People in the lobby of the island’s Moody Gardens Hotel are staring. Not at me. All eyes are on Alex McLeod, dressed head-to-toe in Tory Burch — multicolored sleeveless top, chocolate brown Bermuda shorts and high-heeled wedges. It’s hard to know whether they’re staring because McLeod, with a subtle tan and sea blue eyes, is generally striking or because everyone knows who she is. Or both.
Work on some of TV’s most popular reality-based programs has made the Galveston-born McLeod easily recognizable. She co-hosted the A&E Network travel series “Best of Both Worlds,” and has been guest host of talk shows “The View” and “Good Day Live.” She’s interviewed A-list celebrities on the Red Carpet and is in demand to host corporate events.
She’s got the looks, but it was humor and wit that landed McLeod the job as original host of hit design show TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” in which she traveled the country helping people makeover rooms in their neighbors’ homes. Casting types wanted McLeod after viewing a sketch called “Will Model for Food,” in which she holds a cardboard sign and begs New York subway commuters for food and money to start a modeling career, according to reports.
McLeod worked on the first 40 episodes of Trading Spaces and shared a daytime Emmy nomination with producers after just one season. The show catapulted her to TV celebrityhood.
“I could be in a museum in Paris and people will say: ‘Oh my Gosh, it’s Alex from ‘Trading Spaces,’ she said.
Citing a brutal travel schedule, McLeod left “Trading Spaces” in 2002 after the first season.
On Fox’s “Joe Millionaire,” shot in a French château where women vied to be the bride of a man they were led to believe was a millionaire, her main role was to cull contestants, earning her the nickname “The Eliminator,” according to reports.
While she’s been in LA for years, McLeod is still very Texas. She laughs often and genuinely. She smiles and greets hotel staff. She seems more interested in talking about her charitable efforts than herself.
And since she has been in LA for years, she has an interesting take on what it means to be a celebrity today.
“There are celebrities that are into celebrity, and celebrities that are just trying to keep the business of being a celebrity going so they can keep working or sell merchandise,” she said.
“Jay Leno has always said ‘It’s show business, not show friends.’ It is a profession based upon illusion and narcissism, so you cannot expect too much.
“I think it is great more celebrities are using their fame to make the world a better place. But personally, I prefer to watch movies starring A-list actors who are trained and play characters, than to watch the crop of self-involved reality stars our national media seems to focus on lately.”
McLeod has used her own celebrity to advance causes dearest to her, including Habitat for Humanity.
In November, McLeod returned to the island to emcee the Beach Boys’ “Stronger Than Ike” benefit concert to help with hurricane rebuilding efforts.
She also rescues cats around the Spanish-style home she shares with a long-time beau whose name McLeod prefers to keep private.
“I try to make a difference when I can,” she said. “I can’t be a Hollywood hedonist my whole life.”
Still, McLeod likes a little glamour. But long before the economic downtown made conspicuous consumption crass, she satisfied her love for shoes and clothes by keeping her eyes peeled for good deals.
“I’m a smart shopper,” she said. “I hit sales.”
At the 2002 Emmys, she wore a $3,000, full-length, black Roberto Cavalli dress she found on sale for $700. She refers to Neiman Marcus’ “Last Call” clearance sales as her home away from home.
Daughter of three-term state legislator E. Douglas McLeod and Sally Helms, McLeod attended the private Kinkaid High School in Houston. She graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in speech communications.
We find out how she made her way in LA and more:
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory of Galveston?
A: I have so many fond memories — climbing to the very top of the Magnolia tree in my front yard, riding my bike up and down the seawall from morning till dark, listening to ’80s music without a care in the world, learning to water ski in the bayou ... I guess my favorite memory is playing games with my siblings and all of the neighborhood children in front of my house. Every day after school, it was really “on,” really fun and really competitive.
Q: What do you miss most about Galveston?
A: I love Galveston and the simple pleasures. I miss having an ice cream with my dad at La King’s Confectionary and taking a stroll on The Strand. I miss being able to build sand castles at the beach with my nieces and nephews, exploring the wonderful pyramids at Moody Gardens and enjoying fabulous seafood with my family at Gaido’s.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be in showbiz?
