Meet Alexis Molton: Actor, Director, Writer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Molton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is probably “fake it til you make it”. I think being vulnerable in your truth and genuine in who you really are at any phase of your life or career in the long run is always produces a greater acceptance from people. I’ve struggled a lot with feeling like sometimes my personality type isn’t the best suited for the work I do or the industry I’ve chosen to be a part of. Maybe I’m not social enough, maybe I’m not willing to sucker up to the right people to gain opportunities, maybe I have to change parts of myself to be more like-able or acceptable. But the truth is as cliche as it is the things, people, and opportunities meant for you will be for you, and all you have to do is be yourself. Whole heartedly and genuinely. There’s a space crafted in this world just for you, but you can’t fit into it if you’re trying to be like everyone else. There’s someone out there who will relate to you and your story, and they need you to have the courage to be yourself so that they may see you succeed, just as you are and know that they can succeed too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, I prefer the term actor to actress. I don’t think there should be a difference. I’ve also recently expanded myself into being able to claim the titles writer, director and producer as I’m currently working on a series called “Anti” that I’m acting in, producing, directing, and wrote. I also am gearing up to submit a short film I did called “Borderlines” into film festivals for later this year and next year. I usually over think my work to the point that I won’t release it, and that’s something I’m working on overcoming this year so I’m really proud of these projects; not only for doing them but actually following through and putting them out into the world. I think what sets me apart from others is ultimately that I like to play in my lane, made up of my rules and try (as hard as it is) not to compare myself to others and what their success looks like. I think for a long time I just saw myself as an actor and that was the main goal, but in making my own projects from the ground up I’ve realized I actually have so much more capabilities than that. I have the mental stamina to run an entire set, to be in charge of and employ an entire team of people and that makes me feel powerful and cool. I’m not where I’d like to be just yet as far as my success and in my career but I’ve taken the reigns into my own hands and don’t wait for an opportunity to knock on my door, I make them.
It’s been a journey and I’ve learned a lot. I don’t have all the answers still and I know the journey ahead of me will continue to bring new lessons, ups and downs, and change but I’m open to it. I once heard in an acting class that you just have to enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination and I’ve tried to live by that ever since. It gets hard and you go through the motions. That’s a part of it, but I think that’s what makes it sweeter when you succeed. I don’t necessarily believe you have to struggle for your dreams but I think anything worth having takes work and sacrifice. I just have faith that all of it will be worth it and I think the destination always changes and is probably going to be something I couldn’t have even imagined if I tried.
I’ve learned to keep my head down, to trust myself and let fear take the back seat. It’s always that risk that you’re not sure if you should take that usually is the thing that propels you to the next level. I want people to always know of me as being someone who stayed trued to who I am, who didn’t conform to fit the mold and that made new lanes for new possibilities. I want my art and creativity to allow me to do good in the world and do good for people. In reality the art is just the tip of iceberg, it’s what the art can do for others that sits below the surface.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, if a best friend was visiting me in L.A., they’d probably know about more places to go than me. Sadly. I’m a home body. I love the beach, I can go to the beach anytime, any day so that’d probably definitely make it on my to do list. I’d probably go on google to search up cool places to go. When my friends come into town they usually take me out places that they’ve seen on TikTok or whatever. I spend my time at home working, at the gym, or the beach to reflect and have some time in nature honestly. I sound boring. HA. I try to be a good host though, so I’d probably try to look up something show them a good time. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shout-out to my family, particularly my mom & dad. Also Issa Rae. My parents have in their own individual ways given me the tools I’ve needed to make it as far as I have. They’ve been supportive of my dreams even when it didn’t make sense. They’ve given me their last $20 sometimes so I can buy a meal because I was dead broke. I don’t think they always understood why I put myself through so much for something, but they supported it nonetheless and for that I’m grateful because I know not everyone has parents like that. I’d like to thank my mom for making me a lover and my dad for making me a fighter. And I’d like to thank Issa Rae for making me believe in turning nothing into something. I’d also like to thank anyone who’s every supported me, sent me a kind thought, or done me a favor simply because they believe in me. Oh, lastly Lisa Flory for putting me up for this interview.

Website: alexismolton.com

Instagram: AlexisMolton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvCy1pVyXRueZcA1yToWkw. / Alexis Molton

Other: Check out my new series “Anti” premiering in June on Youtube.

Image Credits
Lisa Flory Zachary Smith Justyce Smith