Exclusive: White Collar Star Gloria Votsis Talks Working With Matt Bomer and Alex & Neal’s ‘special relationship’

August 3, 2010  |   Filed under: Features,News,Preview  |   Posted by:

By: Stephanie Sigafoos

Gloria Votsis and Matt Bomer in WHITE COLLAR -- "Copycat Caffrey" Episode 203 -- Photo by: Eric Liebowitz/USA Network

You might recognize her from appearances on hit shows like Sex and the City, CSI: NY or a recent appearance on ABC’s The Gates, but Gloria Votsis is also turning heads alongside the likes of Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay and the rest of the cast of USA Network’s hit series White Collar. As Alex Hunter, a beautiful and mysterious woman from Neal’s past who fences stolen property, she’s certainly captured the attention of the show’s ever-widening fan base.

I had a chance to ask Votsis about her role on the show, goofing off with the guys on set and what she thinks about her character’s past and future.

Q: How did you get involved with White Collar?

GV: My involvement with White Collar began early on.  I initially screen tested for a role in the pilot.  That then led to me eventually getting an offer to play Alex Hunter, season one.

Q: How does it feel to step into the USA Network family, which has been very supportive of its shows?

GV: I am fortunate to have stepped into the USA network family.  (White Collar creator) Jeff Eastin has been awesome.  He created an interesting role for me, that I am really proud to be playing.  It’s a pleasure working with him and everyone on such an original show.

Q: You jumped into White Collar and immediately shared a lot of screen time with Matt Bomer — can you talk about what it’s like to work with him? Did you two have a natural chemistry?

GV: Matt and I had a very natural chemistry from the on-set, that made working with him that much more rewarding.  Off-camera, we are both total goof balls.  He has me cracking up constantly.  So when it’s time to work on-camera, it’s easy to connect with him.

Q: What are your overall impressions of the cast? You’ve also done a lot of scenes with Willie Garson and Tim DeKay and I know how much fun they have on set. (singing, dancing, etc. Do you get involved when the guys get silly?. (laughs)

GV: Tim and Willie are both exceptional guys with a really fun sense of humor.  The entire cast and crew of White Collar shares this silliness.  The behind-the-scenes jokes, singing and dancing that go on… Comedy!  And yes, I partake in the silliness.  Just like the rest of the gang, I am all about not taking myself too seriously.

Q: You came onto the show while Neal’s love interest, Kate, was still alive, yet it’s pretty clear that Alex has feelings for Neal. Would you like to see them together eventually?

GV: Alex and Neal have a special relationship.  In the past they were romantically involved and they still remain friends.  Their bond runs deep, because there is a mutual respect and caring for one another.  As the season progresses, we will gain more insight into their relationship.

Q: Do you have more fun playing a character that is really on the shaded side of the moral spectrum?

GV: I love playing Alex Hunter.  It’s a gratifying female role.  She is strong, confident and respected while at the same time she has feelings, depth and is accessible. Alex can handle herself in any situation, whether it be legal or illegal.  It’s a lot of fun playing a character that is in the shaded end of the moral spectrum.  I could never smoothly pull off anything illegal.  So its cool to pretend to be able to on TV.

Q: Can you talk a bit about Alex’s wardrobe? Did you work with (Costume Designer) Stephanie Maslansky to bring that look together, or is a lot of that your inspiration?

GV: Stephanie Maslansky is a fashion forward wardrobe designer.  I’m lucky to be working with her. I trust her input when we are collaborating to create Alex’s look and to establish her edge.

Q: A lot of the scenes you’ve done have been on the busiest streets in Manhattan. How is it shooting when you’re right there in the middle of the city? (Matt says he loves the indignant New Yorkers who curse at you and walk through shots. Do you? ;)

GV: I enjoy working on the streets of NY.  I lived in New York City for several years, after I graduated from NYU, so I feel at home in the city.  Although, yes… The occasional New Yorker cursing at us in the middle of our shots stops Matt and I mid-scene. Of course, it adds to the off-camera comedy.

Q: Did you know you’d be back in season two, and are you getting recognized more often because of your role on White Collar?

GV: I look forward to Alex coming back for more in season two. When people stop and tell me that they love the show… I am honored to be a part of the family.

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  • SG

    Thanks for this. I really enjoy her on the show, and love her as Alex. Nice to see an interview with her.

  • Pingback: White Collar Italia » Gloria Votsis parla della relazione tra Alex e Neal

  • shatu

    ….NICE>>>>…….

  • shoen

    I really hopes she’ll be back in the show in season two….i hope too fro kate…

  • Melina

    I really hate Gloria Votsis as Alex Hunter, not to mention she isn’t a very lovely or mysterious woman as Alex…or for that matter, as Gloria. She is just average and forgettable, really. She just doesn’t measure up to Matt Bomer as Neal Caffrey, who is chic, intelligent, classy, etc. So, I definately hope the show doesn’t make them romantically involved, ick!. Please nothing more than friends for them!
    Although Gloria Votsis claims she has a natural chemistry with Matt Bomer, I am not buying it on screen at all. I wish her role were re-cast, but too late I guess. Hopefully the writers will make something tragic happen to her or have her mysteriously vanish, so they can bring in a new angle for Neal.
    Other than casting Gloria Votsis as Alex Hunter (dumb move) the show is otherwise really great! I love all the other characters and Neal’s relationships with them, especially with Agent Peter Burke. The script idea is awesome! Keep up the good work! Oh and thanks for changing the stupid female agent and replacing her with the awesome & beautiful Diana Barrigan (Marsha Thomason)!

  • Di

    Wow, well I’m glad you’re opinion is in the minority, Melina.

    Something I liked about this interview: Gloria didn’t go on about how hot Matt is. It’s so tedious when people do that. We all know he’s hot, can we move along now?

  • Viewer

    She sounds sweet in person. But i do have to agree that many times i thought she is not that convincing as Alex, although she did way much better than Kate, who was just a picture in a frame. I’m sure she does/will do great in her other ventures and wish her all the best.

  • Larysha mercer

    i wish i could be in a epesoid i mean plez i can act and Neal keep up the work dont let peter get in the why of Kate go after Alex dont let her out of your sight!

  • jude

    I like her enough. But it’s true, her character is not that mysterious. And something’s off. Not sure what thoug. I like it too though that she didn’t mention a million times how hot Matt is. Even if he is.

    Something’s off though. And I hope too, that they are never going to pair up Alex and Neal! Nor do I want them to ever pair up Elisabeth and Neal.

    I’m new to the show, but I LOVE it!

  • Yasmin

    Really enjoyed Gloria’s interview, albeit a wee bit brief. I agree with the majority in that she did not carry on in the interview as to how wonderfully hot Matt is…after all the interview is supposed to be about herself. I want to see more of Neal and Alex and see their relationship develop into something very serious, along the lines of Peter and Elizabeth!

  • eleonora

    i love the relationship between alex and neal and i hope that it will continue in the future.. i’d like to see alex and neal together.. happy.. maybe engaged..