Luz where I played a femme fatal. So you can imagine my excitement knowing that I was now going to be a part of a series filmed in this genre. I got to see the playback and the style of cinematography and the lighting was spectacular. I look forward to seeing the final product.
LH: Have you met the show’s masterminds, Steve Conrad and Bruce Terris?
EA: I have had the huge pleasure of being on set with the creator Steven Conrad and his talented writing and producing partner Bruce Terris. They are both super nice and calm. Steven directed six out of ten episodes and Jimmy Whitaker [also directed]. They are encouraging and always very grateful for your time. I am beyond lucky to be a part of a congenial cast and crew!!
LH: From what we’ve read, Kingsley refers to this drama like “The Macbeths in Shakespeare’s great play”… do you agree?
EA: I do agree. As I mentioned before there are many times I would look up after reading the episodes and say ‘Some of this has a Shakespeare vibe.’ Then I would hear Sir Ben speak and it all came together. In Spanish, we kept that noir feel yet as a Latina, I made sure to intertwine all of that essence with the stylized writing. I really love this series for it gave me an opportunity to act in Spanish in a very stylized project and then speak perfect English while acting with Sir Ben.
LH: We understand the series is filmed in New Mexico, serving as the story’s “modern Wild West” backdrop – do you agree?
EA: Yes, one hundred percent! Santa Fe is beautiful with colorful sunsets, glorious mountains and the vast red desert land is perfect for a modern Wild West noir backdrop.
LH: How different was it to work in New Mexico versus L.A. or N.Y. big metropolitans?
EA: Working in Santa Fe was absolutely spectacular! Small town yet has everything you need. I personally fell in love with Santa Fe, so much so that I would move there in a heartbeat. I loved the small town and the glorious panoramic views. This town has so much history and full of arts and theaters. You can get around very easily without the congestion or the traffic; to be able to live and work there would be awesome. My bags are packed!
LH: Is it true you have a new book coming out soon?
EA: I am very excited to share that my new novel, “TILT: Magic Ei8hts” will be released August 8th of this year. “TILT” is a Sci-Fi genre and is the first installment of the series. The story follows Blane and Jake, two teens that inadvertently set off an inter-dimensional time vortex that takes them on adventures to exciting and dangerous new worlds and times while learning about themselves and the Universe.
LH: Sounds like an amazing novel!
EA: Thank you. I am in great hopes that readers get a chance to lose themselves in their imagination and live in these worlds and dimensions with Blane and Jake.
Thank you, Eliana!
Eliana Alexander is repped by Momentum Talent and Literary Agency, Robertson/Taylor Agency and Olive Productions & Publicity (Publicist).
Perpetual Grace, LTD is a 10-episode drama series executive produced by Steve Conrad (Wonder, Patriot) and Bruce Terris (Patriot), who are also the showrunners. The cast also includes Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook), Damon Herriman (100 Bloody Acres), Terry O’Quinn (Patriot, Lost), Kurtwood Smith (The Ranch, That ’70 Show) and Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect).
