In this Monday, September 19 episode of Plus belle la vie, a new character was introduced, Alexandra, Kevin’s (Theo Bertrand) new intern who very quickly breaks the young cop’s heart.
This newcomer is portrayed by Meryl B, a transgender influencer with over 262,000 followers on Instagram and over 3.4 million followers on Tik Tok. On the day of her arrival at Plus belle la vie, Allocine met the young woman to ask her a few questions about her first experience as an actress.
Allociné: What made you audition for Plus belle la vie?
Meryl B : I had no idea that the producer was looking for Alexandra. They are the ones who contacted me. I have a friend who has shot at Plus belle la vie in the past and told her about them and said I might be able to do the job.
That’s why the production called me to offer me a casting. I was excited and got it right away. So I passed the tests and after three or four days they announced that I was transferred. I was really happy.
Did you watch Plus belle la vie before going to the casting?
I used to watch it sometimes when I was younger, but I never really followed the series. I didn’t watch much TV when I was younger. Not even today, to be honest. So when I knew I was going to play in Plus belle la vie, I started watching to stay relevant and know what I was getting myself into. I was excited because I got hooked on the series very quickly.
Can you tell us about your character?
Alexandra wants to go to the police. So he did school for it and entered Plus belle la vie because he is starting an internship at the police station. She is also a transgender woman. Even though it’s a part of her life because it’s going to affect her relationship with Kevin, we don’t talk about it much on the show.
What I love about her story is that we don’t talk about her trans identity, we talk about how she lives her life first and foremost. Her trans identity is definitely a part of her, but it’s not the main theme of the character. I find it very interesting.
As for her character, she’s very lively and has a childlike spirit, which means I can identify with her a lot. The only difference between me and him is that we don’t listen to the same music. We don’t dress alike and I’d say I’m a lot more introverted than he is. He is very charming, not afraid to go see people. He is not shy. But in other ways we are very similar to Alexandra.
This is your first experience as an actor. Did you always want to be an actor?
I have always loved this world of music, being in front of the camera, playing a role… I would say that I have always loved this environment very much. Acting is like fulfilling a dream.
Did your debut in Plus belle la vie go well?
completely. I am very satisfied. They welcomed me as if I were a member of the family. Everyone is very patient because I have no acting experience. And the whole team was cool. When I arrived, I was under a lot of pressure, but now it’s much better.
Are you afraid of how the Plus belle la vie community will perceive your character?
He and not. I have been on the social network for a little over three years. Hating people, I know well. I still see it today. So, no, I’m not afraid of what people will say when they see me.
I am most afraid of the reaction of the audience, who will judge my acting when they see me on TV. I’m basically an influencer, even if I hate that word. So people might tell me to stay because I’m not a good actor. I’m mostly afraid of that.
Do you think your role can have a positive impact on viewers?
I think that every role that is assigned to a part of a minority community, whether it’s religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation, definitely has an impact. This is good because it gives visibility. So it helps to move things along.
The role of Thomas was already very important, because before it there was no French TV series with homosexuals. Plus belle la vie is one of the first series to highlight the LGBTQ+ community.
I know Plus belle la vie already had a transgender character in the past and it was a trans man. I’m the first trans woman on the show, so it’s really good for the community.
Plus belle la vie bows on November 18th, a little over two months after your arrival. Aren’t you sad to join a series that will end soon?
I’m not sad at all. At least I’m not sadder than others who have been there for a few years. I imagine they must do something to them. I’m excited to see everyone’s nostalgia, but personally, I’m very happy to have been offered this opportunity.
For me, this is both a professional and a personal exercise as it allows me to gain confidence. It’s sad that the series is coming to an end, but I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to shoot in Plus belle la vie.
Source: allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
