Check out our interview with young actor Oliver Alexander who can be seen starring in HBO Max’s newest hit The Garcia’s as Max Garcia Ramirez, the son of Julian Ramierez played by the incomparable Paul Rodriguez. Ever since landing his first big feature film The Curse of Llorona with Linda Cardellini, his career has been on fire! In addition to his TV and film roles, Oliver has done two award winning short films and nine National Commercials. Even at his young age, Oliver is passionate about giving back to the community by lending his support to charities that help those with Autism, Down syndrome as well as environmental charities.
Oliver other credits includes shows like Disney’s Sydney to the Max with Caroline Rhea and Jackson Dollinger, Fox’s 9-1-1 Lonestar with Rob Lowe, and L.A.’s Finest with Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union.
Follow Oliver @theoliveralexander
Hi Oliver, please tell us a little about you?
I think of myself as a typical 11-year-old kid. My favorite subject at school Is science, my favorite sport to play is lacrosse and acting is my hobby. I mean, not that much different than most kids my age.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Humble, athletic and blessed.
How did you get started into acting?
I started acting in preschool, my music teacher at that time was putting on a theatrical play for the school and parents. I loved being a part of it and it must have shown because that same teacher recommended I pursue professional theatrical auditions so I did and I’ve been acting ever since.
What is the best and worst part of being an actor?
The best part about being an actor is that I get to do what I love. I’ve worked with many amazing and talented people on a daily basis and have made so many friends along the way. The worst part about being an actor would probably have to be the last minute changes in my schedule. One day you could be at home making plans for the upcoming week, only to be flying out the next day to film in a remote location. But I love acting and working and I am lucky when that happens!
How do you prepare for a role?
When I get an audition, I like to read as much as I can about the role/character that I’m being asked to play. I just try to get an understanding of who the character is, where he comes from, and what he’s going through or about to go through. I then look over the lines, read them a couple of times and see if I’ve got a good understanding of the character. I then start to memorize the lines. Once I have the lines down I meet with my acting coach to get her opinion on how the scene should be played out and get another opinion on how to act out the character or scenes.
Tell us about your work on popular shows like HBO MAX series “The Garcias,” Disney’s “Sydney to the Max,” and Fox’s “9-1-1: Lonestar?”
So on the HBO Max series, “The Garcias”, I play the role of Max, an 8 year old aspiring chef with a strong bond with his family. The Garcias was such a fun series to film, not only did I meet a lot of amazing people, but I had the opportunity to work in another country. It was filmed in beautiful Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. Quite an unforgettable experience.
Disney’s “Sydney to the Max”, was my first experience working on a series. Since the cast is made up of primarily kids my age, we had tons of fun on set. They were all so amazing and fun to be around, on and off the set. Definitely made some forever friends.
When on set for Fox’s “9-1-1: Lonestar” I had a great introduction to the behind the scenes of pyrotechnics and stunt work. That’s something I’ve always been interested in and wouldn’t mind being able to do my own stunts on set someday. I just feel that it’s something I would really enjoy especially with my gymnastics background.
What other projects have you been part of?
One of the first projects I was involved in was a Warner Brothers Feature Film called “The Curse of La Llorona”. I guess you could say it was quite a thrilling project to be a part of. Even though the movie itself is very scary to watch, it was honestly the opposite on set. There was nothing scary about filming the movie, as a matter of fact I didn’t realize how scary it was until I attended the premiere. Haha
I also worked on a Spectrum Original called “L.A.’s Finest”. It was one of the first projects I worked on at night, which was pretty cool.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I like playing roles where you have to play a complicated character such as a role where the character has different personalities. I like characters with a good side and bad side. It’s just always more exciting to play someone very different from what I am like in real life.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is getting the opportunity to do what I love. I have met and worked with amazing people in amazing places. To be completely honest I don’t even consider it work because I enjoy it so much!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
One of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned so far in this business is to always enjoy every moment and every opportunity that comes my way. I am very serious and sometimes I can get caught up in thinking about everything that needs to get done instead of enjoying the moment in front of me. I’ve gotten a lot better though!
How would your best friend describe you?
I think my best friend would describe me as a quiet, reserved, competitive athletic, Sneaker Head. Haha something along those lines.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, the title of the book would be “The Adventures of Oliver Alexander”. Everyday is a new adventure for me. If I’m not out filming, studying for an audition or promoting a recent project you could find me doing school work, playing lacrosse, at the gym, serving my community with the Boy Scouts of America or even the piano. Every day is a mini adventure.
What’s next for Oliver Alexander in 2022?
Well for starters I’ll be attending a new junior high school and I’m pretty excited about that. There are a couple of things in the pipeline with regards to acting so I’m excited to see how those turn out. In the meantime, I’m just happy to be doing what I do and enjoying life.
What is your favorite food?
Oh….. hands down it’s butter pasta with Parmesan cheese! Sometimes I like to add broccoli or edamame.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is just doing what you love and enjoying what you do. It’s funny, I can hear my parents saying, “if you love what you do then it isn’t work”, but it’s so true.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Well I once did a book report on Neil Armstrong and I just thought he was a fascinating person. I have big dreams of going to space one day. Or maybe play the role of an astronaut in a movie or show someday. Who knows…..but yeah, meeting him and having a conversation about his experience would be amazing.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice ever given was to always do my best!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In five years I would like to see myself as a series regular on a popular sitcom or playing a lead role in a big name movie. So basically still doing what I’m doing now, just in more complex roles and some funny ones too. I don’t think I would change much about how my career is going. I think I just need to keep putting in the work, never stop learning, and as long as I still love acting I’ll continue to do it.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song would have to be Count on Me by Bruno Mars. I love that it is a fun, catchy tune that you can tap your feet to and sing along with.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @theoliveralexander or on TikTok @theoliveralexander.
Thanks guys it’s been such a pleasure ✌????
Photo Credit:
Headshot: Shandon Photography
Photo w/hat: Personal Collection
