Alexandra Paul

Alexandra Elizabeth Paul (born July 29, 1963) is an American actress, activist, health coach, and former model. Paul began her career modeling in New York before landing her first major role in John Carpenter's horror film Christine (1983). This was followed with prominent roles in American Flyers (1985), 8 Million Ways to Die (1986), and Dragnet (1987).

Alexandra Paul
Alexandra Paul in 2012
Born
Alexandra Elizabeth Paul

(1963-07-29) July 29, 1963
New York City, New York, U.S.
OccupationActress, Athlete, Activist, Wellness Coach, Camera Operator, Model, Producer, Writer
Years active1979–present
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Spouse(s)
Ian Murray (m. 2000)

She is best known for her role as Lt. Stephanie Holden in the television series Baywatch from 1992–97. She has performed in a total of over 100 movies and television programs.[1]

Early life

Paul was born in New York City to Sarah, a social worker, and Mark Paul, an investment banker. Paul's mother was originally from England.[2] Paul was raised alongside her identical twin sister, Caroline, and younger brother, Jonathan, in the rural town of Cornwall, Connecticut.[3] According to Paul, her mother was "a very liberal Democrat and [her] father was a very conservative Republican."[4] She attended the Cornwall Consolidated School, and the Groton School in Massachusetts.[5][6] Paul was accepted into Stanford University, but chose not to attend so that she could focus on an acting career.[7]

Career

Paul worked prominently in television from the late eighties onward, perhaps most recognizable in her starring role on Baywatch, from 1992 to 1997. Paul began her career working as a model in New York City, and later moved to Los Angeles when she decided to pursue a career in acting.[7] Her first role was in the television film Paper Dolls (1982), followed by a role in the independent Canadian horror film American Nightmare (1983). Paul then landed a leading role in John Carpenter's horror film Christine (1983), opposite Keith Gordon, followed by a supporting role in the comedy Just the Way You Are (1984).

She later appeared in the sport drama American Flyers (1985) with Kevin Costner, 8 Million Ways to Die (1986), and the comedy Dragnet (1987), opposite Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd.[8] She also starred in the films Death Train (1993) and Nightwatch (1995) opposite Christopher Lee and Pierce Brosnan,[9] as well as the horror films The Paperboy (1994) and Spectre (1996).

Since 1999, she has starred in 15 films for Lifetime Network. She has also starred in the Fox TV series Fire Company 132 and appeared in the last eight episodes of Melrose Place. She guest-starred on Mad Men in 2008.[9] She hosted non-fiction TV shows, including WE's Winning Women and a southern California local environmentalism show, Earth Talk Today.[10][11] She made a cameo appearance with Sacha Baron Cohen in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan in a deleted scene parodying her Baywatch role.[12] She did a cameo in the comedy spoofs Spy Hard and Sharknado: The 4th Awakens.[9][13]

In 2015, Paul won Indie Series' Best Supporting Actress in a comedy webseries.[14]

Paul co-wrote and co-produced two documentaries: Jampacked, a documentary on the world population crisis, and The Cost of Cool: Finding Happiness in a Materialistic World. Jampacked received a Bronze Apple Award and first place recognition at the EarthVision Environmental Film and Video Festival. The Cost of Cool won a CINE Golden Eagle Award.[9] She also produced eight PSAs on the benefits of driving electric vehicles for the non-profit Plug In America.[15]

In 2019, Alexandra acted in 3 movies, Escaping my Stalker[16], The Estate and Pink Skies Ahead [17].

Personal life

Paul has been married to Ian Murray since 2000. She became a vegetarian at age fourteen after reading the book Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé, and became a vegan in 2010.[7][18]

Paul is childless by choice.[19]

As an athlete, Paul raced the Hawaii Ironman in 1997.[20] She ran the 2000 Boston Marathon.[21][22] She has also swum the 11 mile Fiji Swim,[23] the 12.5 mile Swim Around Key West [24] and the 2014 Reto Acapulco 14 mile swim,[25] among others.

In 2015, Paul became a certified health coach[26] and has her own wellness coaching business.[27]

Political activism

Paul is an outspoken animal rights, environmental, peace and gay rights activist.[5][28] She walked 5 1/2 weeks on the Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament in 1986. Paul has been arrested for civil disobedience over a dozen times at the Nevada Test Site between 1987 and 2000.[29] In 1989, she was arrested for peacefully advocating on behalf of people with HIV.[30] She was arrested twice in 2003 for civil disobedience protesting the Iraq War and spent five days in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center after refusing to pay the $50 fine. In 2005, she was arrested for protesting the crushing of the EV1, and performed 80-100 hours of community service for electric car organizations.[31][32] Paul's younger brother, Jonathan, is also an animal rights activist, who served 51 months in prison for his role in the arson of a slaughterhouse.[33]

She has traveled to Nicaragua with Operation USA and to South Africa to register voters. Paul volunteered in Sierra Leone with the non profit Population Media Center. In 2006, Paul donated $250 to the Ned Lamont campaign against Joe Lieberman, because Lieberman supported the war in Iraq.[34][35]

