Juan Alemán II

He played in Alex Leas‘ The Woman In The Room as Abe.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Juan Alemán II: My name is Juan Alemán II, I grew up in a small East Texas town and attended college on a theater scholarship. As an adult I spent time in the Army and working in government after leaving the service. I’ve been an actor, screenwriter,  producer, and I self-published a children’s book. For about 4 years, I hosted two podcasts (But everyone has a podcast now).

SKSM: When did you start acting and where did you train?

Juan Alemán II: I started acting in high school; although we had no drama department we would compete in theater competition. I found I loved it enough to change college plans to pursue acting. I did some studies in Dallas at KD Studios. Since, I’ve done different clinics, auditioning classes, and worked with great directors and cast members.

SKSM: How did you become involved in The Woman in the Room Dollar Baby film?

Juan Alemán II: I originally auditioned for the role of the doctor, but I wasn’t cast initially. Yet, Alex (the director) would reach out and he added the father’s role for me. To say I was happy, to be able to work on any King project, would be an understatement. Plus, I felt that Alex had a clear vision of what he wanted and how to achieve it.

SKSM: You played an small role in the film but you give a magnificent performance. Would you have liked your character to have had more presence in the film?

Juan Alemán II: As an actor, of course you want the big role- yes. But, one has to look at the project as a whole and decide a couple of things: Where does my physicality fit in this project? To explain, one thing that you bring to every project is your look and stature and age can change both. Second, stay in your lane. If a director says they see you in a specific role then make that role the best that you can.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Juan Alemán II: This story is the nightmare of every individual with a loved one who has fallen ill. John sees his mother deteriorating; now you gamble. Will she get better or do I do what no person should ever have to do?  It’s hard to turn away.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Juan Alemán II: For playing the Father, I did not have to read. Alex had written the role with me in mind. 

SKSM: You worked with Alex Leas on this film, how was that?

Juan Alemán II: Alex walks onset with a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished. As an actor, I sincerely appreciate a director that has a plan and a vision that prioritizes and respects my time.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Juan Alemán II: There’s a moment when I have to burp and throw the empty can where Johnny would be sitting. Making that throw should have been simple, but i wear glasses and my aim wasn’t the best without those glasses! Plus, burping on command is a process in itself. 

SKSM: What do you think of the film The Woman in the Room now it’s finished?

Juan Alemán II: I loved the tempo and the performances that Alex was able to capture.  Johnny’s torture is clear and puts the watcher on an edge.

SKSM: In the early ’90s, you were an extra in some hit movies. Tell us a little about this.

Juan Alemán II: Ahhh, the young me.I went to L.A. to be an actor. I realized that I needed money to be able to wait by the phone for calls and auditions. Well, I spent a few days on the sets’s of, “Strange Days” and “Forget Paris“. I found that there were a lot of people, just like me, were being extras to try and make ends meet. I feel that being on those sets helped shape my want for directors to respect my time! The best story of my time as an extra is on the “Strange Days” set the scenes I’m in were all night shoots. So, we take a lunch and I’d seen a young lady I wanted to speak to; so, I find her onset and walk up and introduce myself. Well, upon speaking, there was suddenly a gigantic man that approached and curtly says, “Ms. Bassett does not want to be disturbed.” So, in short, Angela Bassett’s double was the young lady I was trying to meet, but being a genius I found the real deal. Well, at least I got a good story!

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Juan Alemán II: As of late, I’ve actually taken a step back from acting. I’ve written some short-stories and short film scripts. This keeps my mind moving.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Juan Alemán II: I am definitely a constant reader. Stephen King is one of the authors that truly took me to new worlds as a reader. The way he writes is transformative and so descriptive that it truly teases the mind’s eye.

SKSM: What is in the top 5 on your bucket list? (Everything is possible and nothing is too strange)

1. Have one more great performance.
2. Have my short stories be published.
3. See more of the world. Other than the U.S., I’ve only been to Canada and Mexico.
4. Live long enough to be a grandfather.
5. Meet and chat with Stephen King about the last few books of The Dark Tower.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Juan Alemán II: I’m a big fan of 80’s B-movie, the Spice Girls, and pro-wrestling.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Juan Alemán II: If you like, you can find the film that wrote, produced, and acted in at the end of 2021. It’s called “The Conversion“.

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Juan Alemán II: Being creative is a beautiful outlet. At times when I feel underwhelmed with the world, I can escape to my own worlds– either by writing or acting.