Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Fear the Walking Dead’s Alexa Nisenson

Whether you loved or hated Charlie on Fear the Walking Dead, there’s no denying that Alexa Nisenson is delivering one of the best performances on television this year. She’s taken us on an emotional journey, humanizing a character whom many believed had no redeeming qualities. There were times when you rooted against Charlie and moments when you were forced to take a step back and realize she’s a young girl with no family fighting for survival. All of these complex layers and emotions were brought to life by this talented up-and-comer. Pop Culturalist chatted with Alexa to get the inside scoop on the season four finale.

PC: Before Fear the Walking Dead, you starred in Fist Fight and Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. What was it like transitioning from comedy to a post-apocalyptic horror drama? How did you prepare?
Alexa: It’s so different from what I’ve done. I was really super excited about it. A lot of people may not know this, but I actually have done a little bit of dramatic TV. I once did an episode of Constantine on NBC and I did a couple of episodes on a TNT show called Good Behavior. They weren’t anything like Fear or The Walking Dead, though. It’s such a unique and amazing show to be a part of.

To get ready, I watched as many episodes of Fear as I could. I went to work pretty quickly after getting cast, so I didn’t have a ton of time, but I did watch some, which was really helpful. This is kind of funny, but I also watched a lot of the cast’s interviews. It helped me see their perspective on the show and their characters.

PC: Charlie is a divisive character, but over the course of the season we get a better understanding of who she is and that her actions are rooted in fear. How early on did you know about Charlie’s arc this season? Were you nervous about playing a character that fans would potentially dislike?
Alexa: I was really nervous. [laughs] This is the first time that I’ve ever played a character that is somewhat of a villain and one that fans and viewers would be really angry at. As an actor, it was super exciting, but for me, personally, it was a little scary. It was a great challenge and an opportunity that I continue to be grateful for. I knew if viewers were angry at my character that I hopefully did my job well. As for Charlie’s arc, I really didn’t know her journey when I joined the show. I definitely knew that she was going to be controversial. When I read episode two, I knew she was going to cause trouble, but I didn’t know how much! When I got the script for episode three, I was like, “Oh boy, Charlie. What did you do?” [laughs]

PC: “Close Your Eyes” is a breakout episode for your character and you as an actress. Did you sense the magnitude of that episode while filming? What has it meant for both you and your character?
Alexa: When I first read the script for that episode, I was bawling; I loved it so much. I knew right away that I was going to get to be a part of something super special and rare. I had to ask myself, “Is this really happening?” I was eleven when we filmed that episode. It’s really not common for kids my age to get the opportunity to explore the range of emotions that Charlie does in that episode. It really meant everything to me.

Personally, it changed my life. I grew so much as an actor and as a person during that episode. For Charlie, it was something that she needed. She needed to express how sorry she was. She needed to at least try and find a way to right her wrong. She’s a kid who’s gone through the unimaginable and she’s trying to survive without her family. Alicia has really taken on that role as caretaker. I think they both genuinely need each other.

Photo Credit: Ryan Green/AMC

PC: Charlie and Alicia have had quite the journey this season. What was the collaboration working like with Alycia Debnam-Carey to bring that dynamic to life? What can you tease about that relationship heading into the season finale?
Alexa: Working with Alycia is all you would expect and more! She’s beyond amazing, inside and out and she’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. It’s such a privilege to be able to do scenes with her. I look up to her so much. We barely knew each other when we headed into that episode since we had almost no scenes together. I really wanted to be a strong acting partner for her and make her proud. I also wanted to make the episode as amazing as it could be.

What I can say about that relationship heading into the finale is that Charlie will definitely look to her and lean on her. I can’t say much more! You’ll have to tune in and watch.

PC: If you had to describe the season finale in five words, what would they be?
Alexa: Five words? Oh gosh! Epic. Dramatic. Thrilling. Different. Sweaty. I know that sounds weird but you’ll understand when you see it.

PC: When you look back at this last season, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this show and cast?
Alexa: Great question! It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because I feel like I’ve learned so much this past season. On a personal level, I’m braver than I thought I was. I tend to be a scaredy cat. My friends keep trying to get me to go to Universal Studio Horror Nights and I’m honestly really terrified. They’re like, “Alexa, you’re on the scariest show on TV. How can you be afraid of this?” [laughs] I just am. I learn when it comes to facing fears, whether that be doing my own stunts, doing emotionally-challenging scenes, or being around Walkers up close that I’m braver than I thought. I can handle more than I thought I could.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alexa: Definitely anything in The Bachelor franchise. I watch The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Bachelor Winter Games. I watch everything. You name it, I watch it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alexa: The Kissing Booth on Netflix.

PC: Favorite book?
Alexa: I’m really into art and fashion books right now. I’m so fascinated by it. I’m reading one right now that’s about every single Vogue cover. I’m really obsessed with it.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alexa: I’m obsessed with the Mean Girls cast recording! I’m heading to New York City in a few weeks and I have to see it.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alexa: I really love Billie Eilish right now. Her music is great. I have a raspy voice so I can sing along to her stuff.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Alexa: Alone Together on Freeform. I think it’s so fun.

PC: Hidden talent?
Alexa: I’m really great at hair and makeup.

Make sure to follow Alexa on Twitter and Instagram, and catch the season finale of Fear the Walking Dead on Sunday, September 30 at 9/8c.

Photo Credit: The Riker Brothers