Angelstar Amy Acker shares a unique casting story of how she landed a role onAlias. Joining the cast ofAngelat the end of season 2, Acker played the role of the genius Winifred “Fred” Burkle. Her role changed in season 5 when Fred was killed by the demon god Illyria, who used her body as a shell to hold its ancient power. Illyria’s look was different as it involved a significant amount of blue makeup and a leather bodysuit. AsAngelwas cancelled before the end of season 5, the actor began looking for new roles.
In an interview withcastleberrycastingon Instagram, Acker reveals thatshe booked her role as Kelly Peyton onAliaswhile in her Illyria makeup and costume. Acker received a callback for the role on a day whileAngelwas filming. With a hole in her filming schedule, she drove from the Paramount lot to Disney while still in costume as there was not enough time to remove it. Acker reflects that being in her blue demon getup was a great icebreaker, and she ultimately was cast.
In the fifth season of Angel, my character turned into a blue demon goddess (as you do). We knew that the show was cancelled before we wrapped the season, so I had started going out on auditions for other things. I found out that I got a callback for a role on Alias, but I was going to be filming the only day they were seeing people.
I had a break in my work day just long enough to drive from Paramount, where we shot Angel, to Disney for the audition, but not long enough to take off my blue makeup and get it back on for the next scene. I remember driving across town still in full makeup and costume getting very strange looks from other drivers, hoping I didn’t get into an accident, but more than anything just feeling so lucky that I get to do this for a living. Being blue ended up being a great icebreaker, and I got to play a really fun part on Alias.
The Actor Has Been Working For Decades
WhileAngelwas Acker’s breakout role, she has been working since the late ’90s. Her role as Fred was quiet and reserved, but was developed into an active member of Angel Investigations and a strong leader at Wolfram & Hart. Switching over to Illyria, she was able toshowcase even more of her acting chops by becoming a merciless and physically imposing force.
Despite only appearing as Illyria in the latter half ofAngelseason 5, she gave an iconic performance.
Her role on the spy seriesAliasproved her range as an actor as Kelly Peyton was completely different. Appearing in 13 episodes during its final season, her duplicitous character had shifting alliances as she went up against Jennifer Garner’s Sydney Bristow. Going from Fred/Illyria to Kelly helpedcement Acker as a TV staras she has regularly appeared in different series, from guest spots inDollhouseandSuitsto starring roles inThe GiftedandPerson of Interest.
Our Take On Acker’s Audition
She Could Return As Illyria
SinceAngelended over 20 years ago, Acker has continued a successful career. Her ability as an actor can be proven through her fun anecdote about being cast in a role while looking decidedly not human during herAliasaudition. However, she may have the opportunity toreprise her role as Illyriain the upcomingBuffy the Vampire Slayersequel show.
Although theBuffy the Vampire SlayerandAngelcomics continued her story (including meeting Buffy), Illyria’s fate after the cliffhangerAngelseries finale is unknown in this new iteration. Aside from Sarah Michelle Gellar, casting has not been announced for the show. Despite only appearing as Illyria in the latter half ofAngelseason 5, she gave an iconic performance. Hopefully, she will be able to return the universe that helped launch her career.
Angel
Cast
A spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel is a drama series with supernatural elements that stars David Boreanaz, reprising his role as the titular vampire. An immortal cursed with his human soul returning to his body, which makes him susceptible to human emotions such as remorse. Angel lives in Los Angeles as a private detective, seeking redemption for his murderous past as a vicious warlord. Angel will face threats such as humans and demons that rival his own cruel potential as he ventures to help those in need.
Alias
Created by J. J. Abrams, Alias is a Science Fiction, Thriller, and Action television series that ran for five seasons between 2001 and 2006. Starring Jennifer Garner in the lead role, the plot revolves around a young woman who must disguise her identity as a CIA agent.
