The hit Netflix series, My Life with the Walter Boys, is set to return for its second season, and fans are buzzing about the changes in store for their favorite characters. Among the most talked-about transformations is that of Alex Walter, played by Ashby Gentry. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Gentry delves into the details of Alex’s highly anticipated ‘glow-up,’ revealing the pressures and personal challenges that came with it.
The upcoming season promises a fresh dynamic as Jackie, portrayed by Nikki Rodriguez, returns to Silver Falls after a summer away, only to find Alex seemingly transformed. This article explores Gentry’s candid insights into preparing for this physical and emotional shift, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of season 2.
We’ll cover Gentry’s initial reactions to the storyline, the specific steps he took to embody the ‘hotter’ version of Alex, and his reflections on the experience. Get ready for an exclusive deep dive into the world of My Life with the Walter Boys!
Mixed Feelings About the Glow-Up
When Ashby Gentry first heard about Alex’s glow-up, his reaction was a mix of surprise and skepticism. Gentry tells PEOPLE, “It is definitely difficult to not interpret it as a backhanded compliment,” reflecting on the inherent challenge of portraying a character whose appeal is explicitly highlighted within the show.
Despite initial reservations, Gentry understood the importance of this transformation for the storyline. “Especially when there are lines in the show directly saying that I’ve gotten hotter, when I’m like, ‘I look the same. I did not change,’” he shares, highlighting the surreal experience of embodying a character perceived differently by others.
The actor reveals that showrunner Melanie Halsall broke the news to him, setting the stage for a season focused on physical transformation. This presented a unique acting challenge: to subtly alter his appearance and demeanor while remaining true to Alex’s core personality. Gentry’s commitment to this transformation is evident in his preparation and approach to season 2.
Gentry’s willingness to embrace the storyline, despite his initial hesitation, showcases his dedication to his craft and the series. His reflections provide valuable insight into the complexities of character development and the pressures faced by actors in portraying evolving roles.
The Physical Transformation Process
To embody the ‘hotter’ version of Alex, Ashby Gentry took a multifaceted approach, focusing on both his physical fitness and overall appearance. “A lot of my research and prep for season two was very physical,” he explains. This involved a combination of exercise, skincare, and experimenting with different hairstyles.
Gentry reveals that he revisited his pre-season one fitness routine, which he had intentionally scaled back to portray Alex as less conventionally masculine. He shares, “In season one, I lost a lot of weight and stopped going to the gym because I viewed Alex as a skinnier… he’s a gamer. He is not out here doing pull-ups.”
For season two, Gentry focused on getting into “really good shape” and ensuring his skin was “very on point.” He also experimented with various hairstyles, trying “four different hairstyles over the summer to see which one I liked.” This meticulous attention to detail highlights Gentry’s dedication to authentically portraying Alex’s transformation.
Despite the pressures, Gentry found the process enlightening, learning new tips and tricks from his co-star Nikki Rodriguez. “I learned a lot about how to stay in shape… and I have some glow-up tips and tricks that I got from Nikki that I keep now,” he says, emphasizing the positive aspects of the experience.
Hair and Makeup Choices
Gentry’s approach to hair and makeup in season two reflects a more natural and confident version of Alex. He explains that in the first season, he styled his hair to make Alex appear more like a “ragamuffin,” with his hair often falling in his face. However, for the second season, he simply wore his hair as he normally does.
“The way my hair is in season two is just my hair. That’s just how I do my hair,” Gentry notes, indicating a shift towards a more authentic representation of himself in the role. This change aligns with the overall theme of Alex’s glow-up, which emphasizes self-improvement and embracing one’s true self.
Gentry also maintains that his appearance in season one was unfairly criticized. “I rewatched season one and I still am like, ‘No, you guys were wrong. You guys were just straight up wrong.’ I look great in season one,” he asserts, defending his initial portrayal of Alex and highlighting the subjective nature of beauty standards.
