Meet Alina Harmann | Actor

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

Hi Alina, how do you think about risk?
In a feat of admiration for an actor I deeply respect – though our paths will likely never cross – I borrow from Tom Selleck, “Risk is the price you pay for opportunity itself.” The Tom Selleck fandom runs deep in my family. After all, my mother “broke up” with Paul Newman to crush on Tom Selleck when Magnum, P.I. debuted, so I was reminded of his words as I embarked on my journey as an actor and moved to LA.
I see every risk, big or small, as an opportunity to evolve as a person. Either to learn that I should never take that risk again or to find footing on a path I’m navigating to see where it leads. Risk is often my only guiding light in this industry where becoming an actor has no clear roadmap. In many ways, I’ve befriended its discomfort and awkwardness to find creative motivation and an “always stay open” mindset.
In one of my life’s greatest paradoxes, risk was my companion when I moved to LA to attend acting school, only to drop out of the program three months later. At the time, I couldn’t understand my conviction to make that choice. In hindsight, this risk was the necessary catapult to find my current acting coach Rod Rowland, and evolve into the actor I am – solid in my craft, flexible to adapt, and always curious to learn more.
Ultimately, I strive to grow toward my purpose, regardless of whether that growth occurs in the valleys or on the peaks of my experiences. The catch is: I don’t know what lies on the other side of the door unless I take the risk to open it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The journey to my art began as a little girl in a village in Germany, where my family lived on the outskirts of a forest. Though I was born in Barcelona, Spain, Germany is my home. Retrospectively, I recognize that my childhood playing in the forest with imaginary fairies and gnomes, building sandcastles for snails to play in, and pretending that I was feeding horses in my backyard with lawn clippings established a creative force in me that would only later fully awaken. Yet, the world of cobblestone roads, medieval buildings, and riding my unicycle around the village was one I never thought I would leave.
My discovery of a much bigger world came at the age of ten when we moved to Miami, FL. Stores were plentiful, portions were large, and dreams were infinite, but I didn’t speak a word of English when my parents dropped me off in fourth grade. My memory is a little hazy but it truly feels like I woke up three months later and suddenly knew how to speak English. The science behind that seems questionable but it was at this time that I discovered the stage. It started with a single dialogue line and grew into regular participation in school plays, local theaters, and spending my summers in LA to attend youth acting programs.
Eventually, my parents faced the decision to take me to LA more regularly for bigger opportunities which was halted when my father’s work relocated my family to China. I naturally gravitated towards a focus on education, receiving my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder after leaving China at the age of 16 and moving back to FL on my own.
The distance between myself and acting grew exponentially when I pursued medical school, filling every waking minute with pre-med classes, shadowing, research, clinical work, and volunteering. It was only after I checked every box to attend medical school, including taking the MCAT (medical college admission test), that I chose to withdraw my application from medical school.
Equipped with the ability to stand on my own two feet and a deep sense of who I am through the trials and tribulations of the pre-med path, I ventured to LA. If I could stand in the OR with neurosurgeons and watch an open brain or spend Friday nights in the ER volunteering, I could face the uncertainty of LA.
These days, I look back on that decision and laugh because the acting pursuit has shown promise for me and I have not regretted my choice, but it certainly makes for a funny quarter-life crisis story. I also find confidence in labeling myself an actor and not being shy about sharing with people that I am the German/American, witty and bubbly, unicycle-riding girl-next-door or dramatic female lead. Though I am eyeing the happy world of the Hallmark channel, I try not to set linear expectations or goals because I want to see what unique opportunities lie ahead by simply allowing myself to exist in this industry and giving it my all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As president of the homebody association, a friend visiting town would be my opportunity to see LA as well… In an attempt to steer from the conventional sights, I’m categorizing every itinerary item into something classic, something unique, and something fun.
A classic for me is The Huntington Grounds. With a mix of its botanic gardens, art galleries, and a Gilded Age mansion, I find the blend of nature and history breathtaking. For a unique experience, I would invite my friend to an evening at the Magic Castle. Something I never expected when moving to LA was that I would meet a magician, and yet, I did, and now have fairly regular opportunities to attend the prestigious Magic Castle. An evening in the close-up gallery and larger theaters is unforgettable! Of course, we must have our round of fun so a full day at Universal Studios is on the schedule.
I recently heard a rumor that Philippe The Original is the sandwich shop that originated the French dip sandwich, and while I can’t confirm this information, it certainly sounds true so I’m making this our first stop in the classic category. What happens when you blend Greek cooking, Latin-infused ingredients, and chicken? You get Dino’s Famous Chicken. Around since the 80s, the unique flavors and home-style feel make this a nostalgic stop. For an enchanting and fun experience, our last food stop would be Arden Restaurant. Known for its floral décor that whisks you away into a culinary garden experience, this one is a must for those Instagram pictures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wonderful parents and siblings are my lifeline. They are the people who encourage me through uncertainty and celebrate every win. There would be no actor Alina Harmann if not for my incredible coach Rod Rowland whose commitment, patience, and experience are invaluable and constantly push me to be better. Grateful to Dale E. Turner as well, for being my mentor and showing me the inner workings of this industry with high optimism for my future in it. Above it all: God. My faith is the only reason I can find purpose in the rejection, immense fulfillment in the opportunities I do receive, and certainty that there is a place for me in this industry.

Website: https://www.alinaharmann.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alina.harmann/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinaharmann

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoJXbR1VkzXw5bqyr6RDSWA