Alexandra Kristin Powers is an American former actress.[2]
Alexandra Powers | |
|---|---|
| Born | Alexandra Kristin Powers New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1980–2001 |
| Spouse(s) | Barry Del Sherman (m. 1993–199?)[1] Gavin Potter (m. 2000–?) |
| Parent |
|
Early life edit
Powers was born in New York City. She grew up in an "artsy, liberal environment" on both coasts with her divorced parents. Her father teaches acting.[1] She said in an interview that her parents "encouraged me to find my own truth". Commenting on her faith, she stated "I pray whenever I feel sad. And I believe that whatever is right will work out." In that same interview, she said that her father was Roman Catholic and her mother Katharyn Powers was interested in metaphysics.[3] Powers' mother wrote for television programs including Fantasy Island and Charlie's Angels. At the age of six, Powers announced her intentions to become an actress.[4]
Career edit
Powers appeared in various television and film roles, including Cast a Deadly Spell,[5] 21 Jump Street,[6] and Dead Poets Society.[7] In the film Rising Sun, Powers portrayed a prostitute who attempted to seduce the character played by actor Wesley Snipes.[8] She also had a recurring role on the NBC legal drama L.A. Law. She portrayed "Dusty Brown" in the NBC miniseries A Matter of Justice.[9] On being successfully cast in the NBC program Tonya and Nancy, Powers commented, "In a lot of ways, it's the role of the year".[10] For the program, she received ice-skating lessons from Dody Teachman, former coach to Tonya Harding.[10] In a review for The Orlando Sentinel, Powers received a positive reception: "It should be said that Powers, the Christian lawyer on L.A. Law, is a dead ringer for Tonya ... and that she delivers a convincing performance."[11]
Personal life edit
In the late 1990s she became a Scientologist, and by 2000 had married Gavin Potter and joined the Sea Organization, the religious order of the Church of Scientology.[12][13][14] Powers previously said she did not adhere to any religion: "I've sort of looked and searched. I was a Buddhist for about six months." She was married to actor Barry Sherman in December 1993. Powers lamented, "I have to take my ring off when I go to work. And that makes me sad, because I put the ring on and I don't want to ever have to take it off."[1]
Filmography edit
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The Prodigal | Nancy Pringle | |
| 1985 | Mask | Lisa | |
| 1988 | Plain Clothes | Daun-Marie Zeffer | |
| 1989 | Sonny Boy | Rose | |
| Dead Poets Society | Chris Noel | ||
| 1992 | The Player | Herself | |
| 1993 | The Seventh Coin | Ronnie Segal | Alternative titles: Worlds Apart |
| Rising Sun | Julia | ||
| 1996 | Last Man Standing | Lucy Kolinski | |
| Race | Sylvie | ||
| 1997 | Out to Sea | Shelly | |
| 1998 | One Hell of a Guy | Cassie Springer | Direct-to-video release |
| 1999 | Storm | Major Tanya Goodman | Direct-to-video release.
Alternative Title: Twister II: Extreme Tornado |
| 2001 | Zigs | Sara | Alternative title: Double Down (final film role) |
Television edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Jennifer Slept Here | Cassidy | 1 episode |
| T. J. Hooker | Sally | 1 episode | |
| 1984 | Silence of the Heart | Andrea | Television movie |
| 1986 | Highway to Heaven | Arlene | 1 episode |
| Family Ties | Erin | 2 episodes | |
| 1987 | CBS Schoolbreak Special | Laura Sanders | 1 episode |
| 1988 | CBS Summer Playhouse | Beth | 1 episode |
| Unholy Matrimony | Patricia "Trish" Jaworsky | Television movie | |
| 1989 | The Hogan Family | Princess Julia | 3 episodes |
| 1990 | Dangerous Pursuit | Television movie | |
| 21 Jump Street | Officer Kati Rocky | 2 episodes | |
| 1991 | Cast a Deadly Spell | Olivia Hackshaw | Television movie |
| 1993 | The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles | Gloria | 1 episode |
| A Matter of Justice | Kathy Charlene "Dusty" Brown | Television movie | |
| 1993–1994 | L.A. Law | Jane Halliday | 22 episodes |
| 1994 | Tonya and Nancy: The Inside Story | Tonya Harding | Television movie |
| Following Her Heart | Nola Lundquist | Television movie | |
| 1997 | C-16: FBI | Dana Morrison | 1 episode |
| 1998 | Nobody Lives Forever | Detective Mary Ellen "Dusty" Dustin | Television movie |
| Maximum Bob | Angelyne Linklater | 1 episode | |
| Fantasy Island | 1 episode | ||
| 1999 | Brimstone | Ann "Sally" McGee | 1 episode |
References edit
- ^ a b c Gordinier, Jeff (December 3, 1993). "She's No Saint". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
- ^ Loynd, Ray (April 29, 1994). "Tonya & Nancy: The Inside Story". Variety. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ^ Davis, James D. (October 27, 1993). "Higher law - Alexandra Powers' devout, virginal character on 'L.A. Law' in many ways reflects her own views". Sun-Sentinel. Sun-Sentinel Company. p. 1.
- ^ Scheck, Frank (March 10, 1994). "'L.A. Law' Actress Relishes Her Role as Christian Lawyer - Alexandra Powers talks about staying clear of religious stereotypes". The Christian Science Monitor. p. 11.
- ^ J. O'Connor, John (September 10, 1991). "Review/Television; A Detective and Sci-Fi In Los Angeles Magic". The New York Times.
- ^ McNeil, Alex (1996). Total Television. Penguin Books. p. 870. ISBN 0-14-024916-8.
- ^ Molinari, Matteo; Jim Kamm (2002). Oops! They Did It Again!: More Movie Mistakes That Made the Cut. Citadel. p. 62. ISBN 0-8065-2320-4.
- ^ Johnson, Peter (August 19, 1993). "'L.A. Law' gets lawyer who keeps the faith". USA Today. Gannett Co., Inc. p. 3D.
- ^ Bark, Ed (Dallas Morning News) (November 7, 1993). "Alexandra Powers' virgin role gives a new look to 'L.A. Law' - playing 'A Matter of Justice' temptress helped her". The Buffalo News. p. TV3.
- ^ a b Philadelphia Inquirer (April 15, 1994). "Alexandra Powers of 'L.A. Law laces up an attitude for Tonya role". The Orlando Sentinel. Sentinel Communications Co. p. A2.
- ^ Dawson, Greg (April 30, 1994). "'Tonya and Nancy'". The Orlando Sentinel. Sentinel Communications Co. p. 3; Style.
- ^ "Alexandra Powers: A promising actress kidnapped by Scientology". DataLounge.com. September 18, 2013. Archived from the original on August 2, 2018. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
- ^ "Alexandra Powers from Hollywood to Hell…Welcome to the Sea Org!". Scientology Celebrities and Human Rights. April 14, 2014. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
- ^ "Alexandra Powers -- Scientology Service Completions". Retrieved May 5, 2016.