Rising Stars: Meet Helena-Alexis Seymour of Los Angeles/Toluca Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Helena-Alexis Seymour.

Hi Helena-Alexis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began in beauty pageants and competitive dance as being on stage allowed me the space and freedom to express myself fully. The stage gave me confidence and a way to also try on different characters with each dance choreography and each modeling attire I wore in pageants. From there I got into an acting agency and booked my first commercial at the age of nine. I had so much fun on set I asked my parents if I can do this for the rest of my life. At the age of 15 I landed a huge roll in the Christmas (now classic) movie “A Diva’s Christmas Carole” which airs every year during the holidays on VH1, BET, Paramount+ and more. I played Vanessa Williams in a flashback when the “ghost of Christmas past” (played by Kathy Griffin) takes her back to review her life choices… This was my breakout roll and have been riding the wave ever since. Some of my other films have included five-time Oscar winning film “Birdman”, “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage”, and one of the most viewed LGBTQ+ Short films on Youtube (Over 5 million views) which also swept tons of Film Festivals across the United States called “More Than He Knows” where I played the female lead. The TV Series which I play the title character in “Chronicles of Jessica Wu”, I portray Jessica Wu whom is an Autistic Superhero – which got me on the EMMY Ballot twice. In 2023, Jasmine Guy was drawn to our show and the awareness my character was bringing to the autism community so she decided to come on our third season as a Guest Star. Her character then lead to an EMMY nomination and Win! Carrying a TV Series as the lead with an EMMY attached to it is a huge honor and am so grateful for even more inspiration and awareness it is bringing to the autism community as well as the BIPOC community and children of all ages and backgrounds. My character reminds us all that what others may perceive as a “weakness” is actually our greatest strength and “Superpower”.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been the opposite of smooth. When I was a child I looked much older than my age.. when I was ten, I looked twelve. I remember driving four hours for an audition only to be rejected at the door because I looked “too old”. As a child, that stung a little more than it would have as an adult.
Also being a visible minority (half Greek & half black Caribbean), means I am always being looked at differently. Some auditions I was the only “mixed race” girl in the room among all caucasians. I always had to work harder for certain rolls that were written for a specific look and sway the director with my talent that I was the best fit for the character. All the challenges along the way however made me stronger, more resilient, accumulate more self-love, had me work on my craft and remind myself of my “why” – which is to inspire the viewers to always live in their most authentic truth. What makes you different, is what others will love about you. My hair is different, my eyes are big, my skin is brown, my style is unique and I learned over time to own all of it. When we love who we are from the inside out, we vibrate higher and attract the opportunities and people that “get us”. I’m grateful for it all.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actress and model. Known for EMMY Award winning TV Series “Chronicles of Jessica Wu” and multi-million Youtube viewed & award-winning LGBTQ+ Short Film “More Than He Knows”. I have appeared in five-time Oscar winning film “Birdman” and have a resume with over 45 credits in film and Television. My modeling jobs have included multi-paged fashion magazine editorials and fashion covers of magazines distributed around the world. I am most proud of my determination and focus that has brought me to stay working in this business since I was nine years old. I fell in love with the art and remained in it for what it brings to humanity. I love inspiring other people through the lives of characters and being able to share a story with them that may resonate and remind them that they are not alone on their journey of life. What sets me apart from others is that I stay true to myself and have a strong moral compass. If a roll doesn’t feel authentic to me or asks me to do something I don’t feel comfortable doing, I do not do it. I know who I am and have a high self-worth and value. My body is a sacred temple and that means to always respect it and those who have full viewing access to it. Full stop.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Every single human I have crossed paths with on my journey of life has had a hand in where I am today, whether they realize it or not. We are all entangled in the Quantum realm and even the smallest nudge or word in passing from a stranger, may have inspired my next move or brought an idea to add to my character for a film. I do want to give a huge shout out to my parents Angie & Lou Seymour for seeing my talents and skills from a young child performing skits in my basement, to enroll me in dance classes and beauty pageants which lead to acting and modeling professionally. I also want to thank my brother Dimitrios for being a source of inspiration. He was the outgoing sibling while I was the introverted sibling. Growing up together I learned how to more fully come out of my “shell” and express myself freely. My acting teachers along the way that shared their amazing wisdom to me and changed my life include Lori Triolo, Robin Meyers, and Margie Haber. Thank you to producers Zane Hubbard, Chris McNeany, Debbie Nightingale, Dale Windle for seeing my gifts and offering me leading rolls in their projects. Thanks to HBO, Tubi, Apple TV, and Youtube for supporting my work. Thank you to my friends who constantly cheer me on social media and when we hang out in person. Also a huge thank you to my dog Zeus who brings a strong grounding energy to my life and reminds me everyday how amazing life is.

Pricing:

• Contact my agent for my services

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @helenaalexis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helex6/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@helena-alexisseymour
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVjMRMOGxLQ

Image Credits
ALL IMAGES Credit Photographer: Rahim Mehdi (instagram @shotbyrahimm)