Alison Fernandez is living the dream of any young actress: regular bookings on notable TV shows and landing a role on a big blockbuster film. The 11-year-old is known for playing young Jane on Jane the Virgin and her recurring role on Law & Order: SVU. She also appeared opposite Hugh Jackman in the X-Men movie Logan and has also just been chosen as the new American Girl, an Amazon original, based off the American Girl Dolls.
If that weren’t enough, she is also involved in cheerleading gymnastics, and holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo!
Let’s find out a bit more about this young phenom — scroll down for our Q & A!
Hi Alison! Tell our readers a little about yourself and your background.
My name is Alison Fernandez. I’m an 11-year-old actress born in Brooklyn NY. You may have seen me on a few hit TV shows like… Once Upon A Time, Jane The Virgin, Fresh Off the Boat, Orange Is The New Black, Law and Order: SVU, Logan and a few others and some commercials. I love gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, swimming, dancing, singing, and cheerleading.
Great! You’ve recently played a part in the superhero movie “Logan.” Tell me about your role and what it was like meeting Hugh Jackman.
I played Delilah, which is the clone of an X-man named “Iceman” AKA Bobby. Delilah is one of Laura’s mutant friends that help fight in a war against the mercenaries hunting and killing all mutantkind. My superpower is the ability to create and manipulate Ice. I was very nervous the day I met Hugh Jackman. I have been watching him playing as Wolverine ever since I was little. Its funny because when I met him I became so happy I couldn’t stop giggling. Yes, it was so cool and he was very nice. We even had lunch together that day.
What was the best part about the experience of filming that movie?
The best part was when I froze the Reaver’s arm and then shattered it into a million pieces. For me, that will always be an experience of a lifetime, plus getting to know all the cast and crew that help make this movie look so real. Without them, the crew, these movies could never be made.
You’ve earned roles on shows like Jane the Virgin, Once Upon a Time, and Law & Order:SVU. Pretty amazing stuff for an 11-year-old. But, if you could have any role (your dream role) what would it be and why?
“The Adventures of the Daughter of Tomb Raider and the Amazon Jungle.” I love acting, doing my own stunts, fight choreography, dance, sing, and parkour, so why not?
How do you handle your nervousness when you audition – any tips for other actors?
Ok yes, I find three things help me. I find the better that I prepare for the audition the less nervous I will be, I prepare at least two different ways that I will perform the audition, and I find exercising or jogging the morning of the audition often helps calm me.
You are also a martial artist right? Which style and how long have you been doing it?
Yes, I am currently a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do , and I have been doing it for 6 years.
Do you still live in New York? If so, what do you like most about it? If not, where do you live and what do you like most about it?
I live in Los Angeles now. I love how I can experience the beach, hot days, and travel 45 minutes by car to enjoy the snow filled mountains to go skiing all in the same day!
What are you working on next?
I’m currently working on Once Upon A Time for the last two Episodes of season 6 and hoping for season seven in July. In the time I’m not filming I’ll be working hard in school for the remainder of my 6th grade school year. Plus working on my activities including getting better at TKD, dance, parkour, swimming, and singing.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I love seafood, reading and binge watching TV Shows!
Favorite Youtuber and why?
Jared Gilmore from #OUAT, because I find his videos very very funny, it’s so cool how he pranks his family and goes on his sisters YouTube channels too.
Where can your fans follow you? (social media)
You can find me on Twitter as @tvalison, Instagram as tvalisononset, and Facebook as AlisonFernandezDotCom.
Can you please send a selfie of whatever it is you are doing now?
