Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’s Lisa Marie DiGiacinto

Lisa Marie DiGiacinto is becoming quite the force in film and TV and is well on her way to becoming a legend in Hollywood. Past credits include SyFy’s Van Helsing, Netflix’s Travelers, and The CW’s The Flash. Currently, she can be seen in her recurring role as Ali on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Ali is a bit of an outsider and former tough girl. She is also the high school flame of character Mick Rory, and when they reconnect later in life, they discover that their spark may still be there. Pop Culturalist caught up with Lisa to learn more about Ali’s arc this season.

Career

PC: You’re an actress and writer. How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Lisa: Through acting and studying my characters and script and story analysis. You can’t really do one
without the other.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lisa: I always loved acting and performing, but I’d say Friends was the show that made me want to be a part of the film and TV industry. Ever since I started watching that show when it originally aired, I knew acting was what I was going to do as a career, even though I didn’t know how at the time.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Lisa: There are so many, it’s hard to pinpoint. But when I was on my way to my wardrobe for Legends, I had just finished a great audition for another show, and then my agent told me that Ali would be recurring in another episode. I literally stayed in my car and had this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and knowingness that this was going to be something really huge for my career.

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

PC: Tell us about your character Ali and what attracted you to this project.
Lisa: Ali is just one of those characters that is very easy for me to connect to personally. Tough but sensitive with a big heart—although she definitely doesn’t play by the rules and is attracted to a bit of danger. I’m kind of like that in real life.

PC: What can you tease about Ali and Mick’s relationship this season?
Lisa: They’re very deeply connected. I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of Ali. But it’s not going to be conventional, that’s for sure. But neither Ali or Mick would have it any other way.

PC: Was there any pressure heading into this project given the dedicated fanbase and the fact that you’re joining an established cast?
Lisa: The cast is so talented and established that yes, I felt a bit of pressure. But as soon as I got to set, everybody was so kind and supportive that I was able to just be in the moment and have fun!

PC: How did you and Dominic approach the dynamic between Ali and Mick? What was that collaboration like?
Lisa: He was so kind to me, as well as professional. I really thought we worked so well together in all of our scenes. It felt very easy and connected, and improvising with him was the absolute best. We were both very open to what the moments would bring, and it was very supportive and authentic.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lisa: Friends

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lisa: The Holiday

PC: Favorite book?
Lisa: Don’t Let Anybody Steal Your Dream

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lisa: Grease

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lisa: Aaliyah, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Lizzo, and Jewel.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Lisa: Mina Sundwall

To keep up with Lisa, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch DC’s Legends of Tomorrow every Tuesday at 9/8c on the CW.

Photo Credit: Karolina Turek