Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Alexa and Carlos PenaVega

Alexa and Carlos PenaVega are a power couple who have built illustrious careers in front of and behind the camera as well as on the stage. Alexa, best known for breakout performances in Spy Kids, The Tomorrow People, and Nashville, has over three decades’ worth of experience under her belt. Carlos, a member of Big Time Rush, has performed around the world and has credits in film and television programs, including Life Sentence, The Loud House, and The Casagrandes.

They’ve also shared the screen together in several projects, including Mighty Oak and the highly anticipated Picture Perfect Mysteries: Exit, Stage Death, out this October.

Pop Culturalist caught up with the dynamic duo to learn more about their respective journeys in the industry and chatted about Mighty Oak and Picture Perfect Mysteries: Exit, Stage Death.

PC: How did you both discover your passion for the arts?
Alexa: I sort of fell into it. I loved playing make-believe as a kid. Now I get to do it as a career. What I love about movies, TV, and theater is that we all go to a whole new world together. For those two hours, we are all playing make-believe, whether you are in the audience or on the screen. I’ve always loved that about what we do.

Carlos: I started singing in the boys choir when I was really little, and then one day, someone introduced me to musical theater. Singing and acting in one? I was hooked.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
Alexa: When I was little, I loved Shirley Temple and Tatum O’Neal. Paper Moon was the movie that made me want to take acting seriously. I wanted to make movies as good as that one!

Carlos: My dad has really been a huge part of the decisions I’ve made. He is a hard worker and is committed to making a difference. Besides him, I give all the credit to my wife. She’s the real champ. As far as actors go, I really love Tim Allen. I just love that he has done a lot of family-friendly movies. The Santa Clause is probably one of my all-time favorite movies.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your careers. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Alexa: Filming a movie called Run the Wild Fields for Showtime. It is still, to this day, the best filming experience I’ve ever had. That movie will always be so special to me. Between the cast and the gorgeous locations, fields outside of Toronto, and having my siblings with me to explore and play with, my heart literally just explodes thinking about it.

But there is one more standout moment that I cannot not include and that was watching Spy Kids for the very first time. They didn’t let us, Daryl [Sabara] and I, see anything before the first official screening. I remember bouncing in the theater seat with the biggest smile on my face. I couldn’t contain my excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited for a project I’ve worked on to come out.

Carlos: Performing with Big Time Rush is up there. We played a show in Mexico City in front of seventy-two thousand people. Twice! There was really nothing like that feeling.

PC: What’s one fun fact that fans would be surprised to learn about your spouse?
Alexa: He’s actually an introvert! You would never expect it at all. He can go anywhere and be the life of the party. But really, he’d rather be at home watching a movie with the family.

Carlos: She is actually really good at singing!

PC: If your kids wanted to pursue a similar career path, what advice would you give them?
Alexa: Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. While I love this industry, it will take every bit of you if you let it. Healthy boundaries can create a fantastic work experience.

Carlos: We are all for it. I second Lex.

PC: You both have a new film out now. Tell us about Mighty Oak, your characters, and what drew you to this project.
Alexa: Sean McNamara is so rad. When he calls you, you show up. His excitement for a project really gets you pumped for it. But when he started telling us about this little kid who was a guitar genius, we were super interested.

Tommy Ragen is not only a guitar genius, he’s an incredible kid, wise beyond his years. It’s something that really stood out to me in an era where social media robs kids of this. Tommy has this pure genuine innocence about him. It was so beautiful. He lives in the moment. He’s so present. I can only attribute all of this to his parents. They are doing a great job.

Carlos: I loved this script. The role is the closest to me that I’ve been able to play. I was allowed to explore and play with the character a lot. I even got to keep my scruff, which was a first! Can I do that on every movie please? [laughs] But in all seriousness, even though I was serious about the scruff, this movie is special. It was a labor of love for everyone involved. When you have a movie where people aren’t showing up for a paycheck but to make something awesome and magical happen—I can’t explain it—you become this team, this driving force to create awesomeness.

PC: You’re both currently working on Picture Perfect Mysteries: Exit, Stage Death. Is there anything you can tease about that project?
Carlos: It’s coming out October 11! We are so happy. It was originally supposed to come out sooner, but with everything happening, it was pushed! So we are excited to announce that we have an official air date, and it is around the corner!

Alexa: Lots of excitement on this one, and I think figuring out the whodunnit won’t be so easy. Make sure to pay close attention.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alexa: The Goldbergs.

Carlos: Home Improvement.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alexa: Rat Race.

Carlos: Santa Clause.

PC: Favorite book?
Alexa: The Road Back to You.

Carlos: Lex reads more than me. [laughs]

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alexa: The Lion King.

Carlos: Titanic, the musical. The score is incredible.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alexa: Aqua. Yes, I still listen to them. [laughs]

Carlos: I love country!

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Alexa: Wow. This is a really tough question. [laughs] Carlos because he knows me better than anyone. I think he could nail it.

Carlos: I have no idea! I’ve never thought about it.

Make sure to follow Alexa (Twitter/Instagram) and Carlos (Twitter/Instagram).