Modeling’s newest name is from Ashville
Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos
As a little kid, Alex Wise was shy, almost painfully so. Even the at the thought of him growing up to act or model professionally seemed a long shot.
Now 17 and after making a splash last summer at a New York acting and modeling competition, Alex has signed with an agent and is taking acting lessons from some of the most respected names in show business.
For Alex – to borrow from the old standard – this could be the start of something big.
Photo by Beth Boldt
Wise competed in 13 categories – seven in acting and six in modeling at the International Modeling and Talent Association – and medaled and placed in all categories. Overall, he finished second in the Actor of the Year competition and third for Model of the Year in the 15-17-year-old category and was second as The Most Sought-After competitor.
“It was a big achievement,” said his mom, Christi Wise.
IMTA bills itself as a: “gateway for aspiring models and actors.”
Founded in 1987, it offers a platform for aspiring actors, models, singers, dancers and songwriters to present their talents to agents, casting directors and other leading entertainment professionals.
It boasts of some A-Listers who were discovered through IMTA, including Ashton Kutcher, Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria.
For Alex, the opportunity “fell into his lap,” Christi said.
“He plays baseball, so I entered him into a contest where if he were chosen, he’d get a big metal picture,” Christi said. “He won, and afterwards he asked if it were possible to make money for modeling. I told him yes.”
His response? “I think I could do that.”
Before long, Alex connected with Joan Hawkins of Cameo Model Management in Birmingham and with Clair Sinnett, an acting coach and former casting director who has worked with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt and the late James Earl Jones.
“Once (Alex) decided to go to IMTA, he had six weeks to prepare,” Christi said, “All of this happened within a year.”
Before the competition, he had an acting class with Sinnett. The veteran acting coach gave him rave reviews.
“She said he had the ‘It’ factor,” Christi said. The factor is charisma that can capture a magazine cover or the silver screen. James Dean had it. So did Paul Newman. And after the IMTA, a Los Angeles management agency saw that in Alex Wise.
A centerfielder for Ashville High’s baseball team, Wise’s commitment to acting matches his commitment to baseball.
“The key quality that Alex possesses is dedication,” the agency said in an e-mail. “The best actors are those who continuously strive to improve. Alex is committed to bringing the same discipline he has for athletics to learning and growing in his craft as an actor, whether through classes, mentorship or experience on set. His work ethic is truly impressive for his age, and we know that he will show up prepared and eager for every role. His commitment to improvement will make him stand out in an industry that constantly demands innovation and depth and will lead to his success.”
Wise brings charisma and a “thoughtful presence,” the agency said. “He grabs attention, not by being the loudest or most outspoken person in the room, but by having the ‘good human’ qualities that make people want to be around him, and as an actor, want to watch him. That charisma often translates to how generously he engages with his peers, even in competitive situations.”
At IMTA, “we saw Alex demonstrate camaraderie and support for his fellow competitors, a truly admirable quality to observe. When combined with his dedication, Alex’s charisma and genuine caring for others will make him an unforgettable young actor, creating positive impressions that will help him build a long career.”
The entertainment business is tough, but for the Wise family, there is peace. There’s also a strong belief that for Alex, this is not a career, but a calling.
“We have a lot of faith,” Christi said. “We have definitely prayed for every door opened to be opened and for every door that’s shut to be shut. I really feel like Alex’s life has prepared him for this, that his steps have been ordained.”
She added, “He’s very grounded. He’s very rooted. A lot of kids his age don’t know who they are. But he knows who he is, and he doesn’t let the world influence his thought process That’s why I don’t worry about him because he knows who he is and what he wants to achieve.”
Even with all the attention, Alex is still just a kid from Ashville who plays baseball, attends small group Bible studies with friends and who has done the hot, hard work of cutting and baling hay. Family members describe him as a “natural born leader.”
For his part, Alex enjoys the process of modeling and acting for a variety of reasons.
“I like getting myself out there and opening myself up. Growing up, I was super, super quiet, scared of everybody. I didn’t really talk to anybody. Now, in the last year or two, this has helped me tremendously.”
Alabama has had more than its share of people who made it in the entertainment business, from Jasper’s Tallulah Bankhead to Birmingham’s Walton Goggins. Alex Wise has a message for aspiring performers, especially small-town kids like him.
“He wants people to know you can be from a small town and do this,” Christi said. “These dreams are reachable.”
Making dreams come true isn’t easy. Alex Wise knows that.
“It’s not as easy as it seems,” he said. “It’s going to take hard work and dedication. But it’s also going to take a strong person, period … It takes a strong person to stay in this business.”
