Alexander Bedria told us about his experience as Santiago Martin Heimler on FX’s Mayans MC, being a guest star on NCIS: Los Angeles, what he loves most about NYC, and more!
upfrontNY: How did you get your start in acting and what do you enjoy most about being an actor?
Alexander Bedria: I took a theater class my freshman year of college and became completely obsessed with acting. The ability to express the deepest parts of myself in service of character and story, the intimacy and trust between my fellow actors, the deep-dive into human behavior … it all just felt like home to me.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your experience as Santiago Martin Heimler on FX’s Mayans MC?
Alexander Bedria: It was a privilege to be a part of that world. I’m indebted to Kurt Sutter and Elgin James – not to mention their wonderful casting director Wendy O’Brien – for giving me the opportunity to play in their incredible sandbox. The character was originally meant to be in only two episodes, but ended up being in five. I was elated to keep getting invited back!
I’d say the highlight of the Mayans experience was getting to work with with Edward James Olmos. It was like getting into the ring with a legendary prizefighter. He couldn’t have been a kinder, more generous scene partner.
upfrontNY: You were a guest star on NCIS: Los Angeles. What was the audition process like and how did it feel when you booked the role?
Alexander Bedria: The process was pretty straightforward: I was invited to audition for casting directors Jason Kennedy and Susan Bluestein at Paramount, along with the NCIS: LA producers. A day later I got the call that I booked the role.
But the truth is, I had auditioned for Jason and Susan many times over the years, and I was just so relieved that we finally found the right role for me!
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your character?
Alexander Bedria: He’s a seasoned FBI Special Agent whose partner gets killed while tracking an undercover agent. He works with the NCIS team to track the criminals responsible for the murder. Other than that, I can’t say a whole lot more without spoiling the plot!
upfrontNY: What was the best part of filming this show?
Alexander Bedria: I loved the entire experience. From working with the amazing crew, to the stunt team, to my co-stars – especially Daniela Ruah and the great Bill Goldberg … it was a blast from start to finish.
upfrontNY: You had your directorial debut with The Zim. Can you tell us about this film and what it was like stepping behind the camera?
Alexander Bedria: The Zim is a fact-based drama set in Zimbabwe, Africa that depicts the violent farm invasions that took place in the early 2000’s. The film centers on a farmer and his family in the midst of these events.
The project was a four year odyssey from concept to completion, and the most rewarding creative experience I’ve had up until this point. I fell in love with directing, and can’t wait to do it again.
upfrontNY: How important is it for you to share this story and have people watch this film?
Alexander Bedria: The film is the culmination of the hard work of so many talented artists, inspired by real life stories that affected – and continue to affect – countless lives. It’s challenging material, but I believe we crafted a riveting story that doesn’t take sides nor let anyone off the hook. I am thrilled to finally get it out there.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your upcoming film Aftermath?
Alexander Bedria: Aftermath is a thriller about a married couple who move into a home that bears a sinister past. Peter Winther directed the film, and it stars Ashley Greene and Shawn Ashmore.
upfrontNY: Are you a fan of thrillers?
Alexander Bedria: I am! I wish we could see more of them on the big screen. The mid-budget studio thriller – which has always been one of my favorite genres – just aren’t seen as often these days.
upfrontNY: Do you have a dream role or someone you hope to work with one day?
Alexander Bedria: There are many dream roles and many people I’d hope to work with! But I believe that great roles tend to be in service of great stories, so I’m always in search of the great stories first.
upfrontNY: You were born in New York City. What do you love most about NYC and how has the city inspired you?
Alexander Bedria: The city has a heartbeat. The arts, the culture, the history. It’s the center of the world in so many ways. Here’s hoping there’s a gig that takes me back there soon.
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