IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEXIE OLIVO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Alexie Olivo is a rising actress and model who just recently made her television debut in Netflix’s Calabasas Confidential. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she brings a unique blend of creativity, ambition, and business savvy to the entertainment industry, having earned a degree in finance from Santa Clara University before pursuing acting full-time. Alongside her acting career, Alexie is a signed model and a certified Lagree Pilates instructor with a passion for health, wellness, travel, and an active lifestyle. As Calabasas Confidential introduces her to audiences worldwide, Alexie is quickly emerging as one of Hollywood’s exciting new talents.

Congratulations on your television debut. What has this moment been like for you?

It's been surreal. We filmed this over a year ago, so the anticipation's been building for a long time. Watching yourself on camera isn't something you can prepare for, you just have to experience it. The best part has been the positive feedback from viewers through sweet messages on Instagram, direct messages or people stopping me on the street.

What first attracted you to Calabasas Confidential and your character?

What attracted me most was the chance to create a fun memory with longtime friends in my hometown. I believe everything happens for a reason, and this fell into my lap in a way I couldn't say no to. As for filming, I was already so close with a lot of the cast that it felt unforced, like the camera was just following our friend group. I didn't have to become anyone, I just let the camera see who I actually am.

How would you describe your character to someone who hasn’t seen the show yet?

I played myself, so there wasn't really a persona to put on. I just tried to bring the same energy I have off-camera to the show - lighthearted, a little sarcastic, fun. The show also captured my drive, especially around modelling and health and wellness, which is a big part of who I am. If I had to sum it up for someone who hasn't watched, I bring good energy to the friend group without stirring the drama pot.

What was the biggest challenge of filming your first television series?

I'm generally a very private person and like to keep my circle small when it comes to my life. But when filming started, I learned quickly that wasn't going to be an option. The biggest challenge was learning to share more about my personal life, not just with the people around me, but with the world. It's definitely made me a more outgoing person and now I tend to overshare a lot.

You studied finance before pursuing acting. How has that background influenced your career or the way you approach the entertainment industry?

Studying finance was one of the best decisions I've made because it's not just analytically demanding, but it teaches you strategic thinking. It's given me a real understanding of how businesses operate, and more importantly, how they succeed. I'm able to see the 'why" behind a process, not just the outcome. Entertainment is a business like any other, and you have to understand its intricacies to actually succeed in it.

Was there a specific moment when you realised acting was what you wanted to pursue professionally?

There wasn't one lightning-bolt moment. But when we filmed the pilot, I quickly forgot the cameras were even in the room and that was its own kind of confirmation. It proved to me that I could actually be comfortable on camera, without it feeling forced or awkward.

You’re also building a successful modelling career. How do modelling and acting complement each other?

Modelling and acting are different in a lot of ways, but they complement each other well. I actually filmed the show early in my modelling career, which meant I was building on-camera confidence in both worlds at the same time. Both industries demand comfort in front of a camera and the ability to face rejection, which are things that normally take years to learn. Filming sped that curve up for me, and I basically jumped into the deep end, which meant I hit the ground running once modelling ramped up.

As someone passionate about wellness, how do you stay grounded while balancing such a busy schedule?

Health and wellness is at the centre of my life, so I have a few daily non-negotiables that help me get through even the busiest days. No matter where I am in the world, I start every morning with hot lemon water and my supplements. Then I put on my eye patches and do a quick gratitude journal. After that, some kind of movement, whether it's a walk, strength training, or just 100 lymphatic hops. It takes a bit of time, but I'll gladly wake up an hour earlier because it helps me stay grounded.

You’re a certified Lagree Pilates instructor. What inspired you to become certified, and do you still teach?

I played Division One beach volleyball in college, training over 45 hours a week. But even with all that training, I never felt quite good in my body. In my off-seasons, I picked up Lagree and fell in love with it. Once I graduated, I wanted to stay connected to that same discipline and structure I had as an athlete, so I got certified. I'm not currently teaching since I travel so often, but I'd love to get back into it soon.

Travel seems to be a big part of your life. Which destination has inspired you the most and why?

Copenhagen, hands down. The way of life there is slow and intentional, and they do everything with care. The food, the design, everything feels made with purpose. It's inspired me to slow down and appreciate the little things, to lead with gratitude. I love their style too, it's shaped like my own, chic and comfortable, but well curated and coordinated. Effortlessly cool, which I love.

What does a perfect day in Los Angeles look like for you?

You'll start the day with my favourite workout class, Burn Los Angeles, followed by a coffee at Alfred right next door. Then it's home to get ready and over to West Hollywood to shop Melrose, but first, a stop at Erewhon to fuel up. My go-to order is either the madwrap or a hot bar combo plate with coconut water. After shopping, it's home to get ready for dinner, sushi at either Shibuya in Calabasas, Yume, or Kushiyu. Then a drive home with the windows down, blasting music.

Looking ahead, what kinds of roles or stories are you hoping to tell next?

I'm excited to keep building out my own platform and voice. The show only scratched the surface of my personality, and I want people to see more sides of me. I'd also love to explore more unscripted spaces, or even scripted acting now that I'm comfortable on camera. And on the modelling side, I'd love to work with brands like Skims, Re/Done, Free People, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography ASHTON HUGH