NATHANYA ALEXANDER TALKS ABOUT HBO MAX’S GENERATION AND WORKING WITH RIHANNA
American actress Nathanya Alexander is one-of-a-kind. Gracing us with her elegancy, Alexander is highly skilled in her work. As a child, the young actress attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. She studied the world of acting, musical theatre, Shakespeare and finely tuned her skills in dialect and stage combat.
Photographer Emily Assiran
Now she is currently portraying Arianna on HBO Max’s Genera+in. It’s a half-hour comedy-drama depicting high schoolers navigating through modern sexuality as they explore their own beliefs. Alexander discusses her role in Genera+ion as well as her path to stardom below.
Your first significant role was starring alongside Rihanna in Ocean’s Eight. How in the world did that feel?
“It was very cool. It felt amazing.”
You played a teen hacker named Veronica. If you could hack any site, which site would it be?
“Veronica loves hacking; it excites her. Nathanya? Not so much. Haha!”
Can you take me through the audition process for Veronica?
“I auditioned, went through a few rounds of callbacks, and a few weeks later got the role!”
Not to mention that Sarah Paulson and Sandra Bullock were also in the film. Did you ever feel starstruck or made a little self-conscious? I know I would have for sure.
“I am such a huge fan of their work, and they are icons. On my first day, I ran into Sandra Bullock in the makeup trailer, and she was so sweet. We spoke, and I couldn’t believe she was sitting right next to me. I loved sharing the screen with them.”
Can you take me through the casting process for Arianna in GENERATION?
“I sent in a self-tape, attended the callback, and then got the role!”
What is it like playing a Gen Z high schooler amid a conservative lifestyle?
“I loved it. Arianna is outspoken & unapologetic.“Never apologize, never explain” is one of my favorite Arianna quotes & that sums up Gen Z.”
Did you have any of the same feelings + situations that Ariana had gone through when you were in high school?
“Specifically in episode 12, the moment when her girlfriends ditched her to go to the dance with Cooper. I think everyone can relate to that moment. Every girl experienced that in high school.”
What are Arianna's beliefs about life, love, and the nature of family? Are they similar to yours or different in any way?
“Arianna was adopted by an interracial gay couple, grew up in Orange County, and is the only child. I grew up in Brooklyn, with four younger brothers and a big family. So we are completely different, and I think we have different beliefs and views on many things.”
How does Arianna develop throughout the series?
“At the beginning of the series, she is a bit harsh and has her walls up. However, throughout the series, we see her walls come down, and we get to see a more vulnerable side to her.
What do you believe is Arianna's most important lesson to learn throughout the series?
“She learns how important sisterhood and family are.”
Your character starts to blossom feelings for Nathan, but there's a specific type of dominance that Arianna is attracted to. What is your take on that sort of dynamic in a relationship?
“To each his own. Arianna knows what she wants, and I respect it.
What is it like working with Uly Schlesinger?
“Uly is so talented! He brings Nathan to life. It was wonderful working with him.”
There is a lot of dark + comedy influences intertwined into one. How do these genres compliment each other here? How are each genre depicted throughout the series from your perspective?
“I love that our writers combine both into the show. The dark + comedy does a beautiful dance. It adds a great balance to our show.”
If you could change anything about Arianna, what would it be?
“She’s so perfectly flawed & complex, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Where are your favorite places to travel?
“I love to travel and see different places. It's one of my favorite things to do. I think I’ll visit Europe next.”
What are your favorite foods to make?
“Lentil peas & vegetables.”
How do you unwind and practice self-care?
“Light a few candles, stretch, and I run a salt bath with essential oils.”
Meet the Author
Brianna Vacca is a Philadelphia-based writer. She has an unhealthy addiction to true crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, and writes overly dramatic sad songs.