Before performing stunts on a major film set, Alex Grech’s journey began in Australia, inspired by his older brother. “My older brother started acting…so obviously anything my brother did, I felt the need to follow,” he said in a recent interview with Actors With Issues. At just six years old, he joined the Victorian Youth Theatre and spent nearly a decade performing in two shows a year.
Later, Grech studied drama throughout high school, eventually earning a place at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. “I moved to New York in September 2020…I had to do the first month or so of the course online in Australia while still working as a paralegal,” he shared. That transition, amidst the pandemic, was “so high stress, it was so high octane,” but it solidified his commitment to the craft.
Training, Transition, and Tackling the Industry
Alex Grech’s time at Tisch involved training with multiple studios including the Experimental Theatre Wing, Lee Strasberg Institute, and Classical Studio. “I got a widespread smattering of different approaches to tackling this industry and this craft,” he said.
When asked how the industry has shifted since the pandemic, Grech pointed out that America can be an intimidating space for artists. “There isn’t as much support for the individual artist as there is for the corporate entity,” he observed. “It’s really upsetting in certain regards.”
Still, he remains determined to stay in the U.S. and build a life and career. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to stay for an indiscriminate amount of time…America can be scary, but it’s where I want to be.”
Advice from Jason Isaacs and Finding Motivation
For actors just starting out, Grech offered memorable advice he received from co-star Jason Isaacs: “You can’t have a plan B. If you have a Plan B, you’ll end up doing Plan B because it’s easier.”
Grech explained, “The life of an actor is not an easy one. It’s very feast or famine…you win some, and you lose most.” He encouraged aspiring actors to put themselves out there, even when it feels uncomfortable. “Cold emails are great. 90% will be ignored, but that 1% might be the win you need.”
Above all, Grech stresses staying grounded. “Take risks. Be bold. Be proud and be humble. Be comfortable with failure, because it’s going to happen more than you’re going to succeed.”
Double Duty on Juliet & Romeo
Alex Grech’s latest project, the musical film Juliet and Romeo, brought together an ensemble of seasoned actors and rising stars—including Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, and Jamie Ward. What started as a standard role quickly turned into something more when lead actor Jamie Ward injured his ankle.
“I got a tap on the shoulder to step up and double for Romeo,” Grech revealed. “I ended up doing all of my own stunts plus all of Romeo’s stunts.”
Grech emphasized the importance of character-driven stunt work. “There’s character in how that action is done…Romeo climbing up Juliet’s balcony—that’s still performance, it’s not just physical.” His background in gymnastics, martial arts, and NYU’s stage combat certifications prepared him well for the task.
And he’s far from done with the action genre. “I’ve helped on horror films using wire and rope work…that stuff’s a lot of fun. But mostly, I’m dedicated to making sure the physicality of my characters is carried through. That’s what connects me to the world of the story.”
Learning On Set and Paying It Forward
Working alongside screen veterans like Derek Jacobi and Jason Isaacs was more than inspiring—it was educational. “It was such an educational experience to watch all these different styles of work ethic…to figure out what worked for me and what wasn’t for me,” Grech said.
With large-scale production days involving up to 500 crew members, Grech learned the importance of staying ready and respectful. “You’re an important cog in the machine—you are not the machine.”
He encourages all actors to understand their place in the ecosystem. “You need to be prepared and ready to go when you’re called, but also let others do their job. Support your local artistic communities. Go to the cinema. Go to the theatre. People need to continue to be inspired.”
Watch our full interview with Alex Grech above, tune in on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to check out Juliet & Romeo, now available to rent or purchase on digital.
