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An unofficial site by and for her fans |
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An unofficial site by and for her fans |
Here are two great publicity photos sold on eBay some time ago. I 've seen one
or two of them offered again since. The one on the right is, I think, one of her
best images ever. I wish I knew
the photographer to credit him or her.
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INTRODUCTION Alexandra Wilson is a widely recognized face on television though not everyone knows her name. Yet. Usually someone mentions Josie Watts, April Hathaway, or Sam McCormick; three of her more enduring characters. Brooke Alexander on 90210 really got her noticed; and ladies everywhere envied her. As Sarah Metcalf on Homefront she gained a national audience. Probably more people saw her as Ms. Kegel in Small Soldiers than in any other role. Then she played Dr. Dru Breslauer, a resident doctor on UPN's short-lived Mercy Point. Alex has recently gained critical aclaim for emotional, powerful performances in In My Sister's Shadow and Ocean Park. The riveting performance of two very different sisters in Ocean Park got her noticed once again. Most of her roles emphasize her instant appeal as an innocent, sweet, demure, and flawlessly charming girl. In her better written roles this cherubic gentleness is allowed to flash into moments of calculating intelligence and ruthless wit which she presents with effortless transition. Capable of contrasting tender purity with fiery determination, she almost always makes a character enticing and admirable at once. Her range of fluent emotions is quite broad - with expressions of compassion, anger, seduction, and simple good-hearted kindness easily woven into a single conversation. She often infuses a part with an irresistable playfulness, bounded by shades of modesty and old-fashioned romantic discretion; all without diminishing the fun and ferver of the moment. The acting world is full of pretty blue-eyed kittens but Alexandra offers a director and writer genuine brightness and an alert, purposeful sense of humor that transcends all physicality. Like any fine actor she acts more smoothly and suavely than most folks could ever hope to conduct their own, real lives. Actresses with her seamless, keen delivery and pristine style will always be needed as long as humans pay to view or hear good stories. Even when asked to be a temptress she maintains a gracious poise and a measure of grinning vulnerability - in other words something considerably more interesting than some generic film tart. More than once she has been required to be both naive and overtly sexual at the same moment - much like a girl wearing her first revealing dress. Alexandra knows how to be just naughty and sirenic enough to preserve the female mystique. One is never entirely sure if she is merely the cute girl next door on a good day or a geniune super star trying to go unnoticed. Rather than presenting a conflict these diverse executions produce a true balance - likely as much a manifestation of her true nature as a learned craft. Alexandra seems most accomplished when asked to disclose numerous emotions with at least a handful of well-defined but intriguing relationships. One or more connections should be professional showing high capability and responsiveness. She can do science or corporate. Another must be intimate, quiet, and deeply romantic. She does well with a leading man - some of them are or were household names. One or two additional associations might form a love triangle or quadrangle. She'll easily manage all the complexity and heartbreak thrown her way. With some luck and preparation one will be gifted with an exquisate and heart-warming performance. Be sure to give her a role showing anger and frustration as long as there is direct confrontation and room for quick analysis. The girl can execute - other actors if you wish. Then right back to warmth and a face that can suborn most anything she desires. She has a unique ability to contrast fresh-faced mischief with earnest intensity; knowing when to frolic and when to wane serious or disappointed. She does urgency, emergency, and shocking news very well. From all her years with soap scripts she has developed a flair for potent sarcastic remarks around which a relationship can rise or fall. A sharp delivery together with her wide-eyed, girlish looks can produce a rather persuasive advocacy for most anything; especially if a plaintive, poignant appeal will be effective.
In
short, she is versatile. And even better she usually has
perfect, invisible timing. Alexandra Wilson is also very
good at projecting radiant optimism (even without that
wonderful smile) yet also a rather appealing form of shy
sadness. More than beautiful, this actress is always
believable, likable, and warm. Such a compelling
synthesis of loveliness, God-given talent, and hard work
is decidedly rare. We hope her best is yet to come! Larry Hatch, Site Editor
P.S.
This page is not intended to be a monologue so we invite
all visitors to contribute reviews, sourced facts,
interesting links, legal images, and so on. Please write
and convey your thoughts. Priority will be given to
sourced facts - meaning a print media (magazine, book,
newspaper), Internet, or video-documented information.
