We were lucky to catch up with Helena-Alexis Seymour recently and have shared our conversation below.
Helena-Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents have done everything right! My mom is Greek and my dad is Caribbean. They met on vacation and fell in love although there were several odds against them. Their story of how they overcame those obstacles for love sticks with me that whatever is meant to be, will be. After giving birth to me and noticing my shyness in public yet outgoing nature at home putting on talent shows in the basement, they enrolled me in dance classes to boost my self-confidence and self-esteem. I loved it!! From there I began to enter beauty pageants that included modeling and public speaking. There was something inside me that said “it’s okay to be yourself on stage”. So I did. What I learned from performing as a child then lead me into acting and modeling. It allowed me to express my personality and feel free to be my authentic self. I thank my parents for seeing me and believing in me from a young kid at the age of six. It’s because of them, I’m at where I am today – a successful actress that plays the title (lead) character on a now Emmy Winning TV Series: “The Chronicles of Jessica Wu”.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an actress, model and have been since the age of nine. I booked my first my first acting job, commercial for Post Golden Raisin Crisp cereal. My first ever film still airs every Christmas called “Diva’s Christmas Carole” starring Vanessa Williams. I played Vanessa Williams character – ‘ Young Ebony’ in a flashback at the age of 15yr. It premiered on VH1 and now airs on BET and Paramount+, yearly. I got into the industry to come out of my shell as I grew up very, very shy and introverted. Being on stage performing for National dance competitions and International beauty pageants, I began to find my creative expression and confidence. Acting and modeling has allowed me to learn more about myself and my creative potential. Every outfit I wear on the runway, and every life I embody and live on screen is a character. Someone that has traits and qualities that others watching can relate to. I love being a mirror to other humans to remind them of who they are and their strengths. I am so proud of literally every single job I did as it’s shaped me into more of who I am and what I am capable of. I learn on every set I walk onto and every runway I strut down. One acting job that truly sticks out was when I booked “Birdman: The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance”. The audition was very last minute and unexpected. I was at a ‘chemistry read’/audition for a TV Series 2hrs away from my home when a different casting director called my agent and asked if I was able to come to an audition in 5 hours from now. Luckily, I was in the same city but now had to wait for 5 hours to pass…. Once the time came I went in to read for a role which had no title or information given. All I had were my lines/sides and a scene partner to read with. Once the audition finished the casting director notified us that if we book it, the role films the next morning so best to stay close by and keep our phones handy. Now, I’m stressing a little as I live a solid 2 hours away and had work the next day. I called my parents and they spoke positivity into me saying that “if it’s meant to be, it will all work out.” I trusted their guidance and drove back home knowing that God is in control of it all. The next morning I went about my day, working and assumed I did not book the role. Mid-afternoon, my agent calls. They said I booked the job but they moved the shooting day for the following day! I was relieved it wasn’t that day but now I’m worried because the next day I was scheduled to film a different movie in my city! My agent called the casting director back and told them, I’m already booked on something else which made the casting director call the production and now we are all freaking out a little… The production told the casting which then told my agent that the shooting will be early in the morning for a few hours. My other movie was filming in the early evening so with all trust in God, we said yes. Once I got to set the next morning is when I actually was given the call sheet with the cast list to find out Birdman is being directed by a world-renown director – Alejandro González Iñárritu, and starring Michael Keaton!! Excuse me, what? The fact that I was up against a couple huge obstacles but still showed up trusting Gods guidance. It all makes sense. The greatest achievements always come with a test. I had an amazing experience on set and wrapped just in time to drive to my second film, with 30 minutes to spare!! Birdman went on to win five Oscars and has been named a classic. So many films and TV shows now shoot in one long take – inspired by how Birdman was shot. I’m so grateful that I kept the faith and trusted that, if this entered my path with loving unexpected energy, it was for my highest good and that God would figure out how to make it happen. This moment reminded me the importance of surrender, to have Faith and trust the process. One of my most proud moments for sure!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Something that I would love to enlighten others on about being a creative artist is that there is so much that you don’t see behind the scenes of the process. The final product is entertaining and buttoned up, the red carpets are exciting and celebratory but what it took to get to what is seen on TV or social media was a ton of blood, sweat, and tears. Hours and hours on set filming scenes during hours one would be sleeping.. while keeping your energy up and delivering each line fresh and like it was for the first time. We train constantly and invest tons of money into ourselves and our craft. We open our hearts and souls so vulnerably for the world to see and experience that sometimes, it’s enjoyed and sometimes it’s glanced over. This is a risk we are willing to take because we love the art so much. Some of us practice it for years, go out on hundreds of auditions only to book one solid role that will elevate our careers to a new level. We persevere because of our passion, our “why” and gut knowing that this is what we are meant to do. It’s our purpose. If many people knew this about our job, I hope it inspires them to go after what they truly love and are passionate about!! Everything that is worthwhile, takes courage, time, love and tons of effort. In the end, it’s worth it all. I love that films bring people together. I love that fashion, inspires how people want to express themselves. I love that what I do as a creative artist has an impact on the souls and spirits of so many. Lifting others up however I can and making their hearts smile, is what it’s all about.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that other people can see themselves in my characters on screen. It makes them feel seen, heard and known. That every character has a moment of growth and transformation that shows how they overcame an obstacle. Film and TV reflect humans back to humans that can start conversations and even have them go inwards to acknowledge aspects of themself that require love. My goal is to give voices to characters that I deeply resonate with so I can share them more powerfully with the world. Knowing maybe a girl that looks like me or relates to me on an internal level finally feels like she can be herself and shine her light brighter. Sharing love and expanding the light on the planet is the most rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helenaalexis.com
- Instagram: @helenaalexis
- Facebook: Helena-Alexis Seymour
Image Credits
Jae Feinberg Photography
Rahim Mehdi Photography