Widely lauded as one of the most accurate medical dramas on TV, The Pitt has embraced Jewish elements through its protagonist, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle. But Wyle isn’t the only Jewish actor on show. Jewish, Afro-Latina actress Alexandra Metz plays resident trauma surgeon Dr. Yolanda García.
Born and raised in New York City, Metz describes herself as a “bagel and lox Jew.” In fact, she loves matzah ball soup so much that her Instagram handle is @metzaballsoup! Metz is also tight with her 102-year-old grandpa, Marv, who is the son of Polish Jews who immigrated to New York. She actually got the callback for The Pitt while out for sushi with Marv.
Prior to her breakout role on The Pitt, Metz graduated from Brown University with a degree in human biology. She has also appeared on a slew of TV shows, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Gossip Girl, Chicago Fire, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grey’s Anatomy, and she played a competitive rower in the 2012 feature film Backwards.
Off screen, Metz is part of a theater company in Los Angeles called Public Assembly, which strives to reinvent the concept of community theater.
What was the last book you read?
James by Percival Everett, which is a perfect and modern retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
As a child, I probably watched The Shawshank Redemption 50-plus times because it was constantly airing on TBS/TNT, and I truly never tired of its beauty and deep relationships.
What’s your favorite Jewish food?
Latkes. I am obsessed with potatoes, and what’s not to like about fried food (every once in a while)!
What are you listening to these days?
I often reach for silence since the world is so chaotic, and there is too much stimuli all around. But when I do seek out sounds, I love Willow Smith and Theo Katzman very much. Totally different sounds, but both artists have great range, gorgeous voices and poignant lyrics.
Who was the last person you texted on your phone?
My friend who is in town from New York City. I need to make plans to see her before she leaves!
If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
Director Chloé Zhao, who would come with great curiosity and heart; my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Falope, who is a sweet and brilliant social butterfly; and my husband Zach, even though he is gluten-free and can’t indulge in challah.
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
Something in city planning. I love observing how a city’s layout shapes the way people engage and how shared spaces foster a happier, more community-driven society.
Who are two of your biggest role models?
Phylicia Rashad has long been a strong role model for me because of her commitment to the artist’s journey as both an actor and a director. My other role model is Mister Rogers. As a kid, I always loved his energy and presence, but his documentary made me weep. I am so grateful for the loving and educational path he walked while he lived.
What are you currently binge-watching on TV?
I’ve been trying to cut down on screen time lately, so I haven’t binged in a while. But the last show I binged was The Sopranos.
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
Your voice matters greatly, no matter who tells you differently. Your voice is G-d-given. Don’t quiet yourself for anyone.