Rumors and gossip are okay as long as you can cite a
source we can hold accountable.
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your comments, corrections, and additions
or
Send documents to Wilson Page, PO Box 12011, Raleigh, NC 27605
USA
This is an unofficial fan website. Items can NOT be forwarded to Ms. Wilson.
Her character on Beverly Hills 90210.
AW on AW played JW or Josie Watts. The first photo is of Opera Digest Cover,
showing two shots of Alex in the lower right corner and middle. The next two
photos are
very old screen shots from Another World video tapes taking many years ago. The
last photo is of an Another World reunion with Alex in the center.
An alluring scene of Alex as Josie, also from a very old video capture. If
anyone has Another World episodes on DVD with screen captures please write and
tell me.
A photo shot by a fan at an Another World event. Alex in her long hair looks as
cute as she can be. If any readers have other AW/AW photos or screen captures
write
or post them on eBay for a reasonable sum.
Another World (AW)
Any Day Now (2001)
The three hour role included episodes named Castles in the Sand, Shooting Star/An American in Paris, and Sex, Lies, and Volleyball.
Her character was originally from Minnesota and from an apparently rightwing, Republican family who are portrayed as being narrow-minded bigots. In fact, this episode has been cited by some as a sign of Spelling's liberal bias and makes an interesting study on the topic. Brooke engages in racial and ethnic stereotypes of all sorts (Jews, blacks, Vietnam vets, homeless) and eventually Brandon confronts her. They appear to make up, leaving the dialoque to safe things like volleyball, sand sculpture, Minnesota, and...sex. She tells him she'll change but he refuses and dumps her.
It cannot escape any fan that Alexander is very suggestive of her first name!
Carter, Sharon (2000)
A small gallery of images captured from the DVD and enhanced as needed with
Photoshop. Click on each image for a larger version of it.
Christmas Wish, The
Commercials
Curb Your Enthusiasum
Played this character on The Second Civil War in 1997.
Dawes was assistant to Mel, big time Producer at News Net (NN) and always ran around carrying messages, videotapes, and news of impending events.
Caroline was both a novice (Mel advises her about the news biz) and an insider (knowing where to find a specific correspondant and the office number of a tech nerd). At first she seems a very secondary character and employee but later joins James Earl Jone's character at the big marble table where big decisions are made. Her rude and effective 'You just don't get it' remark is likely Dawes' most important line.
Clad in a tight, very short tan business suit and black high heels Alexandra combined (as usual) some essential speaking parts and two or three silent shots that were clearly intended as eye candy. In one shot a fellow producer took a long look at Caroline's posterior and long legs as she leaned over a railing to answer Mel's question. Her apparel in the later scenes was considerably more modest. Throughout the film she shows a light reddish- brown hair color with the longer length seen in recent years. There is a superficial resemblance with the lady detective star on the original Silk Stalkings - Rita?.
As we've seen many times before (and recently on Mercy Point) AW is always credible announcing some impending event or emergency. A line about finding 'Domingo' (the Spanish translater) with Ron Perlman is rather humorous and showed another side of her talent. Overall the character of Dawes is hardworking, sweet, in control, alert, informed, reflective, helpful, pleasant, and probably more appealing in the workplace than she realizes or even wants to be. It was a very ideal character for AW.
Delacroix, Jo and Davia
A reported classmate of Alex sent us these scans from the Chantilly High School
Yearbook. Is this Alex, a cousin, or look-alike? See Real Name? below for the
rest of the story.
Education
Her character on Loving from 1987-1989.
Alex appeared as the cover girl on
The Workbasket magazine in March 1991. She talked about her love of knitting and
it's practical purpose between scenes, a skill learned from both her mother and
grandmother. Click on any of these images to enlarge to full, high-res scanned
size. For the record, I don't believe she said "Yippee" about being a cover girl
for a knitting magazine. All of us have our embarrassing moments so let's give
her a break. Maybe not. It's a cute, pretty look in the final analysis minus the
fake caption. Thanks to Ms. Flores of Colorado for sharing this periodical.
Hobbies
One occasionally finds this studio shot available for sale on eBay, invariably
authographed by Mr. Newson and not Alex!
A very sexy add from TV Guide.