She received the 2014 Vegan of the Year by Last Chance for Animals,[36] and in 2007 received a United Nations Environment Programme honor for her contribution to overpopulation issues.[37]

In 2016, Alexandra joined Direct Action Everywhere in an open rescue of several pigs from a factory farm.[38] In 2017, Alexandra joined a sit-in at an Oakland, CA slaughterhouse and was arrested.[39] In 2018, Alexandra was arrested for a civil disobedience action at Sunrise Chicken Farm.[40] In 2019, she was arrested peacefully protesting at Reichardt Duck Farm and spent 2 days in Sonoma County jail.[41]

In discussing her political activism, Paul said:

I am sure there are some who do not like me for my outspokenness and my views, and I totally respect their right to boycott my projects. I actually respect folks who stand up for their beliefs – even if I disagree with them—than the folks who do not care, are afraid to 'get involved', or who cannot be bothered. I admire passion and commitment. A woman once told me she could not watch those slaughterhouse videos because she 'loves animals so much' and it would upset her. I would prefer to hang out with a hunter who believes he is doing the right thing, than a wuss like her.[7]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1982Paper DollsLaurie CaswellTelevision film
1983American NightmareIsabelle
1983ChristineLeigh Cabot
1984Getting PhysicalKendall GibleyTelevision film
1984Just the Way You AreBobbie
1985American FlyersBecky
19868 Million Ways to DieSunny
1987DragnetConnie Swail
1988Out of the ShadowsJan LindseyTelevision film
1988After the RainPetra Guera
1989Perry Mason: The Case of the All-Star AssassinAmy HastingsTelevision film
1989Perry Mason: The Case of the Musical MurderAmy HastingsTelevision film
1989Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal LessonAmy HastingsTelevision film
1990Laker GirlsHeidi/JennieTelevision film
1991In BetweenAmy
1991MiliardiGiulia Ferretti
1992Prey of the ChameleonCarrie
1992KuffsThe Chief's Wifeuncredited
1993Sunset GrillAnita
1993Death TrainSabrina CarverTelevision film
1994The PaperboyMelissa Thorpe
1994Nothing to LoseNatasha
1995Cyber BanditsRebecca Snow
1995Baywatch: Forbidden ParadiseLt. Stephanie Holden
1995PiranhaMaggie McNamaraTelevision film
1995Night WatchSabrina CarverTelevision film
1995Mixed BlessingsBethTelevision film
1995Daytona BeachAnnie GibsonTelevision film
1996SpectreMaura SouthAlso known as: House of the Damned
1996Kid CopSarah Hansen
1996Spy HardWoman in Murphy Bed
1997Kiss & TellBambie the Manicurist
1997Naked in the Cold Sun
1997EchoOlivia JordanTelevision film
199812 BucksEpiphany Lovejoy
1999RevengeLaura Underwood
1999Arthur's QuestCaitlin RegalTelevision film
2000For the Love of MayEmily
2000ExposureJackie Steerman
2000Green SailsLaura TaylorTelevision film
2000The Brainiacs.comKara Banks
200110 AttitudesLeslie
2001Above & BeyondJill Amorosa
2001Facing the EnemyOlivia McCleary
2001Danger on Flight 534Katy PhillipsTelevision film
2001Diary of a Sex AddictKatherine
2001Breaking Up Really SucksCharlie
2001The Cost of Cool: Finding Happiness in a Materialistic WorldHerselfGolden Eagle Award
2002Redemption of the GhostAudrey Powell
2003A Woman HuntedLainie Wheeler
2003Baywatch: Hawaiian WeddingAllison FordTelevision film
2004LandslideEmma Decker
2004Saving EmilyCherylTelevision film
2005A Lover's RevengeLiz Manners
2006Love Thy NeighborLaura BensonTelevision film
2006Who Killed the Electric Car?HerselfDocumentary
2006Trapped!SamanthaTelevision film
2006Disaster Zone: Volcano in New YorkSusanTelevision film
2006BoratHerselfScene cut
2006Gospel of DeceitEmily WendellTelevision film
2006A.I. AssaultMarlon AdamsTelevision film
2007Demons from Her PastAllisonTelevision film
2007Benny Bliss and the Disciples of GreatnessMall Gal
2007He's Such a GirlLinda
2008A Date with Murder (Murder Dot Com)Stacy
2008Tru LovedLeslie
2008Family of FourJanice Baker
2009A Sister's SecretKatherineTelevision film
2009Christmas CrashChristine Johnson
2010In My SleepRoxana
2010The Boy She Met OnlineTori Winters
2010The Frankenstein BrothersLaurie Martinson
2010What Is the Electric Car?HerselfDocumentary
2011Betrayed At 17Michelle RossTelevision film
2011Christmas SpiritWinnieTelevision film
2012Love at the Christmas TableEve ReedTelevision film
201216-LoveMargo Mash
2013MentorAlexandraIndie Series Award for Best Supporting Actress
2014FirequakeDr. Eve Carter
2014Dinner at Le CruelWifeShort film
2015The Bride He Bought OnlineDet. Kathy SchumakerAlso known as: Flirting With Madness
2015DirtyAsst. DA Sara Dunlap
2016Sharknado: The 4th AwakensStephanie Holden - Astro-X Rocket ScientistTelevision film
2017Born and Missing (aka Babynapped)Lieutenant Janine BreuerTelevision film
2018Wood FloorsSylvia
2018Say YesMrs. Munoz
2018The B TeamAlexandra
2018The AnchorSusan Rogers
2020Pink Skies AheadClaire

