BY IRVIN RIVERA

*Note: The photoshoot and interview were completed before the SAG-AFTRA Strike

Dive into the captivating world of actress Lexi Underwood as she takes us on a journey through her latest projects and the characters she brings to life. Since the release of Cruel Summer Season 2, Lexi's portrayal of Isabella LaRue has earned widespread praise, revealing a raw and vulnerable character evolution. 

As an artist, Underwood embraces complex roles, inviting audiences to witness profound transformations that resonate deeply within herself and others. Her aspirations extend beyond individual success; she dreams of creating impactful stories that challenge stereotypes and encourage empathy, both through her production company and on-screen performances. 

Drawing inspiration from Aaliyah, Lexi holds close the dream of one day embodying the iconic singer's life in a biopic, paying tribute to the woman who has inspired her from a young age. 

Read on as we explore the life of Lexi Underwood as the protagonist of her own story and anticipate the next chapter in this extraordinary actress's ever-evolving narrative, one filled with hope, courage, and a commitment to moving hearts and minds alike.

Tell us more about Isabella LaRue’s character evolution this season?

Isabella’s growth over this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. When we first meet her, she seems incredibly put together & like everything is perfect but by the time we meet her in Summer 2000 she has completely changed. I think the evolution is one of a girl who has put a lot of pressure on herself that is slowly in a sense “breaking down” over time. I think due to her past traumas, she is compelled to go to extreme lengths to keep those around that show her genuine love but in the end, it’s what is ultimately her downfall. 

What aspects of Isabella’s character did you find the most compelling?

Isabella has a lot of complexities and layers to her. She’s just as mysterious as the actual mystery in the show. As an actor, it was compelling to go on a journey of self-discovery with my character. Over a span of 10 episodes, we see someone completely unravel and find herself again. It’s not only entertaining to watch as an audience member but also as an actor. 

Amidst all the interwoven mysteries that the show presented so far, what do you think is the real, deep mystery embedded in the show?

I think the real mystery in the show is who all of these people are beneath the surface. Everyone is hiding something & has some sort of trauma that contributes to how they move in the show. It is interesting to see how one’s true colors can show in such a short period of time. 

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I would say Pearl from Little Fires Everywhere has resonated with me the most. That role truly brought something out of me that I didn’t know I had in me & lit a fire in me (no pun intended) to keep going. I’m so grateful for the role of Pearl because it truly was a gift.

What are the challenges and the highs that you’ve experienced in your career so far?

For any artist, during your journey, you will face a lot of bumps in the road before you “make it”. Lots of rejection that can turn into self-judgment and a lack of motivation to keep going is what we face while starting a career. There were lots of moments I experienced that & felt that way but through perseverance and understanding that rejection is protection, I kept going. Any win, big or small has been a high in my career because it truly is a blessing to be able to even have one.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your career in the entertainment industry, and are there any specific types of roles or projects that you hope to explore in the future?

Well, I believe what I do as an artist is a contact sport. I want people to be physically, emotionally & mentally moved/challenged when they watch my work. What I love about the characters that I’ve been able to play recently, is that they are all so dynamically unique and also messy and smart and relatable. These qualities transcend race. The goal is for people to see the humanity in these characters & hopefully, it’ll challenge a stereotype, micro-aggression, or just plain old ignorance as it relates to specifically black women. I want to continue to be a part of stories whether it is behind the screen through my production company or in front of the screen as an actor. 

What’s your dream project?

I would love to play Aaliyah in a biopic one day. She has inspired me since I was young and it would be an honor to tell her story. 

 What’s popular advice that you hear a lot that you don’t agree with?

 Love is All You Need. Yes, love is a very powerful energy but you need more than love to make the world go round. You need respect. You need social skills. You need to let go of your ego. You need to learn how to fight respectfully.

Love is all you need to get started, but maturity, experience, empathy, and self-respect are required to also be a good person.

Is there any advice that you would give your younger self now?

I would say comparison is the biggest thief of joy. Stop looking at other people’s journeys & successes and then comparing them to yours. You are enough and it will all work out in your favor.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?  

If I were a book, I would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a story about a young boy on a journey of growth. He learns that all individuals should live in the pursuit of their individual dreams; as well as knowing that it’s ok to make mistakes and stumble as long as you get up and try. It’s one of my favorite books and I find myself going back on a similar journey of self-discovery & growth, just like the young boy in The Alchemist.