Meet Alexandra Shepherd | Actor

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

Hi Alexandra, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a half Jewish, half Anglo millennial born and raised in Miami, FL. Growing up, Miami felt like a small town to me. I had been to all the hottest nightclubs before I even turned 18. But it wasn’t until I moved to the Northeast for college and then to the Midwest to work on a theater production that I came to realize just how special of a place in America it was to grow up. Because of its rich multicultural history and population, Miami is another world compared to the rest of America. Even as a white girl growing up in Miami, it was normal for me, my friends, and family to enjoy foods and customs from the various cultures including Haitian, Cuban, Dominican, Jamaican, Bahamian, Peruvian, Columbian and more. Although Miami has its fair share of poverty, violence, and racism, looking back I am grateful to have grown up in a city that embraces and respects all people and their customs. To be exposed to so many communities including the LBGTQ community that Miami Beach embraced, taught me to love how rich in variety the world is and to embrace all people as my community. Leaving Miami and becoming more aware of the racism and social injustice that plagues this country, I have chosen to use my privilege to advocate for social justice causes and I am proud of who I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My road has not been easy but it has been worth it. I have been a professional performer since I got my first paycheck at 9 years old performing with a contemporary dance company. I went to New World School of the Arts high school and went on to obtain a Bachelors in Theater and Dance from The George Washington University. I have loved acting ever since I played Veruca Salt in the 7th grade. All I ever really wanted to do was be an actress in LA but I was afraid. I was often told to have a plan B and to be ready to be a waitress my whole life. So after college, I made sure to have a plan B and got a Masters degree in Public Health. I worked for a short time at a non-profit before I was given the opportunity by a friend I went to high school with, who was now working in casting, to do featured background work for three days on a film. That desire to perform and tell stories came alive again. It’s amazing how sometimes we can self sabotage and continue to play small and not follow our deepest desires. Yet, the universe, God, Source, whatever you want to call it, will throw experiences in our path to wake us up. Although I would “quit acting” again for a short time just a few years later, I eventually really woke up after a break-up that caused me to FINALLY let go of the old beliefs holding me back. Five years ago, I moved to LA and never looked back. The past five years haven’t been easy but they have been worth it. I may not have reached my ultimate goal yet, but I can unequivocally say that I am a working actress in LA with an incredible and supportive creative partner by my side. I am proud of the fact that in 2020, I was able to not only call myself an actor, but a filmmaker. My comedy short ,Pandemic Buddies, has been selected by various festivals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Malibu- Hike at Malibu Canyon State Park then drive to Point Dume to hopefully see some Sea Lions and then grab food on the patio at Reel Inn on the way back Santa Monica- Walk the pier, shopping at the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, dinner at Cha Cha Chicken
Hollywood- Walk down Hollywood Blvd to see the stars and characters then hike in Griffith Park to the Observatory and a great view of the Hollywood sign. I love an allergen free bakery in Larchmont called Erin McKenna’s Bakery.
If the weather is warm, I would book a beach day at the south end of Will Rogers State Beach with Beach Now SoCal. It’s a great company that completely sets up your beach day for you and will deliver food to you on the sand. I would order us sandwiches from Bay Cities.
Just up Sunset Blvd from PCH there is a really cool sanctuary called The Lake Shrine. It’s quite serene and has an interesting history.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my life and business partner, Brad. He is my creative champion.

Website: https://www.risemedia2022.com/pandemic-buddies

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrashepherd_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncghxzGs6tYYqFv_Tjoxig

Image Credits
Kim Alexis Photo