Tia Alexandria, known for roles in The Oval, Fight Night, and All the Queen’s Men, discusses her unconventional path from accounting to acting. She reflects on key roles, the importance of representation, and how fashion and financial literacy complement her career. Alexandria also shares insights on resilience, cultural influence, and building a lasting presence in entertainment.
You’ve built an impressive resume with roles in The Oval, Fight Night, The Million Dollar Heist, and the upcoming season of All the Queen’s Men. What initially inspired your journey into acting, and how have those experiences shaped your career?
Oh wow—I kind of just stumbled into acting. I originally went to college for accounting but never used my degree. I moved to Atlanta to work at one of the Big Four accounting firms since it’s the closest major city to my family. Once I got here, I started doing commercial modeling and then commercials, and through that I discovered a passion for acting. Training led me to fully transition from commercials into acting.
Funny enough, I didn’t even start in accounting. I began at UAB, which is a medical school, studying biomedical research. I did work-study in a lab but couldn’t handle dissecting rats—so I switched to accounting.
Each project you’ve worked on showcases a different side of your talent. What draws you to a role, and what kinds of characters are you most passionate about playing?
For The Oval, my character Mia really drew me in. I’ve always wanted to play characters like Angelina Jolie in Salt—strong, mysterious, maybe even a little dangerous. Mia was part of the Rakudushis cult from Ruthless, the spinoff show. She seduced Barry (Vaughn W. Hebron), stole money, and helped orchestrate the kidnapping of his child. She wasn’t exactly an assassin, but she had spy-like elements I loved.
For Fight Night, I was excited to dive into comedy because I’m a naturally goofy, funny person. I hadn’t done a comedy on screen yet, so it was refreshing—especially getting to act alongside Taraji P. Henson. In All the Queen’s Men, my newest role gave me a taste of Dynasty, which I’ve always admired—especially Diahann Carroll’s grace and elegance. This character allowed me to bring that to the screen.
What do you know about Diahann Carroll? You don’t seem old enough to know about her!
You have to study the icons!
Absolutely. As a rising actress, how are you building a lasting career while continuing to grow creatively?
You just have to keep going. This industry comes with a lot of “no’s,” but that one “yes” can change everything. Keep networking, build genuine relationships, and stay passionate about your craft.
Representation remains crucial in film and television. Why is being part of authentic, diverse stories—especially for young Black women—so personally important to you?
It’s vital. Seeing yourself and your story on screen can be transformative—it gives hope, inspiration. When we got the Black Little Mermaid, it was magical. Watching little Black girls light up on social media—scrolling through TikTok and Instagram—it was like their dreams came true.
And even for me, as a grown woman watching Black Panther, I was in the theater crying. Representation also deepens empathy. When different cultures are visible on screen, people gain understanding and acceptance. It normalizes being different, and that’s powerful.
You’ve cultivated a presence in fashion through vlogging and creative projects. Where did your passion for fashion begin, and how does it complement your work as an actress?
They go hand in hand. As an artist—whether it’s acting or fashion—you get to be expressive. Fashion is like physical art: it reflects your mood, personality, and how you want to present yourself to the world. Sometimes, a great outfit can completely shift my energy.
You’ve spoken about fashion as more than aesthetics. How do you view style as storytelling and empowerment in both your personal and professional life?
Fashion tells a story without words. Every outfit reflects who I am, where I’m going, or even how I feel that day. It’s empowering because it allows you to own your narrative and show up as your authentic self. As a Black woman in entertainment, fashion lets me celebrate cultural individuality and build legacy through style.
With New York Fashion Week 2025 approaching, what are you most excited about? Any collaborations or ventures you’d like to share?
I’m looking forward to seeing Sergio Hudson, LaQuan Smith, Law Roach, and some of my favorite influencers like Jeneé Naylor. Zendaya and Cardi B are also on my must-watch list. I’m open to collaborations and actively exploring opportunities.
You’ve been vocal about investing and building generational wealth. What sparked your interest in financial literacy, and how are you pursuing that alongside your entertainment career?
As a Black woman, I became aware of the wealth gap we face. I read about how our communities often can’t afford risky investments, and that’s one thing that holds us back. I’ve been working to take safe but impactful financial steps—and sharing what I learn with family and friends so we can grow together.
For actors, investing is crucial. The rejection and gaps between bookings are real. Having financial stability means you won’t feel pressured to take roles you don’t want. It also opens doors to producing and directing down the line.
Balancing acting, fashion, and entrepreneurship is a big job. How do you stay grounded, and what role does your upbringing and support system play?
My mom is my anchor. She’s always there with advice and support. I’m also grounded by my roots in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the new season of All the Queen’s Men, and are there any other projects you’re eager to explore?
I’m excited for fans to see the dynamic between my character Mia and Doc, played by Michael. There’s elegance, flirtation, and depth. I’m also looking forward to future fashion collaborations, continuing my training, and some exciting work we’ll talk about soon.
Have you ever played a character whose persona stayed with you beyond the screen?
Yes—Mia from All the Queen’s Men. She has a tough past, but it never dims her light. I admire her resilience and how she’s blossomed into a powerful woman.
Final question: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to follow your path into acting?
Keep going. Stay passionate. You’ll hear a lot of “no’s,” but each one gets you closer to that “yes.” Never give up—and love what you do.
Be’n Original
