IN CONVERSATION WITH ALICIA CROWDER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Alicia Crowder was most recently seen as a series regular in the hit series ‘Tell Me Lies’ on Hulu, which aired its second season, and was just renewed for the third season. In 2022, she made her New York Theatre debut at Lincoln Center in ‘Becky Nurse of Salem’ by Sarah Ruhl, and ha salso starred in a lead role in the independent film ‘Bleecker’ opposite Ben Stiller. Her other previous credits include Netflix's 'The Society' and CBS's 'Instinct'.
top WEIDERHOEFT
skirt and coat ALEJANRA ALSONSO ROJAS
shoes MALONE SOULERS
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
rings( DAVID YURMAN
You’re starring on Hulu’s ‘Tell Me Lies’, which recently finished its second season. What drew you to this role, and how has your character evolved over the seasons?
I’ve always found Diana’s intelligence and confidence incredibly compelling. Throughout the two seasons, she relies heavily on these characteristics to navigate the turmoil and conflict she faces. Her evolution involves a sort of breaking down in order to come out the other side more whole. The journey is painful and we see her struggle to let go of what is familiar, yet ultimately harmful.
top WEIDERHOEFT
skirt and coat ALEJANRA ALSONSO ROJAS
shoes MALONE SOULERS
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
rings( DAVID YURMAN
Back in 2022, you've also made your New York theatre debut in ‘Becky Nurse of Salem’ at Lincoln Center. How did it feel to step into the New York stage scene, and what excites you most about theater?
It was a welcomed homecoming. Before graduating from college, all I knew was theater, and then once I did graduate, I went four years doing only TV and film.
The most exciting thing about working on a play is the emphasis on process. There is space and time available to experiment and explore, to get messy and weird. I missed that.
dress MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION
coat SANDRO
shoes MALOUNE SOULERS
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
bracelets and rings DAVID YURMAN
You’ve appeared in both TV and film, with credits like Netflix’s ‘The Society’ and CBS’s ‘Instinct’. How do you approach roles in different mediums, and what is the most important aspect of a role to you?
There’s recently been a lot of reference to “long form” and “short form” content. I think of TV as long form and film as short form, based mainly on the amount of hours the audience spends with the character. However, regardless of the medium, the most important aspect of a character is change, how are they different from the beginning of the story versus the end.
dress MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION
coat SANDRO
shoes MALOUNE SOULERS
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
bracelets and rings DAVID YURMAN
How do you usually transition between performing on stage versus on screen?
Whichever medium I am doing next, I’ll take some time to study. Luckily, studying means watching TV, movies, or going to see good plays.
dress and earrings VERSACE
tights FALKE
shoes MALONE SOULIERS
cuffs ALEXIS BITTAR
Graduating from Juilliard is an incredible accomplishment. How did your time there shape you as an actor, and what lessons from Juilliard do you carry with you today?
During my time at school, I developed great respect and admiration for my fellow actors. I’ve learned so much from the wealth of talent around me, and this is something I hope to never take for granted.
With a busy schedule both on TV and in theater, how do you handle the pressure and excitement of all your projects?
I take it scene by scene, day by day. I always strive to compartmentalize in a healthy way. Also, taking small breaks, traveling and spending time with family and friends is essential.
top TIBI
earrings and cuffs ALEXIS BITTAR
What do you hope audiences take away from your work, whether it’s on TV, film, or stage?
My ultimate goal is for the characters I portray to be honest and relatable. That someone watching will feel less alone, inspired, and entertained.
top and skirt ISABEL MARANT
shoes LARROUDE
cuffs ALEXIS BITTAR
necklace AGMES NYC
Who are some of the actors or creators who have inspired your journey in the entertainment industry?
Right now, I’m loving all things Mia Goth. Her work in the ‘Pearl’ trilogy is absolutely thrilling and I honestly can’t get enough. I’m also a huge fan of Aubrey Plaza and Zoë Kravitz, they have such dynamic and varied careers that are incredibly inspiring. I’m also obsessed with absurd comedy and no one does it better than Eric Andre and Tim Robinson.
underpinnings FLEUR DU MAL
tights FALKE
dress WEIDERHOEFT
earrings and ring AGMES NYC
ring DAVID YURMAN
Looking ahead, where do you see your career going in the next few years? Are there other areas of the arts you’re interested in exploring?
I would love to star in a horror or psychological thriller. The characters I find most interesting are the ones who unravel completely and are pushed to their limits mentally and emotionally. There is something so fun and freeing in the unhinged. As far as other arts, I have loved to sketch and draw since I was very young, before I started acting even. My dream is to one day have a small gallery to present my work, and showcase other local artists as well.
What can you share with us about your next upcoming projects?
Be on the lookout in 2025.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ALICIA CROWDER
photography NICK RASMUSSEN
styling HANNAH ATIRA
hair NAI’VASHA
makeup BRITTANY WHITFIELD
styling assistant CYNAMIEN HUDSON
production CHANTI WALKER
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN