Supergirl: Chyler Leigh Reflects on Alex Danvers at ClexaCon 2018
Behind the Badge: Alex Danvers had an emotional and reflective tone on the second day of ClexaCon, an LGBTQ focused convention which was held in Las Vegas.
Chyler Leigh, who plays Alex Danvers on The CW’s Supergirl came on stage already teary-eyed after a promotional video showcased the journey of Alex. She and moderator Dana Piccoli geared up for the one of a kind showcase panel, which has become a highlight of the weekend.
Taking a second to gather her thoughts, Chyler Leigh explained just how much Alex Danvers means to her.
“I’ve been in this business a very long time. I’ve played so many different characters and identities, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve done. I’m grateful for Lexi Grey and for Grey’s Anatomy. I truly, truly am.”
“But this is by far the most significant I have felt doing everything — other than being a wife and a mom. This is the most fulfillment I’ve had, the most challenging role I’ve ever had, and the one that I’m most proud of. I’m humbled. I’m grateful and Alex will always have a special place in my heart.”
Leigh touched on the sibling relationship and representing adoptive families when asked about going from the Grey’s Anatomy sister relationship to the Supergirl sister relationship.
“The Danvers sisters, that heartbeat to the show is incredibly powerful. I’ve had so many people from adoptive families that tell me this is a very legit representation of what it’s like in my home.”
“I’ve had parents say to me I’m so glad to see this because I get to show my children that they aren’t alone in their experience or you’re accept for who you are, come into our house, we love you. And that is so very, very moving,” she continued.
Another powerful storyline was the romantic relationship between her character and Detective Maggie Sawyer, which ended in heartbreak after it was announced the actress was not coming back.
The break-up episode was directed by Kevin Smith, who Leigh credited immensely for asking how she wanted to handle the shoot.
“He and I talked, he asked my thoughts, and I said I wanted to shoot it in order. It was a hard day.”
The day the episode aired was similarly hard for her. “I knew when it was going to air and I just wanted to go away,” Chyler Leigh said before taking a moment to wipe tears away.
“But I wanted to be there for everyone. I’m a mom. I’m a friend. I’m a sister. I’m Alex. Alex is me.”
One of the biggest surprises of the reflective panel was how honest Leigh was with fans. One fan, in particular, asked what was her favorite scene of the Alex/Maggie relationship, that wasn’t shown on screen but filmed.
She answered without hesitation: “About three-fourths of the scenes we filmed.”
Chyler Leigh reminded the hall of over 1,000 fans that she will always be an ally. “I speak for myself and as many of you as I can, and that relationship did matter. It still matters. It will always matter.”
The panel wrapped with final reflections and hope for the fourth season of The CW show.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege, and I wish I could sit and talk to each of you for a long time about Alex. I’m grateful for the journey and grateful that you allowed me to be on it with you. I can’t wait to keep growing with you and Alex next season.”
Supergirl returns Monday, April 16th at 8/7c on The CW.
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Hillary Esquina
Hillary is television fanatic and spends most of her free time talking about all things television and pop culture, even if it’s just with baby padawan (her son) and her wife. Her current day job is working within the nonprofit sector, and she is pretty much in love with any show that has strong female characters. Never one to be boxed into any sort of genre, her show preferences range from Wynonna Earp and Dark Matter to One Day At a Time and Modern Family.