Alex Stricklin

Alexander Stricklin was born on October 7th 1993 in Memphis, TN. Alex found the sport of wrestling his senior year in high school. He spent the next several years pursuing combat sports as a MMA fighter. His aspirations of a prize fighting career came to a halt when during a training camp for a scheduled fight he was diagnosed with a lethal heart condition, and received a cancer diagnosis. Alex spent the next few years in and out of hospitals and a cardiac rehab facility. In an interview, his coaches and teammates credited his "big heart" and "never quit mentality" for the reasons he'd go far in the world of combat sports. "He's got the things you can't teach... absolutely tough as nails" said former King of the Cage champion John Dominick. In our interview with him Alex joked, "Ironically, the big heart is what kept me from going any further!" It was in a hospital bed that Alex spent his time watching movies to give his mind a break. "Movies became so valuable to me. I bonded with characters that impacted me deeply, and the stories took me places far away from the hospital bed." Once recovered, he returned to fighting for another 2 years! It was at this point he started seeking that warm and fuzzy feeling of inspiration only a perfect film can provide. Alex set out to pursue acting. He crossed paths with Alonso Freeman, son of Morgan Freeman, at a seminar at the Germantown Community Theatre. Alonso took note of Alex as gifted and implored him to give acting a go. "Alonso picking me out of the crowd and telling me there was something special about me had a profound impact. For me it was a confirmation." Alex has now been a lead actor in several indie film projects. "Alex has a special ability of playing physical, but emotional roles at the same time. He has a knack for being able to find small nuanced things that he can apply to a character, giving them life and a real quality. Always eager to learn and up for a challenge. I think Alex could excel in any type of role that he has the chance to play..." says "What Life Is" Filmmaker and director Brandon Russell. Alex's first taste of theatre was having the role of Jesus Christ in the nationally renown Singing Christmas Tree. "Alex's voice has such a genuine tone. I was so impressed with the simultaneous projection of strength and tenderness. Exactly how I imagine Christ would have been." - Kris Ashby