Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Julie and the Phantoms’ Alison Araya

Alison Araya is a multifaceted artist who has always been enamoured by the idea of seeing life through someone else’s perspective. That fascination led Alison to discover her passion for her craft, and has seen her star in projects including The Good Doctor, Arrow, Riverdale, Supergirl, iZombie, and Fear the Walking Dead.

Currently, she stars as Aunt Victoria in the breakout hit of 2020, Julie and the Phantoms. Pop Culturalist caught up with Alison to learn more about her, her career, and Julie and the Phantoms.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Alison: Apparently, my mom knew out of the womb that I was supposed to be an actress—that’s her story. [laughs] I remember my first role was playing Mary in a Nativity play. From that moment, it was just in my head that I was supposed to act. It’s something that helped me from a very young age.

I was that kid that was always performing. I went to a performing arts high school, which was where I really understood that this passion of mine could turn into something that I could do for the rest of my life for the first time. It’s been a pursuit of studying and training, and then when I moved to Vancouver almost fifteen years ago now, that’s when I started working professionally.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Alison: There have been a lot of influences. I remember when I was growing up, I used to always have to go to the movies. One of my first theater experiences was watching Drew Barrymore in E.T., and there was something about that performance that stuck with me. There have just been some performances that are really iconic.

My love for Italian cinema came in the form of a film called Cinema Paradiso. That was one of the inspirations for me to go to Italy and study there. Initially, I wanted to be behind the camera, but when I got to Italy, I really understood that acting was my primary passion.

There are also so many fantastic actors coming out of Australia. I’ve been inspired by many artists in films throughout my career.

PC: You’ve been really open about the highs and lows of this industry. During the more challenging times, how were you able to persevere? What did you learn about yourself during those moments?
Alison: A friend once told me, “A career isn’t when you’re working, a career is the moments in between.” That’s one of the greatest insights I received as an actor. When I was first starting out of theater school, it was easy to have these big dreams of making it. Making it for most people means the red carpets, an Oscar, but the reality is that isn’t the case for the vast majority of actors. There are successful careers that you can have that don’t look like that.

Coming out of theater school, I set my goals real high. The industry has a way of teaching you pretty early on that not everybody gets a Cinderella story. I had to learn that I have to separate my work from any success I had as an actor. I had to create interests outside of my acting to balance my sense of self; dance, gardening, and writing have all been tools for me to continue. Dance, in particular in the last couple years of my life, has been a beautiful outlet that helps create that balance and reminds me that I’m a person. Also, cultivating personal relationships is really important too.

PC: Having been a part of this industry for almost two decades now, what’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Alison: That everyone’s journey is completely unique and there’s beauty in taking your time. I remember as a younger actor, I was in such a hurry to make it and to get there. For example, there were years where I wouldn’t take a vacation because I was convinced that if I left, I’d miss out on an opportunity. If it’s meant to be yours, it’ll be there. I wish I had known that on a different level back then.

PC: Tell us about Julie and the Phantoms, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Alison: Julie and the Phantoms is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had so far as an actor. The show itself follows the story of Julie, a young teenager who loses her passion for music after her mother passes. In a little bizarre event, she encounters three boys who were members of a band. Together, they end up making music together and forming the band, Julie and the Phantoms.

In the show, I play Julie’s aunt, Victoria. Victoria is a self-appointed caregiver and coach to Julie’s father. She’s a little overbearing and sticks her nose into it, but her intentions are pure. She’s coming from a good place.

The show itself is so beautiful and vibrant. Kenny Ortega has created another hit. The music is sensational; the soundtrack and album are number one on iTunes. It’s a phenomenal success. It has spirit. It’s an uplifting show. It has real stories that a lot of people can identify with of all ages.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alison: I don’t feel guilty about this: I am an absolute sucker for RuPaul’s Drag Race.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alison: I’m a hopeless romantic. I love Jennifer Lopez in any of her rom-coms. Maid in Manhattan has to be one of my favorites.

PC: Favorite book?
Alison: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it once a year, every year.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alison: Rent.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alison: Jamiroquai.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Alison: Rebel Wilson or Jennifer Saunders.

To keep up with Alison, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Season 1 of Julie and the Phantoms today on Netflix.

Photo Credit: Daniela Cuiffa