For fans captivated by the hit series Orange Is the New Black, the character of Alex Vause is undeniably iconic. Mysterious, sharp-witted, and with a compelling backstory, Vause is central to the narrative, particularly in her complex relationship with Piper Chapman. But for those new to the series or curious to delve deeper, a common question arises: who is the actress that brings Alex Vause to life on screen?
The talented actress behind Alex Vause is none other than Laura Prepon. Prepon masterfully embodies the cool and collected demeanor of Vause, a character loosely based on Cleary Wolters, the real-life woman who played a significant role in Piper Kerman’s past, as detailed in Kerman’s memoir, which inspired the series.
In reality, Cleary Wolters’ experience of seeing her life story portrayed on television was quite surreal. As she revealed, the on-screen depiction of her past, particularly the character of Alex Vause, was a shock. While the show Orange Is the New Black takes creative liberties, the core narrative of Piper Chapman’s (Piper Kerman in real life) entanglement in a drug-smuggling ring, orchestrated by Vause/Wolters, remains a central plot point.
Wolters herself has shared her perspective in her memoir, Out of Orange, aiming to provide a more nuanced account of the events and correct what she felt was a misrepresentation of her role in Piper’s journey to prison. She emphasizes that while their shared history led to Piper’s incarceration, the decisions Piper made were ultimately her own. This echoes in the series, where Alex Vause, while initially appearing as the catalyst, is portrayed with depth and complexity, largely thanks to Prepon’s performance.
Despite the on-screen portrayal, Wolters notes the differences between herself and the fictional Alex Vause. Humorously pointing out, “The only similarity between myself and that character is my black glasses,” she highlights the divergence between reality and fiction. Laura Prepon’s portrayal of Alex Vause is therefore a performance, an interpretation of a character inspired by real events, rather than a direct mirroring of Cleary Wolters’ personality or appearance.
Laura Prepon’s nuanced acting brings a captivating intensity to Alex Vause, making her a fan favorite and a crucial component of Orange Is the New Black‘s success. Her portrayal ensures that Alex Vause is not just a villain, but a multifaceted character with her own vulnerabilities, motivations, and story to tell within the vibrant and compelling world of Litchfield Penitentiary.
