Exclusive Interview: Alexis Sides Talks Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Potato’s Journey, and More

Alexis Sides is giving audiences chills with his breakout performance as Potato in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

The musical comedy takes place four years before the original Grease, before rock ‘n’ roll ruled and before the T-Birds were the coolest in the school. Four fed-up outcasts dare to have fun on their own terms, sparking a moral panic that will change Rydell High forever.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Alexis about Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, his character’s important arc and storyline, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Alexis: You know what they say – once you play Peter Pan, you’re hooked! And let me tell you, that was definitely the case for me. I first got into acting when I was just a wee second grader cast as one of the lost kids in a school production of Peter Pan. It was a wild ride, with like a million kids running around on stage–seriously, there were more lost kids than there were actual boys! But I loved every minute of it.

Of course, like any good Mexican kid, I also had a passion for soccer. I was determined to become a pro goalkeeper and defend my country’s honor on the world stage. But as I got older, I started to realize that maybe my true calling was in the performing arts.

So, when my old acting coach called me up and asked me to fill in for a dropout in a production of Peter Pan, it felt like fate. I mean, what are the odds, right? It was like the universe was telling me, “Hey, kid, stick to what you’re good at–playing make-believe in tights.” And you know what? I’m glad I did. Sure, there are days when I miss the thrill of stopping a penalty kick, but there’s something truly magical about bringing characters to life on stage and screen. Plus, I don’t have to wear a sweaty goalie jersey all day, so that’s a win in my book.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alexis: My mom. She’s always been my biggest cheerleader, even when I was a kid doing those crazy elementary school plays. She encouraged me to pursue my passions and never gave up on me, even when I was convinced that soccer was my true calling. My mother has been the biggest influence on my career, and I can’t thank her enough for all that she has done for me.

When I wanted to pursue a career in acting, she was right there by my side, cheering me on every step of the way. Her love and support have been the driving force behind my success as an actor, and I feel so blessed to have her in my life. She has always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I hope that one day, I can be as supportive and loving to my own children as she has been to me.

My mom is not just my biggest influence on my career, but also my biggest inspiration and my rock. I am so grateful for her, and I love her more than words can express. And now, as I navigate the ups and downs of the acting world, I know that I can always count on her for support and encouragement.

Asi que gracias madre – no estaria en donde estoy si no hubiera sido por ti! Te amo!

PC: You’re one of the stars of Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. What was it like getting the call that you landed the role of Potato? What was it like getting to put that T-Bird jacket on for the first time?
Alexis: Honestly, when my agent called me to tell me I landed the role of Potato in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, I was in total shock. I didn’t even know how to react! My agent even told me she was surprised at how calmly I took the news…I guess I was too busy processing the fact that my dreams were actually coming true.

It wasn’t until a couple of days later, when I was standing in front of the mirror after getting out of the shower, that it really hit me. There I was, staring at myself in disbelief, thinking, “Wait a minute, I’m part of the Grease universe now? This is insane!” And that’s when the floodgates opened, and I just started bawling.

But you know what? It wasn’t just the excitement of landing the role that got to me. It was also the realization that all those years of hard work and dedication were finally paying off. I couldn’t believe that I was actually going to be part of something so iconic.

And then there was the T-Birds jacket. Oh man, that was a moment. Putting it on for the first time was surreal; I looked in the mirror and saw myself as part of that legendary group. It was like a dream come true.

All in all, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Being part of the Grease franchise is a dream come true, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring this prequel series to life.

PC: There’s fantastic chemistry between all of the T-Birds. How were you all able to build that chemistry needed for the screen?
Alexis: Honestly, we all just clicked right from the start. We’re a group of fun-loving, easygoing people who love to joke around and have a good time, so building that chemistry came naturally to us.

We spent a lot of time hanging out off-set too, which I think helped us get to know each other on a deeper level and build that sense of camaraderie. All in all, it was a blast working with these guys, and I’m happy to hear that chemistry really shines through on-screen.

PC: This project finds you acting, dancing, and singing. Have all those disciplines come naturally to you? What has it meant to you to be able to showcase all of your talents in a project like this?
Alexis: Oh boy, where do I start? Let’s just say that singing and dancing are not exactly my strong suits. I’m pretty sure I have two left feet and a voice that only sounds good in the shower…but hey, that’s what makes this experience so exciting! I’m getting to challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone, and it’s been a hilarious journey so far.

Our choreographers, Jamal Sims, Jeffrey Mortensen, and Louise Hradsky, are basically magicians. They’ve been patient with me and my lack of rhythm, and they’ve managed to turn me into a half-decent dancer (or at least that’s what I’m telling myself). And, as for the singing…well, let’s just say that’s a work in progress. Although I didn’t have to sing much in the show, I’ve been taking lessons and trying my best to improve just in case they need me to belt out a tune in Season 2 (fingers crossed we get a Season 2!).

All jokes aside, this has been an incredible opportunity to showcase all of my talents and explore new aspects of performance. It’s not every day you get to sing, dance, and act all at once, and I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing cast and crew. I may not be the most natural singer or dancer, but I’m having a blast trying my best and embracing my inner performer.

PC: We know that you can’t say too much, but what can you tease about Potato’s journey in Season 1? Is there a scene or episode in particular that you’re really excited for audiences to see?
Alexis: Ah, yes! Without giving too much away, I can say that there are definitely some scenes in episodes 7 and 9 that are among my favorites for Potato.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say that these episodes are where we really see Potato’s character arc come to a head. There are some emotional scenes that I think audiences will really connect with, and there are also some really fun moments that show off Potato’s humor and charm.

So, to answer your question, yes, there are definitely some scenes in episodes 7 and 9 that I’m really excited for audiences to see. I think they’ll really get a sense of what makes Potato such a great character, and they’ll be rooting for him all the way.

About Potato’s journey, alI I can say is, it’s definitely an interesting one. As a Mexican-American character in the 1950s, he faces some discrimination and challenges that really put his resilience and strength to the test. On top of that, he’s dealing with some pretty heavy family issues.

Potato spends a lot of time taking care of his siblings and working to provide for his family, which can be a lot to handle for someone his age. Despite all of these obstacles, he never loses his spirit and his sense of humor. I think audiences will really root for him and be inspired by his journey, even when things get tough.

To keep up with Alexis, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies on Paramount+.

Photo Credit: Trevor Brady