A: From a very young age, I was a pop culture enthusiast. I was just very knowledgeable when it came to movies, television and music. During college, I did a broadcast journalism internship at a news station in Houston, but I knew in my heart I was just not ‘hard news’ material.
I had that acting bug, but I was realistic. I made sure to get a basic communications degree from The University of Texas first before heading for Hollywood. I figured if I did not like acting, I could explore other options in the entertainment industry, and that is exactly what happened.
Q: How did you break into your career?
A: Like most Hollywood hopefuls, I got into acting classes and started networking. I noticed early on that acting was not my passion, but I did have a knack for comedy. I was able to land a good agent, many national commercials, a handful of sitcom parts, a correspondent job on a hilarious UK movie review series and even a stint on a sketch comedy show. I built a show reel of cheeky celebrity interviews and wacky comedic sketches.
When the network execs at TLC came calling for the host casting of “Trading Spaces,” my comedic flair is what got me the gig.
It takes about eight to 10 years to be an expert at anything, in my opinion. I struggled and worked at it for many years. My big break did not happen overnight — nothing worthwhile ever does.
Q: Any advice for those just starting out?
A: If you are a young person reading this article, I would advise you to hit the books and choose a more stable profession. Having an on-camera career is not for everyone. It is a roller-coaster ride that never ends. It is a career path that can be quite unstable, anxiety-ridden and for some — a lifelong financial struggle.
But if you have “raw talent” and you are hellbent on giving it a go, the best advice I can give you is to be seriously focused and proactive. Nothing falls into your lap in Hollywood; you have to be business-minded, be mindful of distractions and make things happen for yourself. You also have to be willing to make great sacrifices in your personal life.
The great thing about the new media niche these days is there are more job options for graduates in the entertainment industry than when I was starting out. You can pursue an on-camera career, but you do not necessarily have to be an actor to gain notoriety.
Q: What do you like most about what you do?
A: I read in a fortune cookie once that “my vocation should be my vacation” and that really struck a chord with me. I have a serious work ethic, but I try to choose projects that enrich my lifestyle, too. I think what I like most is the diversity in my work. One day I am interviewing an A-list actor at a movie premiere, another day I am shooting an exotic travel show across the world; maybe I am in your home helping you re-cover your old sofa? Or, I could be eliminating you on a reality competition show shot in a château — it is always different and unpredictable.
I am an excitement junkie at heart, so the variety helps me keep my enthusiasm for my work.
Q: What has been your favorite assignment?
A: One of my most favorite projects was a two-part travel show I co-hosted for the A&E Network called “Best of Both Worlds.” We shot on location on many Hawaiian islands and also in Hong Kong. It was challenging because I had to perform my lines while on horseback, in a hanglider, in a helicopter and on a boat.
But it was during this shoot that I developed a passion for Asian culture — the food, the fashion, the temples and the energy of the people. We shot the Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong and I fell in love at first sight. The hospitality and service in Asia is unbeatable, so much bang for your buck. In fact, I just got back from a stint in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Bangkok.
When I am not on-camera, I globe trot, and I have become a bit of a travel expert — I am just doing it off-camera.
Q: What are you doing this summer?
A: I am having a “stay-cation.” I am an advisory board member for a nonprofit called GRID Alternatives Los Angeles, and I am busy organizing auction items for a fundraiser. GRID provides solar panels and retro fits for low income families. Our goal is to help make renewable energy accessible to everyone.
Q: What do you do to unwind?
A: I love to cook and entertain friends outdoors. Once a week we do a Tex-Mex night at our house in Los Angeles. My friends have really taken to my homemade guacamole and fish tacos. I also enjoy making a killer margarita when the occasion calls for it.
Q: What do you like about LA?
A: The fantastic weather, the cultural diversity and the incredible food.
Q: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
A: I have been rescuing feral cats for about five years. LA has a runaway cat population, and they put down thousands every year. We have saved 30 kittens who are now adult cats that run loose on our property. I am PETCO’s No. 1 customer and slowly but surely becoming a cat guru.
Q: What is your biggest fashion indulgence?
A: I have beautiful custom shoe shelving built into my closet. It has changed my life in terms of space and organization. I have many pairs of shoes and I wanted to pay tribute. It is difficult to part with old designer shoes because each one tells a story. But please be assured, I am definitely more like Carrie Bradshaw than Imelda Marcos when it comes to my shoes.
