Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Alina Harmann of Hollywood

Alina Harmann shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Alina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve started to think of the idea of “work” differently as an actor. Of course, I want the linear prospect of work – hired and working on set – to be what I do most often, but many times, remembering that I am artists and can find other ways of creatively expressing myself is just as important. Outside of my traditional acting work, I’ve found great joy in documenting my life here in LA and posting vlogs on YouTube every month. The pursuit of my dream feels hectic and stressful, and I worry that I might forget the simple joys if I don’t actively capture them right now. That’s how the channel “Alina Unscripted” was born. I document, edit, and upload my solo adventures, fun times with friends, and restful days at home.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Not many people know that I have a double middle name so if I was to give you a formal introduction, I’d say, “Hi, my name is Alina Andrea Elisabeth Harmann”, and then we’d have a conversation about long names, where they come from, and that I spell Elisabeth with an “s” instead of a “z”. But I digress… I’m an actor and have just hit my third year living in LA, and am finding this current slow pocket in the industry to be a time of reflecting on how else I can stay creative. As such, I’ve leaned heavily into my YouTube channel to drive my creativity. I’m currently exploring societies draw to the “tradwife” and am delving into tasks, skills, and hobby’s that make someone a tradwife. That means I’m baking and cooking a lot… So really, I’m a person who constantly seeks to find ways to stay engaged with my creative side without limiting myself to an expectation of what an actor should be doing.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I have the most wonderful, supportive, and encouraging family, so I am truly grateful for everyone who always sees me; however, I’d like to take this moment to give special thanks to my sweet grandmother (my “Oma” since I’m German). Some of my earliest memories are of me singing songs to my grandmother, reciting poems, telling stories, and making up dances for her. I was always an enthusiastic, bubbly, and on-the-go child to the point that my grandmother used to ask my mom, “What will she do someday? How will she contain her energy”? My grandmother sadly didn’t live to see me move to LA and pursue acting full-time, but I think she always recognized the performer in me, and I’m proud to say I’ve found the perfect place for my energy. By teaching me to knit and crochet, my grandmother also fostered the other ways that I am an artist. For her love and patience, I am forever grateful.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I talk often about the nostalgia I have for my childhood, but not many people know how much my heart truly aches for it because I’ll never find that kind of peace, tranquility, and comfort ever again. I grew up on the outskirts of a forest in a small village in Germany, away from iPads (they weren’t invented yet), had a stay-at-home mom, and 2 dogs and 3 cats. It was pure bliss. My mom was around for every school drop off/pickup, warm meals were on the table constantly, I quite literally frolicked through the forest, and was surrounded by nature as far as the eye could see. By no stretch of the imagination, I deem my childhood to have been perfect. And I miss everything about it. The carefreeness, the stillness of life, the simplicity of the world, and the chance to keep myself creatively engaged and away from the internet. The next time I can feel this again will hopefully be when I successfully raise my own future children in a similar way. Until then, I will miss my own childhood dearly.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I’m going to allow myself the chance to be a bit “controversial,” especially by LA standards, and proclaim that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. I’m not here to convince anyone of that, but I will stand by that truth even though I can’t prove it. Ultimately, each of us makes the conscious choice to hold or reject beliefs based on our life experiences, and mine have led me to put my trust and faith in God, the salvation of Jesus, and my Christian faith.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely, and I think that’s often the less appreciated aspect of an artist’s life. We must always do our best, hoping that people will see it, but planning for them to never. The commitment to inner fulfillment and self-validation is an important part of an actors personality, and one that we are forced to eventually lean into if we choose to stay in this industry. The magic of hope – hope in a future where our work is seen – is the force that keeps us curious, always developing, and eager to continue creating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alinaharmann.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alina.harmann/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alinaunscripted?si=oeAMPl_UBZkL5AZx