Actor Sasha Alexander joins host John Frank Levey for a candid conversation about balancing a successful acting career with family life and the pursuit of creative fulfillment.
Drawing from her extensive experience across shows like "Dawson’s Creek," "NCIS," and "Rizzoli & Isles," Alexander shares honest insights about the challenges of maintaining authenticity both on and off-screen. The discussion weaves through her European upbringing, approach to complex roles, and recent journey of prioritizing family while navigating industry changes.
In this episode:
• How Alexander’s Serbian-Italian heritage and European exposure shaped her artistic sensibilities and acting approach
• The contrasting experiences of working on procedural shows versus character-driven series, and the unique challenges each presents
• A fascinating discussion about intimacy coordinators in Hollywood and their impact on directing and acting
• The reality of “having it all” as a working parent in the entertainment industry, and why timing matters more than we think
• Personal reflections on choosing to step back from major roles to be present for her children’s formative years
• What it means to maintain creative fulfillment while navigating the ebbs and flows of an acting career
• A thoughtful exploration of artistic integrity, personal growth, and finding peace with life’s natural seasons.
TV shows discussed in this conversation:
- Dawson’s Creek
- NCIS
- Rizzoli & Isles
- Shameless
- Presidio Med
Connect:
- To connect with Sasha Alexander, find her on Instagram: @sashaalexander
- To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
- To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book
Acknowledgments
Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in “hero shots” — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.
The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.
Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It’s the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)
What is Right For The Role with John Frank Levey?
"Right For The Role" is hosted by legendary casting director John Frank Levey, whose four-decade career and four Emmy Awards reflect his uncanny ability to recognize who's right for the role.
As the casting visionary behind revolutionary television shows like "ER," "The West Wing," "Shameless," and "China Beach," Levey has not only witnessed but actively shaped the careers of some of Hollywood's most recognizable talents.
Through intimate conversations with accomplished guests like Eric LaSalle, Sasha Alexander, Dennis Dugan, Noah Wiley, Shanola Hampton, and others, listeners will discover inspiring stories about finding one's authentic path in both life and career. Drawing from his vast experience, Levey guides conversations that uncover valuable insights about taking risks, advocating for what you believe in, and discovering your true calling.
Whether you're in the entertainment industry or simply navigating your own path, each episode offers honest, unfiltered discussions about defining moments, career transformations, and the journey to embracing the roles we're meant to play.
So join John Frank Levey -- recipient of the Casting Society of America's prestigious Hoyt Bowers Award for Lifetime Achievement -- as he shares his exuberance for the craft and helps listeners find inspiration to discover their own role of a lifetime.
The first episode launches December 11th.