Television series

Year Series Role Notes
1987The HitchhikerJulie1 episode
1993Johnny BagoErica1 episode
1992–97BaywatchLt. Stephanie Holden66 episodes
1997Baywatch NightsStephanie Holden1 episode
1996–97L.A. FirefightersFirefighter T.K. Martin7 episodes
1998The Love Boat: The Next WaveGillian Stansfield1 episode
1999Melrose PlaceTerry O'Brien8 episodes
2000Chicken Soup for the SoulLeann Richards1 episode
2002Rendez-ViewHerself1 episode
2003She SpiesChristine Black1 episode
2008Mad MenPauline Phillips1 episode

References

  1. "Baywatch Nights' model keeps a lookout for not-so-wholesome role". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 16, 2010.
  2. "Interview: Actress Alexandra Paul". Movie Geeks United. June 19, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  3. Morales, Tito. "Exclusive: Actress Alexandra Paul Conquers the Bonaire Ecoswim". Swimming World Magazine. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  4. Wagner, Joyce (April 19, 1993). "Brother Behind Bars". People. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  5. "Biography: Alexandra Paul". The New York Times. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  6. "Alexandra Paul profile". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  7. Meehan, Ryan (April 22, 2015). "10 Questions with Alexandra Paul". First Order Historians. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  8. "CHRISTINE Revisited, Part Two: A Q&A with Alexandra Paul Archived 2015-03-26 at the Wayback Machine, fangoria.com; accessed July 29, 2015.
  9. Alexandra Paul on IMDb
  10. "Alexandra Paul Hosts Female Extreme Sports Series Premiering April 19". AMC Networks. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  11. "About EarthTalk Today TV". EarthTalk Today. Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  12. "'Baywatch' Cast Then & Now". xfinity.com. Archived from the original on 2016-06-03. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  13. "There Was Just a "Baywatch" Reunion -- Which Lifeguards Will Star In "Sharknado 4"?". Too Fab. March 15, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  14. "6th Annual Indie Series Awards: Complete List of Winners". Indie Series Awards. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  15. "Drive Electric". Plugin America. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9814242/reference
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10095308/reference
  18. Staff (November 20, 2014). "We Catch Up With Former 'Baywatch' Star Alexandra Paul!". Life & Style. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  19. Paul, Alexandra (February 17, 2010). "Married, Without Children". HuffPost. Archived from the original on February 20, 2010. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  20. "Honolulu Star-Bulletin Sports". archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved Sep 12, 2019.
  21. "boston marathon | The Official Alexandra Paul Website". alexandrapaul.com. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  22. "Exclusive: Actress Alexandra Paul Conquers the Bonaire Ecoswim - Swimming World News". Swimming World News. 2005-02-23. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  23. "Ultra-Distance Swims With Alexandra Paul". Inside Sport. Retrieved Sep 12, 2019.
  24. http://www.southernmostrunners.com/KW-Swim/SAKW-12/SAKW-AllSolo-F-M-12.txt
  25. "What I did today for 7 hours straight | The Official Alexandra Paul Website". alexandrapaul.com. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  26. "The Baywatch Actress Alexandra Paul Turns Health & Wellness Coach! - Women Fitness". Women Fitness. 2016-09-19. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  27. "Alexandra Paul: Health, Wellness & Fitness Coaching in Los Angeles". Alexandra Paul Wellness Coaching. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  28. "Q&A With Vegan Actor Alexandra Paul". PETA. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  29. Caps 2.0. "A Talk with Alexandra Paul". Retrojunk. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  30. Photo, alexandrapaul.com; accessed April 30, 2016.
  31. Profile, alexandrapaul.com; accessed July 29, 2015.
  32. PBS, NOW- (2006). "NOW - Who Killed the Electric Car?". www.pbs.org.
  33. Paul, Caroline (May 24, 2007). "My brother, the 'terrorist'". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  34. Lockhart, Brian. "70% of donors to Lamont's campaign are from out of state". The Advocate. Archived from the original on July 19, 2006. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  35. Lechaux & Roussel 2010, pp. 136–39.
  36. 2014 Vegan of the Year, alexandrapaul.com; accessed July 29, 2015.
  37. "Hollywood Actress, Alexandra Paul, to Train Actors in Sierra Leone". Population Media. February 21, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  38. "How a Baywatch Star Saved Miley from Becoming Meat". Direct Action Everywhere. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  39. https://janeunchained.com/2017/10/23/22-animal-activists-arrested-in-open-rescue-at-slaughterhouse/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDrwLnSJBs
  41. https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2019/06/03/18823714.php

Bibliography

  • Lechaux, Bleuwenn & Violane Roussel (2010). Voicing Dissent: American Artists and the War on Iraq. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-41580-058-7.
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