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| Portrays: | Isabelle Adama | ||||
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| Nationality: |  AUS
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Alison Araya is an Australian-born actress who portrayed Isabelle Adama in Caprica's "The Dirteaters".
Early life and education
Araya was born and raised in Australia, where she grew up speaking Spanish at home[1] She pursued her theater education overseas, choosing Italy, where she lived for five years[1]. After her training, she returned to Australia but later decided to move to Vancouver, Canada, after an actor friend told her about the thriving acting scene there[1]. Araya notes that despite living in Australia for a long time, she doesn't believe she ever had a strong Australian accent, though she catches herself using specific pronunciations when she returns home[1].
Career
Alison Araya has established herself as a character actor, a role she embraces for the flexibility it offers in jumping into diverse projects and genres, stating it satisfies different aspects of her personality as a Gemini[2]. She takes pride in her ability to perform in comedies, dramas, and superhero-related content, considering it the "biggest gift" that keeps her on her toes[2]. Araya views herself as a "lifer" in the acting industry and is consistently excited by her work[1].
Her genre roles varied, including Sanctuary, The X-Files, Travelers, in addition to later appearances in the V and Lost in Space remakes.
Peacemaker (2022)
Araya plays the character of Amber Calcaterra in the HBO Max series Peacemaker[2]. She described securing the role as "winning a lottery" due to the significant presence of superhero culture in popular media[2]. Her character, Amber, is introduced as a middle-aged woman in an unhappy relationship whose life subsequently opens up[2]. Araya found playing Amber a "brand new character" and a "brand new flavor to try on," describing her as a "wild" and "firecracker" character[2][1] She considers Peacemaker one of the biggest productions she has been a part of in television[2].
Araya praised series creator and director James Gunn, who wrote, created, and directed some of the episodes she appeared in[1][3]. She noted his unique on-set presence, often working with a megaphone, and highlighted his incredible energy and encouragement[1]. She stated that Gunn has a remarkable ability to bring out the best in everyone and encourages actors to play and shine, leading to genuine chemistry and connections on screen that cannot be manufactured[1].
Working with John Cena, who portrays Peacemaker, was described as a "treat"[1]. Araya had been a long-time fan of Cena and found him dedicated, professional, funny, and "ready to play" on set, leading to great scenes and chemistry between them[1][3].
Araya characterized Peacemaker as an "irreverent" show featuring "classic James Gunn humor and action"[2]. She emphasized that the series offers a deeper exploration of the central character, allowing audiences to understand what makes him tick and to see his world, including the "misfit family" that surrounds him[2][1]. She also highlighted the show's social commentary, noting that the superhero genre provides ample room for such themes, which are "peppered throughout the entire series"[3]. Music also plays a significant role, serving as "another layer of character"; Araya received a playlist along with the scripts, which helped her get into the tone of the world and introduced her to new music[3]. For one particular scene, live music was played on set[3]. Araya believes the joy and entertainment experienced on set will translate fully to the screen for audiences[3].
Brazen (2022)
Araya also appeared in the Netflix film Brazen, an adaptation of Nora Roberts' book Brazen Virtue, where she portrays Police Captain Rivera[3]. She found this role "really special," particularly because it features a "strong female character in an authority role" and a "Latino woman" in such a position, which she noted is not often seen and made her proud to take on the role[1]. Captain Rivera deals with an "intriguing" and "juicy" serial killer case in the film[3].
Working with Alyssa Milano, who also stars in Brazen, was a "real treat" for Araya, who had been a "big fan" of Milano since childhood, particularly from her work on Who's the Boss[3][1]. She described Milano as "very, very sweet"[1]. Araya also praised director Monica Mitchell, calling her "brilliant" and crediting her direction for bringing out the best in everyone and contributing to the film's success[3][1].
The film highlights instances where outside assistance, such as an author's expertise (referencing Milano's character), can aid a police investigation, despite not being standard protocol[3]. Araya noted that this aspect of the story is grounded in reality, drawing parallels to "online sleuths" who have made contributions to real cases and to shows like Unsolved Mysteries[3].
Other notable projects
Araya has worked on a variety of other projects, including Maid, Riverdale, Supergirl, Arrow, and Nancy Drew[1][3]. She also worked on Wolverine years ago, at a time when the superhero genre was just beginning to gain momentum[2].
Her role as Tia Victoria in Julian and the Phantoms was particularly close to her heart; she described it as "so much fun" and hoped for more opportunities to tell that story[1][2][3].
Araya has also appeared in numerous Hallmark Christmas movies, which she "absolutely adore[s]"[2][3]. She enjoys working with the crews on these projects and often finds herself distracted by the Christmas lights and decorations on set[3].
Views on the industry
Araya has observed the significant growth of "geek culture" and "comic book culture," particularly noting that the superhero genre has been slowly building over the past 10 years, becoming a "common language" in the last six years, which she refers to as a "golden age"[2].
She views storytelling as an "innate part of our humanity," believing that everyone has a story to tell and that people are "moved, entertained, inspired by each other's stories"[2]. She sees the art of storytelling as "powerful and potent" across all mediums and genres, especially in "moving pictures" like film and television, where she feels story leaves a "lasting imprint"[2]. Araya is enthusiastic about the evolution of technology and the multitude of platforms now available for sharing stories, noting a "hunger for stories" and considering it a great time for emerging storytellers[2].
Araya appreciates the modern promotional and marketing strategies for shows, particularly how social media builds "momentum and anticipation" and creates "energy and desire" for releases[2]. She finds the process of announcements, teasers, and cast reveals to be a "fun" part of the build-up[2]. However, she admitted she was not entirely prepared for the "huge" social media response expected for Peacemaker, including the proliferation of memes and GIFs, understanding that social media means "no shelf life" for many projects[2].
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Alison Araya talks about her roles in Peacemaker with John Cena and Brazen with Ayssa Milano! (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). (21 January 2022). Retrieved on 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Alison Araya talks about Peacemaker on HBO Max and much more! (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). (22 January 2022). Retrieved on 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 Peacemaker (2022) - Alison Araya Interview (backup available on Archive.org) (in English). (25 January 2022). Retrieved on 19 June 2025.