Ultimately, the hair and makeup choices for season two underscore Alex’s journey towards self-acceptance and confidence. Gentry’s willingness to challenge conventional beauty standards and embrace his natural look adds depth and authenticity to his character.
The Emotional Impact
Despite the exciting aspects of Alex’s glow-up, Ashby Gentry admits that the experience took an emotional toll. He describes the pressure to embody a ‘hotter’ version of his character as “really stressful,” noting that it sometimes felt like he was participating in a beauty pageant.
“It was hard for it, at times, to not just feel like a beauty pageant. And I was like, I am not qualified for that. I’m not signed to IMG,” he shares, emphasizing the discomfort he felt with the focus on physical appearance. Gentry also acknowledges that the experience “did make me feel like s— about myself at times.”
However, Gentry also recognizes the positive aspects of the transformation, stating that it “wasn’t all bad.” He explains that he “got to do a lot of cool stuff on set because of it – with the costumes and with hair and makeup,” and that he learned valuable lessons about self-care and staying in shape.
Gentry’s candor about the emotional challenges of portraying Alex’s glow-up adds depth to the narrative and highlights the pressures faced by actors in the industry. His willingness to share his experiences provides a valuable perspective on the complexities of self-image and the importance of self-acceptance.
Defending Season One Alex
Ashby Gentry stands firm in his belief that Alex looked good in season one, despite the character’s supposed transformation in season two. He argues that the initial portrayal of Alex was consistent with the character’s personality and background as a gamer who is not focused on physical appearance.
“I don’t think he looks bad in season one. A lot of people disagree with me, which is obviously, part of me, there’s a professional feeling about that, and part of me, there’s a personal feeling about that, but I disagree,” Gentry asserts.
He explains that he intentionally altered his appearance for season one to better embody Alex’s character, losing weight and scaling back on his fitness routine. Gentry viewed Cole, another character in the series, as the “traditionally masculine figure” and wanted to create a contrast by portraying Alex as someone less concerned with physical fitness.
Gentry’s defense of his season one appearance highlights his commitment to authentically portraying his character, even when it means challenging conventional beauty standards. His willingness to stand by his initial portrayal demonstrates his confidence as an actor and his dedication to the role.
Looking Ahead to Season 2
As My Life with the Walter Boys prepares for its season 2 premiere, Ashby Gentry expresses excitement about the new storylines and character developments. He acknowledges that the series’ success has brought increased attention and scrutiny, but remains focused on delivering a compelling performance.
Gentry shares that he is grateful for the opportunity to explore new facets of Alex’s personality and relationships. He is particularly excited about the dynamic between Alex and Jackie, played by Nikki Rodriguez, as they navigate their evolving connection in the wake of Alex’s glow-up.
The actor also expresses appreciation for the support of his co-stars and the production team. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of the show and the shared commitment to creating a high-quality series that resonates with audiences.
With season 2 set to premiere on August 28th, fans can look forward to seeing Ashby Gentry’s portrayal of Alex Walter as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of young adulthood, all while embracing his newfound confidence and sense of self.
Final Thoughts
Ashby Gentry’s candid reflections on Alex Walter’s ‘glow-up’ provide a unique perspective on the pressures and transformations within the entertainment industry. His willingness to share his personal experiences and challenges conventional beauty standards adds depth to his portrayal of Alex and offers valuable insights for viewers.
The glow-up storyline, while initially met with mixed feelings, ultimately became an opportunity for Gentry to explore new facets of his character and learn valuable lessons about self-care and self-acceptance. His commitment to authenticity and his willingness to challenge traditional norms make him a compelling figure both on and off the screen.
As fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of My Life with the Walter Boys season 2, Ashby Gentry’s insights offer a glimpse into the complexities of character development and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. His journey serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in embracing one’s individuality and finding confidence from within.
Tune in to Netflix on August 28th to witness Alex’s transformation and see how Ashby Gentry brings this exciting new chapter to life. Don’t miss out on the drama, romance, and heartwarming moments that await in season 2 of My Life with the Walter Boys!
Leave a Reply