Check out our interview with Philanthropist, Actress & Model Lexie Stevenson who made her big break as Mattie Ashby on the CBS Daytime Award-Winning drama The Young and the Restless. While Lexie spends most of her time acting, she does save time to model and build her fanbase on social media. Daily she likes to share behind the scenes of sets, her auditions, workouts, and how she stays in shape and healthy.
Lexie also stays busy serving on the advisory board for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Both her and her mother suffer from the disorder and it almost took Lexie’s life when she was only 17. At the time it had wrapped her small intestine into the size of a golf ball which led to severe pain for about 4 years until a doctor at the Boston Women’s hospital finally diagnosed her with endometriosis. Lexie’s goal on the advisory board is to bring more awareness to the disorder.
Follow Lexie @lexiestevenson
Please tell us a little about you?
My name is Lexie Stevenson. I am 22 years old and work professionally as an actress and a model.
How did you get started into acting?
When I was younger, I was constantly singing, whether it was random sentences or entire songs. My parents noticed, and my mom set out to find opportunities where I could sing and showcase that talent. Being in Maine, there weren’t many opportunities to do that, but she did find a Performing arts center, New England Youth Theater. It was here that I discovered my love for acting.
My vocal coach at the time, Rebecca Beck, helped transition me into acting by having me participate in some of the musical theater productions. Originally it was to help me get over my fear of performing in front of large crowds but then turned into a lifelong love for acting.
Once I graduated from high school, I had to make a decision between either going to my top choice college, SUNY-Purchase, or moving out to LA. A family friend had set up meetings for me in Los Angeles with managers and agents. These meetings started as just a way for me to see what life would be like after college, but they all ended up wanting to sign me. I decided to move to LA and defer from SUNY Purchase for one year. Seven months later, I had an audition for The Young and the Restless. They called me in for my date to Test for the show, which was also around the same time that I had to decide if I wanted to go back to SUNY Purchase or lose my guaranteed spot via the deferral program.
Tell us about your work on the CBS Daytime Award-Winning drama “The Young and the Restless?”
Working on The Young and the Restless was like going through a rigorous training course for acting. Most shows you get a lot more time to memorize your lines, rehearse, and tape. For us, we got at most 2-3 days to learn all of our lines, 15 minutes to rehearse/block the scene, and 15-20 minutes to tape it. It’s very quick, and because of that, I am now very confident in my ability to learn lines quickly and throw down in a scene in a very short amount of time.
As far as my co-stars go, they are also are all so amazing. They treat you like family, and everyone usually ends up finding their best friend on the show. I definitely found mine. His name is Noah Gerry. He portrayed the role of Charlie Ashby on the show (my brother). We had come onto the show simultaneously, which was nice because we didn’t have to navigate everything alone. He is still my best friend today, and I imagine will be for the rest of my life. I can’t say enough good things about him.
And about your role as Mattie Ashby?
My role as Mattie was great because of the challenges it presented me at the time. In comparison to Mattie, I have a lot more attitude and am more of, I guess, what you would call a wild child. So having to tone all of that down and become someone who is more shy, insecure, and super into school was kinda tough because that’s the exact opposite of who I am. But that was a good thing because it definitely pushed me.
What other projects you have been part of?
Before I landed my role on The Young and the Restless, I mostly did short films and background work. I was in a short film called Blur. I did a featured part in Alvin and the Chipmunks; Road Chip, and have done multiple music videos as well.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
Any role that challenges me or pushes me in some way is a role I want. But my dream role would be a superhero in a Marvel movie. I don’t know why, but ever since I was little, I’ve always seen this as being the ultimate goal…well, that and an Oscar to go with it lol.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
First and foremost, I don’t believe in failures. I believe in steps to success. However, I have learned a lot from some of my harder-to-reach steps. Most importantly, you can’t let mishaps hold you back because this is one of the most competitive industries there is, and if you aren’t trying to make it to that next step, someone else is.
What’s your advice for the newer models?
My biggest is pretty cliché, but you realize how valuable it is once you are in the industry and that is, never compare yourself to anyone. Remember that there is only one you, and the more you try to look like those girls you compare yourself to, the worse you are going to feel because you will lose yourself in the process. I’ve definitely fallen into that trap and am now regaining confidence and remembering who I am. I would also say, take everyone’s advice and opinions with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, you know what’s best for you, and your gut will tell you the right choices to make.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
There is always more room to grow. Never stop taking classes or trying to learn. There is no limit to how great you can become in your career. Getting a big ego after landing a job is really easy, but it will only backfire because while you are inflating your ego, other people are growing their skillset and becoming better at the job. I have five lessons/ guides that I try to remind myself of regularly, and they are:
– You never know it all
– There is always room to grow
– You can’t ride the coattails of your last job
– Stay humble
– There will always be someone out there better but remember you want to be the best.
Now can you tell us about your advisory board work with the Endometriosis Foundation of America?
Yes! The Endometriosis Foundation of America is an amazing organization that helps spread awareness about Endometriosis. I joined the advisory board at the end of 2019 because I had attended the Blossom ball (charity event) earlier that year and was inspired by all of the women who shared their journey with Endometriosis. I knew I wanted to be a part of it somehow, and that’s when they offered me the position. Its been an honor to help other young women become aware of the disease so that they hopefully don’t have to wait 4-6 years to be diagnosed like my mom and I were. It’s an ongoing battle but working with the strong women I get to work with, I know we are making a difference, and that’s really exciting.
How would your best friend describe you?
I actually called her and asked her to answer this question. When I first asked her, she laughed hysterically, and I thought to myself, “this outta be good.” She proceeds to tell me that I am a textbook Leo, I am very fashionable, her best friend, and someone she calls to tell everything to. After that, she got nervous and asked me why I couldn’t just read her mind. Which I definitely could. Maddy isn’t very sentimental or mushy-gushy, but every time we are on a phone call (getting emotional now), I can always tell how proud of me she is. The support she gives me helps make growing through this industry a little easier when I get discouraged. (:
What book should every entrepreneur read?
New Toughness Training for Sports. My dad had me read this book when I was swimming competitively in high school, but I think it applies to everyone. The book hones in on a person’s IPS (ideal performance state). We all have tough days, whether it’s because we got in an argument with a loved one or something traumatic happened, but this book explains how to really master the concept of mind over matter. So that when you do have an audition, or you’re filming that day, but your mind isn’t right, you can push past it and still be able to accomplish your IPS.
What’s next for Lexie Stevenson in 2021?
A lot! I’ve brought on some new members to my team, and I am also getting a lot of really cool auditions. 2021 is my year to really focus on what I want and make sure I do everything to reach my goals.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I don’t fit into a specific style category. I change my style on a day-to-day basis, and usually, it reflects what type of person I want to be that day. Some days I love street style, other days I will wear anything from basic jeans and tank to chains and black leather pants. It really depends on what outfit on Pinterest inspired me that morning.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten has come from my mom and dad. My mom always tells me, “The only thing stopping you is you.” And my dad always tells me “IPS,” and I carry both of those pieces of advice in everything I do.
Favorite song? Why?
Gorgeous by Mansionz. I love this song because whenever I’m feeling insecure, it makes me feel pretty and confident.
Where we can follow you?
IG: lexiestevenson
Tiktok: Lexie Stevenson
Book: New Toughness Training For Sports
Quote: “The only this stopping you is you.”
Movie: Shrek 3
TV Series: The Vampire Diaries and Jane the Virgin and Mr. Bean
Favorite Food: Charcuterie boards with a baguette
Travel Destination: Iceland
Sports Team: Patriots
Photo Credits: Stefanie Marie @stefaniemphoto