If Looks Could Kill: The John Hawkins Story (From the Files of America's Most Wanted 1996)
Appeared on this television movie in 1996 about criminal John Hawkins played by Antonio Sabato Jr. and directed by Sheldon Larry. David Keith plays a fascinating, determined detective. John Walsh, founder of the America's Most Wanted series makes several appearances as himself, replaying his interactive with the police. It reaired 8/13/00 on UPN, 8/14/00 on WB, and 8/17/00 on WGN.
This appearance was not in the 1986 nor 1991 movies called 'If Looks Could Kill' but a completely different television movie based on the popular crime show.
Alex's character Christie first appears as a store clerk at Hawkin's "Just Sweats" store. She confronts him while raiding the cash register and with her famous charm and smile says "you must be John Hawkins". Hawkin's hits on her (a "promotion") and she shows up at his apartment in a short dress with a bit of cleavage. Her hair is dark brown, rather short and close to her University Hospital style. The bi con-man and stud gives her a present of jewelry and she eagerly lays back for his advances. A brief love scene occurs with some odd special effects but nothing more than passionate facial expressions are shown. Later Christie appears in the company office behind a desk (as either an assistant/secretary or manager) looking a good deal more modest in a blue floral dress and with a shy, sad expression. Later in the same office Hawkins gets a phone call with the news of his business partner Gene's alledged death. AW, wearing a sharp cream business suit, takes the call and hands it to him, asking "what's wrong?" in her sweetest voice. Her last scene is in another blue dress with about 15 seconds of screen time.
Additional information on cast, crew, plot, etc. is available from the Internet Movie Database (IMDB).
A press image I was sent by a Senior Publicist at
CBS just prior to the IMSS airing.
CBS Tuesday Movie originally aired January 5, 1999 9:00PM ET on CBS.
Lifetime reaired the movie on Sunday July 15, 2001 as part of their promo for the new Lifetime Movie Network (LMN).
I saw the movie again in 2006 but did not record the date.
Alex's character was Laurie Conner.
A very nice page about her role on Homefront.
John Hawkins
Appeared in this film according to a 1998 CBS press release for the movie In My Sister's Shadow. In fact, John Hawkins was the central character in the TV program If Looks Could Kill: From the Files of America's Most Wanted 1996.
Played April Hathaway from 1987-1989.
An excellent fan site on Loving
Played a dark-haired nursing student from a long line of nurses. She was the most competant and sharp of her four roommates; though just as sexy. Some critics made fun of one episode in which see does an emergency tracheotomy with a butter knife; something which has in fact happened and saved lives. Episodes included catching a doctor who attempted to rape her, a father who commits adultery, and helping her roommates deal with their pasts.
One shot from the opening credits. Three other images from MP publicity images.
Undoubtedly one of Alex's prettiest pictures ever. This color publicity image
remains one of the fan's favorites.
This is part of the 4-character publicity image shot of
Brian, Alex, Joe, and Maria shown above. I recently acquired a larger 8 x 10"
version in October 2006 and isolated Alex from the print using a 9600dpi
scanner. This very determined look expresses Dru at a certain level. In the
actual show, Dru was a bit softer around the edges.
UPN brought back episodes 1.4 and 1.5 in the United States, showing them as part of the Thursday Sci-Fi. They were aired Thursday July 8th from 8-10PM EST (perhaps once earlier?). These episodes were not seen as part of the original run, which was terminated abruptly after 1.3
All seven episodes of MP have aired in the UK on the Sci-Fi channel. Only the first three episodes were ever seen in North America. Details on Alexandra's character Dr. Dru Breslauer from these additional shows is forthcoming.
Her Fall 1998 series on UPN involving a sort of ER meets StarTrek or whatever a 'Sci-Fi medical drama' is supposed to be.
Plays the character of Dr. Dru Breslauer.
University Hospital fans of the actress will note that portraying an elite space medicine surgeon is a nice promotion up from the role of a naive, first year nursing student! (Well deserved me might add).
The show began airing Tuesday evenings from 9-10 pm EST beginning October 6, 1998 and lasting just three weeks.
The show was originally proposed as Nightingale One.
UPN's promo spots (July 1998) refer to the series as being a 'Deep Space 9-1-1'.
A second UPN promo (August 1998) features AW in a protective suit (similar to a heroic episode on University Hospital) giving medical orders.
