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Mister Christian
GH's Christian Alexander Opens Up About Playing The Bad Guy

GH’s latest issue-driven storyline, that of teen dating abuse, is in high gear. Here, Christian Alexander (Kiefer) discusses how he prepared to play a charismatic abuser, and what he hopes will come out of exploring such a dark topic….Soap Opera Digest: Was it harrowing to play the scenes where Kiefer beat Kristina?

Christian Alexander: Luckily, we had stunt doubles. The stunt coordinator choreographed the fight so we were able to see it with the stunt doubles, and then we stepped in and mimicked what they did. There was some dialogue before, but once we got to that first hit, after that, they stepped in. It’s actually incredibly technical. You’ve got to make sure the camera angles are just right because if you go a little too high, it’s not going to read, or it’s going to look like her shoulder instead of her chin. We had to do it a couple times.


Digest: Do you believe the PSAs [Public Service Announcements] that run at the end of the episodes can help people?

Alexander: Yeah! A lot of people. This problem is more common than I thought it was. When I was brought in [last year], it was right after the whole Chris Brown and Rihanna issue, and as bad as that was, it focused a lot of attention on domestic abuse. I think it’s great that Kiefer came in right after when it was so fresh in our minds. It’s so nice knowing that at the end of the day when people watch the show, you can definitely take a lot from it, because a lot of the issues they tackle are real and apply to a lot of people out there.


Digest: Did you do any research?

Alexander: The first thing I looked into was the information on the PSAs, which say go to www.loveisrespect.org. There’s a lot of information about how common this problem is. I was shocked to learn that. There are symptoms of a typical abuser, how he carries himself or acts with a loved one. I wanted to figure out those different sides to the character, the charming side, the loving side, the facade he keeps up in front of others and then the side you see when things get ugly. The great thing about playing Kiefer is he tells people to think twice, or look twice, if someone seems a little off or a little too perfect. I think it’s great if the character brings attention to people who act the same way.
Digest: None of the parents on GH saw this coming. What advice would you offer to real-life parents?

Alexander: It’s not all about just getting involved in your daughter’s life. It’s also getting to know the people she’s hanging out with, or she’s dating. Get to know the guy a little better. Ask questions, spend time with your kids and try to get to know the people in their life.


Digest: On a separate note, you’ve got a movie coming out later this year called Touchback.

Alexander: I play a bad kid in that one [laughs]. The role is the school bully. There are some fights, but he does get beat up, as well, so for the people who want Kiefer to get beat up, they should watch this movie [laughs].


Digest: You also played a bad boy in EASTWICK. Are you worried about being typecast?

Alexander: Typecast is better than not cast [laughs]. I’m always looking for that next job that will help me expand and push me beyond my boundaries and allow me to let go and be different, and playing a bad guy is pretty different from who I am, and that’s why I enjoy it so much. I don’t mind playing the good guy. I’m just looking for work that will challenge me.



For more information on teen dating abuse, check out the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at www.loveisrespect.org, or call 866-331-9474.

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