The ambidextrous actress chats about her experiences as an arthouse breakout star navigating Hollywood.
Even after a long day of filming and running errands, Alexandra Bokova is bright-eyed and animated. Her shiny, long black locks fall onto her shoulders, her tan skin luminous against her bright red top, but it’s her big brown eyes that demand your attention. Alexandra maintains eye contact and a confident smile as she speaks. There is an air of ease in her demeanor. Present, alluring and despite maintaining a low profile, it is no wonder the actress garnered hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and critical acclaim for her leading roles.
What's one challenge you occasionally or regularly face being an actress?
I have been careful not to be typecast based on perception. Conversely, because of my desire to not be categorized and particularly my multicultural background, I sometimes worry that being an ‘outlier’ I may be overlooked because I do not fit a particular mold. But I like to stick to the saying (bear with me I’ll translate and paraphrase) that the sun shines evenly on us all, there is room under the sun for everyone.
What kind of roles do you usually gun for or hope for in the future?
Something unique, something peculiar, unpredictable. Sometimes something that seems simple can be complex and impactful. It depends on the writers and production. I am happy to work with people who are happy to work with me. I keep an open mind and it isn’t always about profit, as you can tell based on some crowdfunding projects I’ve been a part of. If I strongly believe in a project and scheduling works out, then I am happy to be a part of it.
What's your favorite part about working on a character?
The submersion and transformation, the work and discipline, the collaboration with other creatives— it is as exciting as it is liberating.
Without thinking, at the top of your head who’s the one director you’d absolutely love to work with?
Tim Burton
What’s the last book you read?
Shambhala by Nikolaj Rerih (Nicholas Roerich)
Whats your “motto”?
Till the wheels fall off.. but ask me tomorrow.
What ridiculous thing has someone tricked you into doing or believing?
One of the first times I visited London my dad told me you could buy absolutely anything, even an elephant at Harrods, the famous store. I was about 9. So I walk in there looking around for elephants, even asking a sales associate where the elephants’ section was. They let me down gently. I’m still not quite over that.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
A negative mindset.
What’s the one thing you always have on you/in your purse on and off set?
Mints.
Do you sing in the shower?
Shamelessly.
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