Alexa Mansour, an American actress, is best known for her role as Hope Bennett in AMC’s “The Walking Dead: World Beyond.” She has also portrayed roles in “How to Get Away With Murder” and ”Unfriended: Dark Web.”

Bodysuit by Falgunti Shane Peacock
Glove by: Stylist own
Shoes by Flor De Maria
Ring by Ammanii Jewelry

Who was your favorite character to play so far in your career?
Hope (on “The Walking Dead: World Beyond”), without a doubt. I felt connected to her from the start. When you’re immersed in playing a character for so long you start to develop an attachment to that person and I think that’s what happened with me.

If you could work with one director, who would you want to work with?
Quentin Tarantino. I think I could go peacefully after working with him.

When did you begin acting?
I started doing classes when I was around 13/14 years old. I never thought I would take it this far. It began as a way to get me out of my head, and I realized shortly thereafter how much I loved it. I couldn’t picture my life doing anything else.

**Left:**
Dress by Luooif Studio
Shoes by Liv Heart for Bella Belle
Earrings: Ammanii Jewelry
Ring: Stylist Own
**Right:**
Dress by Luooif Studio
Shoes by JustFab
Earrings by Ammanii Jewelry

What is the first thing you do to research a role?
This depends on the overall project. If the role is a part of a project that’s already started, then I’ll check out that project to get a feel for the tone of it. If it’s something new, without any other info besides the sides, then I’ll try and create a little backstory for the character based on what I’ve picked up from the material I’ve gotten. It’s pretty fun when you get to make the character who you want them to be, it helps you feel more connected to them.

How do you prepare yourself before going into character?
I don’t really have a ritual or anything I do before a role. I find it pretty easy to get into character, especially on set. However, if we’re about to do a scene on the sadder side then I’ll keep to myself and get myself a little worked up so I can let it all go when the cameras start rolling. I think the fact that I never really trained seriously in acting is why I don’t have such a crazy pre shoot set up.

How do you motivate fellow cast members?
I think by just being in a good mood and staying positive (which is a lot easier said than done, especially in this industry). It’s important to remind your friends and coworkers that they’re amazing and talented and capable of anything. Everyone needs words of encouragement. I don’t like waiting until I see someone down or feeling uninspired to say something nice. Check on your friends, check on your coworkers, be a positive light in people’s lives. It’s a lot easier to do that than the latter.

If you weren’t acting, what do you think you would be doing?
I was supposed to go to international business school at Fordham University. I had been accepted and then booked my first real acting gig on “Law and Order: SVU.” I was stoked about getting into college but after being on set I realized there was no chance. School felt so forced and I didn’t want my life to become this chore where I did the same thing every day. I think there’s something exciting about knowing that there’s always something new around the corner.

Dress by Mimi Tran
Shoes by JustFab
Hat by Arturo
Earrings by Ammanii Jewelry

Who is your inspiration, and why?
My grandfather on my mother’s side. He was the epitome of “odds stacked against you,” and he’s completely defied those odds. He moved his five kids and wife to the USA from Mexico at a young age in search for a better life. He never went to school, just worked hard. To see him now is all the inspiration I need.

What is your favorite memory from filming “The Walking Dead?”
Everyone falling asleep between scenes. I loved sneaking photos of everyone snoring when the cameras weren’t rolling.

**Left:**
Bodysuit by Falgunti Shane Peacock
Shoes by Flor De Maria
Glove by: Stylist own
Ring by Ammanii Jewelry
**Right:**
Jacket by Nikoniko
Belt by Lidia May
Shoes by Michele Lopriore
Necklace: Ammanii Jewelry
Hat by Toukitsou

Do you play any sports? If so, what kind?
I play tennis. I was on the JV team in high school. I’ve played tennis since I was a kid. I have nothing to show for my talents now, but I definitely enjoy it every now and then. I love working out too, lots of HIIT training and endless jump roping. I picked up jump roping during quarantine and love love love it.

What does your favorite filming environment look like to you?
I think doing something in New York City. I’m infatuated with it and plan to move there in January. Growing up when I thought of acting I always pictured filming somewhere in Manhattan.

What is your social media?
Instagram: @alexamansour

CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Alexa Mansour
Styling: AmbiKa
Hair: Kiki Heitkotter at The Wall Group
Makeup: Roshar
Photo Assistant: Maria Quiroga-Cantillo
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Brielle Italiano, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Location: Paris Studios LA
https://www.instagram.com/parisstudiosla