Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexsy McKowen.
Lexsy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in San Diego. I am an alumni of James Madison High School and Mesa College Theatre Company. I grew up loving Star Wars, Disney, Doctor Who, and 80’s music but it was definitely in 3rd grade when I knew I wanted to become an actress, I was watching the first Pirates of the Caribbean and thought Johnny Depp was just absolutely mesmerizing. I ended up binge-watching his movies (well, the ones I was allowed to watch) and did my best to learn everything I could to prepare me to become an actress. I was truly all over the place and thankfully, I had a mom who cheered me on through all of this (love you, mom!).
Another thing that really pushed me to learn whatever I could was the fact that I am Native Choctaw and Native Hawaiian. I didn’t grow up with many movies with Indigenous representation (and Pocahontas doesn’t really count), so I wanted to do my best to get on the screen, so the next generation had more of us to look up to. Luckily, I’ve met some amazingly talented Indigenous actors, directors and models all who have really inspired me and pushed me to be where I am today. Another thing that has really pushed me was the fact that I’ve always wanted to be in a movie or show big enough that I could be on stage at a Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con. I grew up sitting in there watching my favorite show/movie panels, dreaming of the day I get to be up there. I still have that dream and many more that I continue to pursue.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an actor, and even the road to getting started is super tough. I don’t think I’ve personally met an actor who wasn’t grinding hardcore every day to make it. Just getting to where I am today, I’ve faced a lot of rejection (which every actor does), hurtful words, some shady practices and unsafe/unsanitary sets. Even though some of it is to be expected, I do enjoy the challenge and the journey of not only learning more of my craft but even more of myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an actress, that’s who I am and what I love to do! I enjoy performing on stage and on screen. I’ve been in a couple of TV shows, I was in a movie that is now on Amazon, I’ve been in a couple of horror films (I love horror films!) and I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a film about Indigenous characters a film that shed light on some of the unfortunate situations that often occur on reservations. I am really proud of everything I’ve been in so far and I am excited for the films to come! Now, what exactly sets me apart? I’m Lexsy. I am an ethnically ambiguous/Indigenous actress, and if you hand me a script or give me any kind of character, I’m confident I can be that character. I mean, I look up to Johnny Depp and Gary Oldman, both are basically chameleons and my inspirations.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, I think patience, kindness, good work ethics and the ability to be an easy person to work with are key for me. I definitely try to work well with others, being a person who has a customer service background, I definitely am a team player, so I feel that really helps on sets too. I also want to be known as passionate and dedicated. This is my career, not a hobby, so I try to always learn more and become better than I was yesterday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8887157/
- Email: lexsy.mckowen@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lexsy.mckowen
Image Credit:
Nate Arceneaux
Mike Rollerson
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