AW and four co-stars had a full-page black-and-white photo in the TV Guide 48(40): 149 (October 3, 1998) just before the show premiered. It's not one of Alexandra's best photos; making her look something like a ticked off Sally Fields or perhaps a defiant, tired Jacqueline Smith.
AW is mentioned in Jet 9/21/98 and Rolling Stone 9/17/98 in connection with this series.
Co-Star Brian McNamara chats about Mercy Point, offering a very nice comment about Alexandra.
Her character on Homefront in 1991.
She played a New York prostitute. There's an amusing quote found on the Homefront Page that's worth remembering.
She played Elena Rossini in an episode called The Grape Escape. Many sources however list the character as Elaina. Can anyone out there confirm verify either spelling?
Her mother's first name is Elaine by the way.
Five publicity photos from Surf Digital and other media sources. The
curly-haired, black dress photos are in character for Jo from the Thanksgiving
Day party. The large photo
in the doorway with the "Cranky" workshirt is also of Jo in a drug-induced
state. The second and fourth photos are of her more plain, slightly impish twin
Davia.
Here's a mini gallery of screen captures I did from the DVD. Click on each image
to enlarge. The movie is lit with lots of dark and half-shadowed scenes so
captures are
especially challenging. I had to use Photoshop to improve the brightness,
contrast, and coloration of all photos
Ocean Park (2000)
Played in quick opening scene on a private boat. She was arguing with a caller while her husband opens a basket of fruit outside. It suddenly dawns on her that the threat made on the phone is related to the basket and up they all go in flames. Not a good scene for the fans but the brief bit of acting is intense and well done. Our video clip is not complete but we believe it aired in 1997.
Sophie is her beloved chow shepherd mix
McKenzie was her Spuds McKenzie-look-alike dog whom she picked up at an ASPCA according to the Homefront Page. McKenzie passed away some years ago.
Her character on the 'At The River's Edge' episode of Spenser: For Hire in 1986. Film credit was as Laurie Wilson, her given name. The Internet Movie Database updated this information in July 1998.
The online Internet Movie Database reported c. 2003 her real name was Laurie Wilson. Alex wrote us (we are 99% sure) in an email that this is incorrect and an old error, repeated in various places. She said her birthdate reported also as 1962 is wrong. I'll take her word for it. That said, three people who claim to have gone to school with her at Chantilly High and wrote me, say the movie/TV star they see occasionally went by the name Laurie then. One lady and another making no name claims (either way) were organizing their Chantilly High reunion (2000 I believe) and wanted to get in touch with her.
The CHS Yearbook scan (see under Education) shows a girl resembling this classy actress, captioned as Laurie Wilson. Was there a girl (who was also a cheerleader) who looked like Alex at the school around then and named Laurie, that very common last name just being a confusion as we were told? Does Alex have a closely resemblant sister or cousin named Laurie? (We think she's an only chilld). Was this other girl named Laurie born in 1962 and Alex not until some years later (apparently 1965 to 1968)? Is this another Another World-ish plot? Is Laurie/Alex another Jo/Davia acting job? I don't know. You decide for yourself. By any name I enjoy her acting and admire her very subtle, scintillating expressions. You decide.
July 17th as a birth date seems to be in no dispute. The year, whether 1962, 1965, or 1968 is up for debate. Frankly, some of the best, most admired, much-in-demand actresses in Hollywood have a 4 or 5 decades on them and then some. Ageism surely does exist in our early portion of the 21st century with a face like Alex's, there should be no worry. You are what you can pass for. As I see it, If you are a decade younger than your face (as I would argue on behalf of AW), then experience is your advantage over those 10 years less mature and experienced.
Now some years after receiving a number of emails from her apparent classmates, I was directed by a web search to a Forum page on www.filmbug.com which gave the reports of a "dd" and "sibi" who believed AW graduated with them in 1980 (had a reunion in 2000 at Chantilly HS) and thus had to have been born in 1962 - unless of course she graduated at age TWELVE (b. 1968). I did not save the original emails on the subject so I do not know if "dd" and "sibi" are people who contacted me or not.
