10 Things about Alyshia Ochse
Originally from Kentucky, what motivated you to get into the entertainment industry as an actress and how did you get your start?
I knew I wanted to be “in the TV” before I could even write my name. I remember days of making up stories about people in my neighborhood from the living room window and staring in the mirror analyzing different feelings and emotions. Human beings, connection and body language have fascinated me my whole life. My first time stepping on a set was for the film “Seabiscuit” which they were filming in Kentucky. I marveled at the size of the production and fell head over heels in love with the long hours of pretending and fur coats. I moved to L.A. shortly after and dove deeper into the creative process figuring the business out as I moved along.
Which actors have had a positive impact on your career and which ones would you want to work with?
Tom Hanks! Julia Roberts! Both of them were so influential and monumental to my development as a creative person. Watching their movies, made me feel that the process of being an actor was to entertain, to emote, to laugh, and to give an honest moment to allow the audience to be captivated. Their seamless transition from comedy to drama made me believe anything was possible. Who doesn’t love Tom and Julia. And of course, these two are my “top of the mountain” working buddies!
You were on HBO’s “True Detective”. What were some of your memorable moments working on that show with seasoned actors?
Working with Matthew McConaughey as he was making his mark as a serious actor was astonishing and riveting in the room. We had a whole day of just us working together. His skill was impeccable. His dedication was contagious. His vote of confidence in me allowed me to soar and explore new ideas with my character. AND then, getting to meet Michelle Monaghan was icing on the cake. Michelle had (and still has) a career that I have wanted to emulate. Working together on the same project gave concrete crystallization that my career was actually starting. Another great moment was Cary Fukunaga’s (the director) sock game. Every day a different pair of awesome socks. 🙂
Currently, you’re on Quibi’s #FreeRayShawn. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you decide to jump on board?
#FreeRayShawn was first brought to my attention by a great friend and producer, Justin Bursch. We have been trying to work together for a decade plus. He told me about the project because another friend initially had the starring role. Ultimately, everything shifted around on the project and I sent in an audition tape as they were seeing mostly “name talent” for all the roles. Eventually, I got to audition for the director Seith Mann. Laurence Fishburne and Stephan James came on board as the lead roles. I got word, that the part I had originally wanted, went to a dear friend Annabeth Gish and I secured the role of DA Sarah Foreman. “What is for you, will find you,” is what Annabeth always tells me. This project was magic because I was able to step into a new type of role, be surrounded by an outstanding cast and get to work with some of my dear friends. Sprinkles on top of the icing of the cake. Every once in a while, you score the projects that change your life because the experience of shooting and sharing the ethos with other creative people allows your light to burst.
As you mentioned, you play the role of DA Sarah Foreman. What can you tell us about her personality and what you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
DA Sarah Foreman is a no-nonsense, by the book, hardworking DA who has something to prove as a woman in this city. She really has to keep her emotions at bay and focus on the law, because everyone is now watching her every move.
The story follows a war veteran named Rayshawn who finds himself in a showdown with the New Orleans SWAT team. What can you share with us about what viewers can expect to see on this season of #FreeRayShawn?
There isn’t much I can share without giving too much away. Rayshawn brings his community into the experience by streaming LIVE from his social media account as he deals with the New Orleans SWAT team. Every moment is being witnessed by his followers and then the whole city of New Orleans. With this series, the audience will have the perspective of the accused, the witnesses, and the law. It will emotionally leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat.
You wrote a book entitled, “Life Letters”. What motivated you to write this book and what’s it about?
Life Letters was a process that I created to help me through a difficult period in my life about 10 years ago. I didn’t know who I was and I certainly didn’t have self-love. The majority of my life till then, had been consumed with pleasing others and side stepping my own thoughts, desires, excitements, weaknesses, etc. After calling off a wedding, I knew I needed assistance to get through it and I gained it from my internal source of wisdom (God, Universe, big Self). Eventually, I made this process into a book because many of my dear friends saw a huge transformation in me after this year and requested the process. It is a quick 57 page self-motivational book to get you through a year of growth while learning to love and enhance parts of YOU.
If you weren’t working as an actress in the entertainment industry, what career type would you have instead?
Something still in the vein of telling stories. I am a creator. I am a storyteller.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
Honestly, my day to day is more boho chic. I love Jen’s Pirate Booty’s whole line. I am usually wearing some piece of clothing from her or Free People. I also live in Mother jeans. I am a 70s girl during the day and a more retro 50s girl when I get dressed up. I love a good A-line. When I go really fancy, I am all about Mark Zunino. He understands a curvy woman’s body and has corsets built into every dress!
What projects do you have coming up in the near future?
#FreeRayShawn releases on Quibi on April 6, 2020. Also, Days of Our Lives invited me back for a fun arch this month. Currently, I am working on releasing the second season of That One Audition Podcast that will begin airing on April 7, 2020. Also, I am pitching my first scripted podcast called Newspaperwoman about the rise of Aggie Underwood.
Instagram: @AlyshiaOchse & @ThatOneAudition
Facebook Page: Alyshia Ochse
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Gabriella Kool
Makeup: Brett Freedman | Celestine Agency
Hair: Felicia Rials | Tabb Sparks Salson