Lisa Marie DiGiacinto on ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ and Transitioning from Stage to Screen [Exclusive Interview]

Mick’s blast from the past on Legends of Tomorrow’s Season 5 Episode 4, “Slay Anything,” introduces viewers to Ali, played by Lisa Marie DiGiacinto. Ali and Mick share quite a bit of history on the series, and we get a taste of that.

DiGiacinto took the time to answer a few questions about Legends of Tomorrow, moving from the stage to the screen, and her must-watch TV list.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to the role of Ali on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, initially?

Lisa Marie DiGiacinto: Whenever I start working on a role, I try to identify the similarities between the character and I, so I can connect with our inner lives. With Ali, I love that she has a bit of a bad girl vibe with a big heart, and a draw towards Mick, being able to see through his tough exterior. I definitely fit that mold, so it was easy for me to connect to that.

I grew up in a small town, with a strong, single mom and my sister. As a single mom of two kids, my mom worked a lot to support us, so we sometimes got into some trouble and hung out with a tougher crowd, and without having a father figure present on a daily basis I can definitely relate to being attracted to emotionally unavailable men, at times.

Tell-Tale TV: We’re meeting another person from Mick’s past in Ali. Can you describe her in a few words and what she’ll be up to when she crosses Mick’s path again?

DiGiacinto: Ali was a bit of an outsider in high school and was very much drawn to Mick. Even though he seemed like a tough bad boy, she was able to see through that and knew deep down he also had a big heart. He later broke her heart by standing her up and their prom, because he was getting into some trouble with his friends.

I think they connected because they’re both a bit tougher on the outside with big hearts and an undeniable connection. They never really forgot about each other.

Tell-Tale TV: What kind of reunion will we be getting for Mick and Ali?

DiGiacinto: One that goes from 0 to 60 very quickly! 

Tell-Tale TV: Will Ali be getting a glimpse at what the Legends do/what their mission is?

DiGiacinto: Ali is pretty much in the dark about the Legends. She’s got enough on her plate as you’ll see, and well, seeing Mick has definitely kept her preoccupied.

Tell-Tale TV: You do a lot of work within the creative community as well. Has there been one aspect (casting, writing, etc.) that you haven’t been able to gain experience in or one that has really grabbed your attention?

DiGiacinto: Definitely writing! I’m a great idea person. I have hundreds of notes about new shows, scenes, and series, as well as about six scripts on the go, but so far, I haven’t finished them yet.

I also have rough drafts written for two different short films. Big kudos to the writers of the world, it’s not easy for everyone to self-motivate the way that they have to in order to get a script finished!

Tell-Tale TV: You also have a theater background. What was the biggest change you had to get used to moving from stage to screen?

DiGiacinto: Probably the subtleties of the screen. It took a long time to nail the simplicity of inner dialogue. A long time. With stage, the audience needs to be shown through stronger physical expression and body language because they are far away.

Because I was raised by Europeans, this was easy for me because I’m naturally quite expressive. So, it was equally challenging for me to learn to be more subtle and simple on camera, while still having the intensity, energy, and emotional life of the character. It’s a very fine line that I’ll always continue to try to master. 

Tell-Tale TV: What TV shows are currently on your must-see/must-binge list?

DiGiacinto: Quite a few actually! Obviously, Legends. It’s so surreal to see the script to screen transformation as well as what’s happening in the storyline in between my episodes. I’m definitely looking forward to watching the final season of Supernatural! The guys and storyline are hilarious, and I love seeing so many of my colleagues kill it on the show. I was on the show in Season 8b and had a blast. Such a pleasure to work on.

I’m dying to see if there’s another season of Ray Donovan. The last season ended on a total cliffhanger. Also, waiting for Season 3 of YOU. That show is so good! I love Euphoria! Can’t wait for the next season. I also absolutely love Broad City. Those two are brilliant. I would so love to work with them. Extremely inspiring female powerhouses. 

Currently, I’m watching Big Little Lies, Shameless, The Morning Show, and Dollface. Honestly, I’m loving all the strong female characters and hope to create something of my own someday soon! Anyone wanna collaborate?!

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, if you could work with anyone on TV, who would it be and why?

DiGiacinto: It’s so hard for me to narrow it down so I’ll tell you a few: Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, Shonda Rhimes, Jennifer Aniston, the entire cast and crew of Desperate Housewives, and anybody working on the shows from the answers to question 7.

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Be sure to catch Lisa Marie DiGiacinto on Legends of Tomorrow airing Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW. 

*Featured image credit: Jana Boit

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