You decide. When one enjoys a person's look, their work, voice, proficiency, finesse, and their attitude toward life, age becomes a truly secondary, trivial thing. Jaded Casting Directors and frenetic Executive Producers with bins overflowing with 30-something resumes may not be so kind. I do not discount that. You decide. I plan to be watching Alex do scintillating performances well into the next few decades. Or should I say Laurie?
Report on Another World Home Page
Friend and former co-star on Homefront Jessica Steen with Alex at the party.
Thanks to Jessica Steen's webmaster for this nice image from People Magazine.
One interview mentions Allison Hossack, known as Olivia on Another World.
Comments by Sharon Lawrence.
People Weekly of October 16, 1994 (Volume 42 Issue 16 Page 67) reports Sharon Lawrence and AW shared a 2-bedroom apartment in the Hollywood Hills. AW is quoted as saying 'She hates to miss a party...It kills her'.
Played a character named Kaitlin in 1992.
Hiltbrand in People Weekly of October 12, 1992 (Volume 38 Issue 15 page 10) describes Kaitlin as being a 'sociopathic seductress' with a 'single white female hairdo'. He says 'No job for her yet but she stays busy'. Like his review of University Hospital he seems to appreciate the actor's effort more than the script they are given.
Played Caroline Dawes in 1997.
The two hour movies originally aired on HBO in March 1997.
The first regular network airing we believe was on TBS 9/14/98.
The video is available on the net in both VHS and DVD form.
Played the part of Ms. Kegel, assistant to Gil Mars (Denis Leary).
Google the word "kegal" and you may figure the screenwriters had a bit of fun in mind with the prim, little, tight-haired character.
According to EOnline she played in this hospital comedy directed by Tom Logan in 1997.
Send us any additional information or links you've found!
Played on Chrissy Pierce (see above) on the 'At the River's Edge' episode in 1986.
Guest star on one episode. [source: Sony biography for AW for Mercy Point (no longer online)]
A screen capture from an old video with co-star Hudson Leick.
From the show's opening credits.
University Hospital
Played Sam McCormick, a nursing student from a long line of nurses.
The University Hospital Program Guide has full episode summaries mention Sam's role in the various adventures.
Episode names are as follows:
Secrets
Endings and Beginnings
Life and Death
The Right Thing
You can run...
Crisis in Unit 2E
Dark Side of the Moon
...Til Death do us Part
Shadow of a Doubt
We understand that Jonathan Frakes (aka #1 on Star Trek NG) directed at least one episode.
Some published reviews mention the actress and are available at larger libraries. These include:
People Weekly 2/20/95 (vol. 43 number 7 page 11). David Hiltbrand.
Entertainment Weekly 1/13/95 (number 257 page 44). Ken Tucker.
UH was an Aaron Spelling production. AW later appeared in his Beverly Hills 90210 as Brandon's girlfriend.
The web is full of information about her fellow nurses - Of the four UH student nurses Hudson Leick seems to have gotten the most web press so far. A very excellent site about Leick is hudsonleickfan.com.
VIP (2000)
Alexandra was one of three actresses to play this character on Another World.
A nice page on the Another World Home Page. There are a number of photos.
The Another World Fan Poll shows Alexandra losing in a landslide to Amy Carlson as the favorite portrayer of the Josie Watts character. We, of course, very much disagree.
A biography of Josie Watts Sinclair is available from AW Online.
Elaine Wilson is her mother who put her in some high school (Chantilly High, Chantilly, VA) drama productions, sparking her love for acting. (SOURCE: Homefront Page)
Judging from website of Mrs. Wilson's students (now inactive), she was a much beloved and memorable teacher. She served at CHS for 28 years.
Alex's mom is co-founder, Producer, and Set Designer for The Alliance Theature (www.thealliancetheatre.org), a very active and productive organization.
your comments, corrections, and additions
or
Send documents to Wilson Page, PO Box 12011, Raleigh, NC 27605
USA
This is an unofficial fan website. Items can NOT be forwarded to Ms. Wilson.
Copyright
1998-2007. Laurence C. Hatch. All Rights Reserved.
Photographs are credited when possible, provided to us a media resources,
donated by fans, or original captures edited.
All television, movie, or other other products are the copyright of their
respective owners.
Please write for permission or clarification to use any images from this site.
We will let you know who owns or likely controls each images.
This is an unofficial fan site. No content is authorized or approved by the actress, her agent, representatives,