Alex Cooper Cohen: Why Eating Real Onions For Film Takes Taught Her The Hard Way About Acting Choices

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alex Cooper Cohen.

Alex will be making her small screen debut in “The Slumber Party” from Disney Branded Television, playing the soon to be step-sister, Veronica. Alex has performed in many musicals in the Bay Area and also with her band, Easy Definition, in San Francisco.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I was born in San Francisco, CA and have lived here my whole life. I went to public elementary school, a Jewish day school for middle school and now attend a parochial high school (nothing like testing out all the different types of education). I live with my parents, my two sisters, my dog and my cat.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

My background is mostly in theater. I got my first taste of being on stage in 1st grade when my class did a musical based on Ferdinand The Bull and I played Ferdinand. After that I knew performing was for me! I performed consistently after that until COVID shut theater down and that is when I met my agent and switched my focus to include on screen acting.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your entertainment career?

I have always loved animals so I was super excited to find out that I got to work with ducks on the set of The Slumber Party. It was like a dream come true!

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When we were filming the Onion Fest scene for The Slumber Party, I decided it would be a good idea to eat real onions for as many takes as I could. I started out strong and then after a bunch of takes (after which I was eating yogurt to cut the sting) I was so nauseous that I just couldn’t do it anymore. The fake onions were made out of apples… an apple has never tasted so good.

Most young people your age don’t have to balance work and school. Can you tell us how you manage to balance your schoolwork, auditions, and time on set?

It’s definitely a juggling act and you have to be able to switch gears quickly to get it all done but because I am doing what I love I do my best to make it happen.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I am grateful for Bettina Devin, my acting coach. She is an actor in her own right and because of that is able to give such great insight into roles and characters. I’m also thankful for her because she has helped me to stay true to who I am while still pursuing my dreams.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

That there is a lot of rejection along the way.

Crafty is delicious.

Be confident in your choices during a scene.

Make sure to always continue to learn.

Listen to everyone’s opinions but always trust your gut.

How do you think you can use social media as a platform to be a positive influence to your fans, and for society at large?

I think I can use social media to be a positive role model for my fans by sharing big accomplishments on social media and I hope that it inspires other young actors to pursue their dreams.

If you had the ability to choose to work on any TV show or film, or work alongside any co-star, or with any director, what or who would that be, and why? You never know who might see this article, especially if we tag them. :-)

I would love to work with Wes Anderson because of his unique style and his film composition. He is amazing!

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Instagram: @alexcoopercohen

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

“Courtesy of Disney; interview completed in June/early July, 2023”