Dog lover and actress, Jami Alix, decided to switch career paths the moment she realized acting allowed her to be funny, on screen, for the rest of her life. The Chicago native grew up spending hours watching sitcoms like ‘Friends’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ influencing her hopes to one day lead her own comedy ensemble. The 28-year-old will star in Netflix’s new comedy miniseries releasing tomorrow, ‘Boo Bitch,’ playing the role of Lea, alongside Lana Condor and Zoe Margaret Colletti.
The Untitled Magazine got to talk to Jami Alix about her upcoming roles and journey toward discovering her love for acting; being asked to act in a short film while she was a waitress and influencer in Los Angeles.
I heard you discovered your passion for acting while starring in the 2018 short film “Sergey’s fortune.” How did you land that role?
I was working as a hostess at a restaurant on Rodeo, and almost every single one of my coworkers were also actors because…Los Angeles. One of them happened to be working on a short film and looking for an “influencer-type” role. I don’t know what gave me away, maybe all my Instagram selfies, but I really enjoyed tapping into that character.
Can you share some highlights from working on the production?
Realizing that I might be kinda of funny. And that I wanted to switch career paths and be kinda funny for the rest of my life.
What made you want to pursue acting as a career path?
Other than my generalized anxiety and addiction to external validation? My sincere answer is that acting connects me to my younger self. When I started taking it really seriously, it became an outlet for me to feel like a kid again. I could play and be weird and celebrate all the wonderful unsexy parts of myself if that makes sense. I just know that whenever I feel like a kid again, I’m doing something right.
You’re starring in Netflix’s “Boo Bitch,” premiering on July 8th. Can you tell us about your role?
Lea is a LOT. I am also a lot, and that’s probably why it was so easy for me to understand her perspective on life. The stakes are so high for every situation she’s in, and it often times feels like life or death. The thing I love the most about her is that she is so unapologetic about what she wants and how she’s going to get it.
How did you get cast for the project?
I was coaching a friend of mine for the role of Riley, and she was adamant that I ask my managers about the role for myself (a good freakin friend). We sent in my tape for Riley the next day, and casting decided my frantic energy would be perfect for the role of Lea.
How was playing the character of Lea, any challenges? Did the character resonate with you in any way?
There is a line in the show where my boyfriend, Jake M., says “Lea is neither chill nor cool.” That resonates. Unfortunately, finding the hysteria of Lea felt really natural and easy for me; I almost wish it was a challenge.
Did you know any cast members before shooting? Any fun stories about set life you can share?
Brittany Bardwell was in one of my first acting classes in 2019, but we barely talked. I was too busy crushing on the cute boy in our acting class, duh. Fast forward 2 years later, and we’re both on a Zoom table read together for ‘Boo, Bitch,’ turns out I did have a soulmate in that class.
I honestly think my smile lines have gotten exponentially worse specifically from how often my cast mates had me laughing in tears in between takes or off camera.
Which actors would you love to work with in the future?
The list is embarrassingly long, but I think Zoe Lister-Jones is one of the funniest people I’ve watched, and keeping in that theme, I’d love to add Zooey Deschanel to the list. Actually, maybe just the whole cast of ‘New Girl’? Annie Murphy is my idol. Emma Roberts is my muse (literally since Addie Singer). Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Jean Smart. Somebody stop me.
What is your dream acting role and why?
I grew up watching all 10 seasons of ‘Friends’ on repeat. If it’s not crime documentaries, it’s ‘New Girl’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ on repeat. I would love to lead a comedy ensemble, and I also have a deep desire to be a part of a more thought-provoking drama and embody a darker, more complex character in the future.
You’re very passionate about fashion, photography, and content creation. Can you tell us about your creative interests and what you love about them?
That’s sort of how I started feeling comfortable in front of the camera. Creating my own content has taught me so much in terms of conceptualizing and executing my own ideas, and I have no doubt it’ll help me as I grow in this business. My daily aesthetic has truly become yoga pants and sweatshirts, but fashion is so much fun for special events.
How do you feel social media has impacted your career and goals?
I have such a love hate relationship with social media, and I’m probably the 83895935th person to say that. It’s given me so many opportunities to connect with people and brands, and I’ve gotten pretty comfortable portraying myself to the internet.
Your followers love to see your fun and goofy personality through your YouTube. How do you feel this has connected you with your fanbase?
I am so inconsistent with YouTube, so I definitely could be doing a better job of connecting on a more regular basis. However, whoever can make it through an entire video of me rambling with my best friend Lexi Mars is a real one.
You have had challenging trials with your health. How has that shaped your outlook on societal beauty standards?
I’m starting to think the ups and downs of our minds is just a part of being human. Being mentally well 100% of the time feels like more of the outlier these days. I think social media can send anyone into a comparison spiral, so I try and limit my use to just posting and not scrolling. In terms of beauty standards, we’ve gotten so much better at being more inclusive, but we still have a long way to go. I love following women who own their body shape and aren’t afraid to show it off. I also love following women who own getting work done and aren’t afraid to show it off. I really just value anyone keeping it real.
What is something you wish more people knew when it comes to self-confidence and pursuing your aspirations?
Patience. Self-compassion. Hard work. Rest. There will always be ebbs and flows no matter what career you’re pursuing, so it’s all about finding healthy ways to handle that. Self-confidence also ebbs and flows, and that’s 100% okay.
What are some causes you’re passionate about? I heard you’re very protective of animals!
I really can’t even put into words how much I love dogs. I volunteer regularly at Wags & Walks, and I encourage everyone to rescue because there are SO many incredible dogs in need of homes. I honestly think I was a dog in a past life.
Tell us about your adorable dogs! How long have they been a part of your life?
I’m convinced I birthed them. They live with my parents at home in Chicago, so I make sure to ask when they’re moving out to LA like once a day. Charlie is a designer golden retriever, and we foster failed Luna in 2020 because she had us at “moderate-to-severe underbite.”
How did growing up in Chicago affect your passion for content creation and acting?
Um, it did not. I truly didn’t know I could pursue acting as a full-time job until I moved out to LA. I think if I stayed in Chicago, I would be severely unhappy working at an advertising firm or something.
What is your favorite part about living in Los Angeles? I know you’ve been living there for a few years!
Can you imagine if I said the weather? Watching people so fearlessly and passionately chase their dreams just lights a fire under my ass to do the same for myself. I love the people I’ve met out here, and fine. The weather.
Any favorite shows or movies you’ve been loving recently?
Besides crime/cult documentaries: ‘Everything, Everywhere, All At Once’ (i’ve never laughed and cried so close in proximity). I also just started getting really into ‘Hacks!’
What can we look forward to from you next? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
You may or may not see me on the On My Block spinoff, ‘Freeridge’, playing a veryyyyy different character from Lea.’
For more from Jami Alix follow her on socials: Instagram | YouTube