Q: What beauty product can’t you live without?
A: Being on camera, I am naturally a makeup/hair fanatic and have hundreds of products. I use mostly MAC and Dior makeup. Dior makes otherworldly mascaras and spray foundation. MAC has the best eye shadows and blush colors. But I really cannot live without my Kérastase Hair products and Solano hair dryer.
Q: Do you have a favorite designer?
A: Lately, I am loving Tory Burch. I like the upbeat colors, bold retro prints, exotic fabrics and the price point is very good.
Q: What are some of your favorite gadgets?
A: I am really into my Flip “Mino” video camera and my Sun Night Solar pink solar-powered flashlight.
I can fit my “Mino” into my handbag on the red carpet, it makes me feel like a spy in a James Bond film.
I also think every woman should own a reliable flashlight.
Q: What’s in your iPod?
A: Coldplay, Raul Malo, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake.
Q: What’s the last book you read?
A: “Outliers,” by Malcolm Gladwell. The book is about very successful people and how they become successful. “Outliers” has been on The New York Times Bestseller list for months, and I highly recommend it.
Q: What is your latest television project?
A: Oddly enough, right now I am talking to Animal Planet about possibly appearing/contributing to segments on a new show called “Cat Meccas.”
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On the Web
To learn more about Alex McLeod visit www.alexmcleod.net.
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What’s cooking in Alex McLeod’s kitchen?
She likes to unwind hosting a Tex-Mex night at her Spanish-style Los Angeles house once a week for her friends. The homemade guacamole, fish tacos and margaritas routinely top the menu. (Recipes by Alex McLeod.)
Hacienda fish tacos
6 corn tortillas 1 1b Alaskan halibut or mahi-mahi, skin off 1 lime, for juice and zest 1-1/2 Tbsp. of olive oil 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Toppings: 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage 1/2 cup of grated jack cheese 1/2 cup of fresh guacamole 1/2 cup sour cream (with lime zest) 1/2 cup of salsa verde (medium), preferably with both tomatillos and serranos 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro or whole cilantro leaves
Prep all toppings in small bowls and set aside or place in fridge. For the lime sour cream, take your lime and finely grate the skin, mix lime zest and sour cream together and place in small bowl in fridge until ready to serve. Place fish on a large plate. Rub both sides of fish with cumin, black pepper and oregano. Drizzle lime juice and olive oil on both sides of fish. Heat nonstick pan on medium-high heat. When pan is hot, add fish and marinade juice, cover with see-through lid and cook about 3 minutes until golden on one side. Turn and cook another 1-2 minutes longer, then turn off heat (fish will continue to steam in pan). Break into bite-sized pieces. Warm tortillas on a cast iron/small frying pan or place tortillas on a small plate in a microwave between 2 damp paper towels for 45-50 seconds. Divide fish evenly on each tortilla. Add toppings as desired, sprinkle with chopped cilantro or whole cilantro leaves.
Serves 6.
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Holy Guacamole
3 large California grown avocados, preferably Haas 2 red roma or vine cluster tomatoes, finely chopped, seeds removed 2 Tbsp. of finely chopped yellow onion 2 Tbsp. of finely chopped fresh cilantro 1-1/2 Tbsp. of lemon or lime juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. of fresh ground pepper, preferably a 5-peppercorn blend Dash of Lawry’s course ground garlic salt (optional) Your favorite tortilla chips
Cut the avocados in half, remove pits and scoop out flesh into a mixing bowl. Add chopped onions and tomatoes. Add dash of garlic salt, salt and pepper (to taste). Add lemon or lime juice. Add chopped cilantro. Mix and mash, leaving some lumps. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or cover with plastic wrap pressing directly on the surface of the mixture up to one hour at room temperature.
Serves 4.
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Juanito’s Margarita
Margarita salt 3 limes 1 small lemon Patron Silver Tequila Cointreau orange liqueur
Start with a pitcher of ice cubes. Add 4 shots Patron Silver. Add 4 shots Cointreau Orange Liqueur. Add the juice of 2 limes. Add the juice of 1 lemon. Stir repeatedly, if too tart to taste, top off with a bit more Cointreau. Wet the rims of 4 margarita glasses and place in salt (optional). Use remaining lime to cut 4 slices for your glasses. Pour mixture over ice.
