10 Things about Alex Barima
When did you decide to get into acting as your career and how did you initially get your start?
That question is hard for me to answer because I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else. For the sake of posterity though, I’ll say when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I’ve always been involved in theatre and performative arts since a young age and all through my schooling, but I got my start in the film industry when I moved to Vancouver from Montreal in 2011. After graduating from acting school, I signed with an agent and have been chasing my dream ever since.
Which actors body of work has made a positive impact on your career and the choices you make on roles and opportunities?
I look up to more directors and writers than actors strangely enough, so my biggest inspirations are Hayao Miyazaki, Peter Jackson, James Cameron and Richard Linklater. Their work is what makes me love what I do; it’s hard to explain but they just have a way of bringing stories to life that few others do.
You’ve done a fair amount of both film and television work. What types of characters are you often drawn to?
I like playing the widest range of characters possible. I am more of a character actor than anything else, so I enjoy being a sort of chameleon and trying on different colors, different skins. I can have as much fun playing someone who resembles me or someone who is completely off the wall!
Currently, you’re on the Syfy series Resident Alien. How were you first introduced to the project and what was it about the script that made you want to be a part of it?
Resident Alien is extremely well written, which is always a gift for an actor. I immediately fell in love with the premise, the style and the characters, including David. I appreciate the amount of detail that went into his character and story; they gave me so much to work with and I had the best time exploring it all.
On the show, you play the role of David Logan. What can you tell us about his personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?
David is a good guy, which made me care about him right off the bat. He’s in over his head but his heart is in the right place, I think. We’re actually very similar in personality because he’s very careful and conflict-averse, while also being intuitive and passionate. Stepping into his shoes always feels very natural to me.
What can viewers expect to see from David and the rest of the cast one this season?
I don’t think it’s safe for anyone to have set expectations when it comes to Resident Alien! What I can say is David’s world will be turned upside down by the end of the season and his future will be very uncertain…
Every cast member is important in an ensemble, but what was your experience like working alongside Linda Hamilton?
Working with Linda, especially as a massive Sci-Fi fan, was a dream come true. She is one of the kindest, loveliest humans on this planet and her wealth of knowledge and experience is mesmerizing. I’m so grateful I got the chance to meet and work alongside her; it’s an opportunity I will cherish for the rest of my life.
If you weren’t acting, what other career would you consider?
I’ve always thought that if I wasn’t an actor I would probably be a high school teacher. I’m not good at math or science, but I think I would have a great time teaching English or French (or both). Either that or I would work in advertising, which I find utterly fascinating.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
Sadly, I’m not very into fashion; I shop for clothes about once every three years, and that’s only out of pure necessity if all my clothes are ripped or something. Hence, my style is very casual. I hate wearing shorts so you can usually find me in a pair of black jeans with a plain t-shirt on. T-shirts are my favorite clothing item I’d say.
Besides Resident Alien, what other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
This past Fall I worked on a new Apple TV series set to come out in the summer, as well as a new animated project I can’t share yet. It’s frustrating having to keep everything secret, but I’m confident it will be worth the wait!
Twitter: @AlexBarima
Instagram: @AlexBarima
Photos: Dale Klippenstein