Helena-Alexis Seymour has built a career on transformation—both on-screen and off. Born in Canada and raised in Cornwall before moving to Ottawa, she stepped into the entertainment industry at a young age, honing her craft in film and television. Her breakout role as Jessica Wu, a martial artist on the autism spectrum in The Chronicles of Jessica Wu, earned her critical acclaim, including Best Actress wins at the Vegas Movie Awards and Toronto Film Channel Awards. Beyond this, she’s appeared in major productions like Birdman and Beauty and the Beast, proving her range and presence in Hollywood. Now based in Los Angeles, Helena-Alexis continues to push creative boundaries, taking on roles that celebrate complexity, strength, and depth.
You have a unique background. How has belonging to two dynamic cultures influenced you?
I’m so grateful for my heritage. Being Caribbean (Turks & Caicos Island) and Greek—both cultures love to dance, cook, and express themselves fully. They taught me to embrace my uniqueness and be confident in my skin.
It’s been recorded that you grew up shy and self-conscious and were often bullied. How did those experiences shape you?
Everything happens for a reason. Being bullied led me to ask the question, “Who am I?” As a child, I didn’t understand why I was being teased for looking different when literally everyone looks different from each other. This led me to go inward and spend a ton of time alone speaking to myself. In my solitude, I discovered my inner voice, my higher self and God. As a pre-teen, I began reading spiritual books and discovered astrology, which began to make life make more sense. All of my experiences allowed me to bring stronger characters to each of my projects, from the inside out. I’m thankful for my childhood and to everyone who had a hand in leading me down the path of deeper self-love and awareness.
Despite struggling with your self-image, you took to the stage. What motivated you?
I loved performing from a young age and putting on talent shows for my family. Enrolling in competitive dance and beauty pageants gave me an outlet for my creativity and self-expression. The stage was where I felt the most alive.
Your mother founded Ottawa’s AMTI model and talent agency. How did she influence you?
I was actually the inspiration behind the creation of her agency. She noticed how my confidence grew from being on stage performing, and with her modeling background (she modeled as a teen), she wanted to share her knowledge with the world and empower more young women and men.
My mother always was the MC at her fashion shows and had a way of using her voice to uplift the audience and empower the models on the runway. She was always the best dressed and always knew what to say and how to say it. I was in awe of her style and confidence and wanted to grow up to be just like her: iconic, classy, confident, and well-spoken.
What was it like to establish a foothold in the world of acting and modelling, in both NYC and LA, at such a young age?
When I began at the age of nine, it was for fun. I enjoyed creating and embodying different characters and ‘playing’ on set.
That’s why I have continued with it, as it brings me so much joy, creativity, and allows me to express myself in different ways. The goal was always to ‘just have fun.’ I’m grateful for the success it has brought as well as the inspiration it’s given to others.
You’ve built a career playing strong female leads. What draws you to these roles?
Women are powerful, and I love portraying characters that remind them of their greatness. Sometimes, all we need is an energetic “permission slip” to step into our own strength.
You train in martial arts and yoga. How do these disciplines influence your acting?
Both cultivate discipline, presence, and self-awareness. What I learn on the mat—focus, grace, and resilience—I bring into my performances.
You’ve worked on major films like Birdman and Beauty and the Beast, but The Chronicles of Jessica Wu has been your standout role. How does working in film compare to TV?
I love both mediums. TV allows you to develop a character over time and explore their evolution, while film moves at a faster pace, capturing a character’s essence in a single story—unless sequels happen. Ultimately, both offer a chance to inspire audiences, and that’s what matters most to me.
Jessica is a very challenging role. How did you prepare to play someone with autism?
I did extensive research on the autism spectrum, watching shows with autistic characters and speaking with the director’s daughter, who is on the spectrum. That insight helped me fully embody Jessica.
What’s the secret to playing Jessica Wu? What is her appeal, do you think, to the public?
She embraces what makes her different and turns it into her superpower. I think that resonates with a lot of people—we all have unique qualities that set us apart, and they should be celebrated.
You’ve earned multiple awards for Jessica Wu. What do those accolades mean to you?
Beyond personal recognition, it means Jessica’s story is being heard. It brings more visibility to the autism community, strong female leads, and young mixed-race actors.
You believe in stepping out of your comfort zone. Why is that important?
Growth only happens when we push beyond what feels safe. It’s in those moments—whether big or small—that we find new opportunities and evolve.
What’s next for you?
Living with more spontaneity and openness to whatever the universe has in store.
