interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress Alley Hermes takes on one of her most emotionally compelling roles yet in the new faith-based family drama Young Warriors, starring alongside Jeremy Piven. Premiering October 21 and now streaming on Angel, the film tells the moving story of ten-year-old Junior, whose world is turned upside down as his mother, Amy, struggles with mental health challenges. Through themes of faith, friendship, resilience, and the healing power of hope, Young Warriors explores how families navigate life’s most difficult moments and find strength in unexpected places. Alley brings vulnerability and emotional depth to her portrayal of Amy, offering audiences a heartfelt look at motherhood, personal struggles, and the importance of compassion. With previous appearances in FOX’s Rescue: HI-Surf and the holiday film One Fine Christmas, she continues to build a diverse acting career.
photography by PAUL SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
What initially attracted you to Young Warriors, and what made you feel that Amy was a character whose story needed to be told?
Stepping into the shoes of a mother struggling with schizophrenia is exactly why I started acting. It's big. It's mighty. Amy is a mom first, and that was a challenge I was so ready to tackle.
Amy is a mother navigating significant mental health challenges while trying to maintain her connection with her son. What was the most emotionally challenging aspect of portraying her?
The most challenging aspect was the longing Amy experiences. It was about realizing the sense of loss that people can experience when living with this illness and wanting so badly to change their circumstances.
How did you prepare for the role of Amy? Did you draw inspiration from personal experiences, research, or conversations with people who have faced similar struggles?
I watched a lot of Soft White Underbelly interviews, which feature people sharing their experiences, including those living on Skid Row. I've also witnessed schizophrenia firsthand. I tried to understand the mindset of someone experiencing a psychotic episode.
Mental health remains a sensitive subject, particularly when it comes to parenting. How important was it for you to portray Amy's struggles with honesty, empathy, and authenticity?
It was the most important thing to me. Mental health should always be a major priority in life, and we should be mindful of how we treat others who may be struggling.
Young Warriors explores the intersection of faith, mental health, and family relationships. What do you think makes this combination of themes particularly relevant to audiences today?
I think a lot of people can relate to having too much on their plates. The family gets through it together, and that's what faith and family are for. I think many people can relate to Junior, our young warrior, Jenny, the career-driven woman, Jon, the lost husband, or hopefully Amy, with her mental health struggles. There's something in each of these characters that audiences can connect with.
Amy's journey reminds us that parents can be struggling internally even while trying to be strong for their children. What do you hope viewers, particularly mothers, will understand after watching her story?
I hope viewers take away just how strong mothers are. Always putting everyone else before yourself is a very brave thing to do, and it's not easy. Moms make the world go round.
Your career has included projects such as FOX's Rescue: HI-Surf and the holiday film One Fine Christmas. How has moving between different genres helped you develop as an actress?
I've learned so much from each job. Some projects are fast-paced, while others are more intimate. It's truly taught me to always be ready because you never know what will happen on the day of filming. You have to be present and live in the moment. That's what matters most.
Every character offers an opportunity to discover something new. What did playing Amy teach you about yourself, either personally or professionally?
Amy taught me that I need to trust that I am enough.
Are there particular types of characters or stories you feel increasingly drawn to as your career evolves? Would you like to explore more emotionally complex roles like Amy?
Yes, I would love to dive deeper into characters battling mental health challenges. I'd also love to tackle a role that presents a physical challenge.
Outside of acting, what keeps you grounded and fulfilled?
Dancing and camping with my husband.
Finally, what's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, dream roles, or creative ambitions you're especially excited to pursue?
I have an upcoming romantic comedy that begins filming in December.
