Alexa Demie is an American actress, singer, and creative artist best known for her role as Maddy Perez on HBO’s teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present). With a distinct screen presence and a strong hand in shaping her characters’ visual identities, Demie has emerged as one of the show’s breakout stars. Her film work includes notable performances in Mid90s (2018) and Waves (2019).
Early Life
Alexa Demie was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, growing up in the Atwater Village neighborhood. She was raised by her mother, Rose Mendez, a makeup artist whose family immigrated from Mexico. Demie has spoken openly about a turbulent upbringing marked by instability and exposure to difficult environments, experiences that later informed her artistic work. She has described herself as a loner who was bullied throughout much of her school life, eventually finding an outlet in the performing arts during her senior year of high school.
While still a teenager, Demie displayed an entrepreneurial and creative streak. She founded a sunglasses brand called Mainframe, customizing eyewear she sourced from downtown Los Angeles. The brand gained international traction, with her designs worn by high-profile artists and featured in fashion publications, though she ultimately discontinued the line after disputes over compensation. During this period, she also began writing music and working informally in fashion and costume design, initially envisioning a career in fashion before turning fully toward performance.
Career
Demie’s first on-screen appearance came in 2013 as a video vixen in Azealia Banks’ music video for “ATM Jam.” She soon transitioned into acting through short films, securing representation after appearing in the 2015 short Miles.
She made her feature film debut in the comedy-drama Brigsby Bear (2017), followed by a supporting role in Jonah Hill’s coming-of-age film Mid90s (2018), where her portrayal of Estee drew attention for its naturalistic intensity. Around the same time, she appeared in television roles on Ray Donovan, Love, and The OA.
Demie’s career reached a new level in 2019 when she was cast as Maddy Perez in HBO’s Euphoria. The role showcased her ability to blend vulnerability, volatility, and style, and Demie took an active role in crafting Maddy’s aesthetic, collaborating closely with the show’s makeup and costume departments. Critics widely cited her as one of the series’ standout performers.
That same year, she appeared in Waves (2019), delivering a powerful performance as Alexis, a teenager navigating a destructive relationship. Demie has noted that she drew on personal experiences with emotional codependency to shape the role.
Her subsequent work includes roles in Mainstream (2020), the short film Nineteen on Fire (2021), and various music-related projects. In addition to acting, Demie has pursued music, releasing singles such as “Girl Like Me” (2016) and “Leopard Limo (Archive LL11)” (2021).
Creative Projects and Recent Work
Beyond film and television, Demie collaborates across fashion, photography, and publishing. In 2021, she partnered with photographer Petra Collins on Fairy Tales, an illustrated book of erotic short stories blending photography and mythic imagery.
In recent years, Demie has made high-profile appearances across music and television, including a cameo on HBO’s The Idol and a surprise onstage appearance with Madonna during the Celebration Tour in 2024. She is set to appear in upcoming projects including the HBO series Fantasmas and the film I Love Boosters, directed by Boots Riley. Filming for Euphoria season three began in early 2025, with Demie reprising her role as Maddy Perez.
Selected Filmography
Film
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Miles (2015) – Sara (short)
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Brigsby Bear (2017) – Merideth
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Mid90s (2018) – Estee
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Waves (2019) – Alexis Lopez
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Mainstream (2020) – Isabelle Roberts
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Nineteen on Fire (2021) – Paisley (short)
Television
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Ray Donovan – Guest role
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Love – Guest role
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The OA – Ingrid
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Euphoria (2019–present) – Maddy Perez
