Alexandra Daddario’s profile grew massively thanks to Baywatch, but the actor also revealed how the movie slowed her career trajectory down.

Alexandra Daddario‘s Baywatch character earned the actor huge exposure in 2017, but not in the way that she had hoped. Daddario has carved a unique niche for herself in the entertainment industry, known for her empowering performances and magnetic on-screen presence. Her journey in Hollywood has been marked by roles that have allowed her to explore various facets of her acting prowess. From the early days in the Percy Jackson series to Alexandra Daddario’s more mature roles in projects like True Detective and The White Lotus, the actor has continuously evolved. Her ability to adapt to different genres and characters demonstrates her dedication to challenging herself artistically.

However, 2017’s Baywatch reboot was something of a setback for the actor. Daddario played Summer Quinn, which was a significant but somewhat controversial role in her career. The film aimed to revive the iconic ’90s television series for a modern audience, but the sun-drenched beaches and scantily-clad lifeguards weren’t enough. Despite a star-studded cast, the film struggled critically with just 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, and was a huge box office bomb (via Box Office Mojo). The Alexandra Daddario Baywatch character had a notable impact on her career, influencing the types of roles she was offered thereafter and shaping her path in the industry in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

Baywatch Negatively Impacted The Jobs Alexandra Daddario Was Offered

 

Daddario’s experience with Baywatch serves as a critical point of reflection in her career. Her portrayal of Summer Quinn, a role that was meant to showcase both physicality and charisma, unfortunately, became a pivot towards a type of stereotyping in Hollywood. In her own words (via NY Times), Daddario expressed that “Baywatch raised my profile and changed the kinds of jobs I was being offered, maybe not in a positive way. But I’m glad I did it.” Her comment captures the double-edged sword of the project: while it elevated her visibility, it also pigeonholed her into a certain type of role that did not fully utilize her acting capabilities.

Though Daddario has a main role in Baywatch, most of her screen time sees her running in a red bathing suit in slow motion. While the actor doesn’t go into more detail, in the period following Baywatch, Daddario’s roles were seemingly limited, reflecting a sort of typecasting that often follows actors in visually driven roles. The shift in the types of roles offered to her post-Baywatch starkly contrasted with the complex characters she portrayed before, such as Lisa Tragnetti in True Detective. This phase in her career perfectly highlights the challenges actors face when a particular role overshadows their broader abilities and potential.

Daddario’s Luck Changed With The White Lotus

The trajectory of Daddario’s career took a significant turn with her role as Rachel Patton in HBO’s The White Lotus season 1 cast. Rachel is a journalist who struggles with her professional life and the complexities of a new marriage, specifically that her husband tries to control her with his wealth. Daddario’s performance was a stark departure from her character in Baywatch. Although she spent a considerable amount of time in a bikini in The White Lotus, just as she did in Baywatch, Daddario’s character was imbued with depth, introspection, and a palpable sense of realism.

The role allowed Daddario to grapple with genuine emotional and psychological dilemmas, a far cry from her one-dimensional character in Baywatch. The White Lotus not only redefined Daddario’s career but also set the stage for more substantive roles, such as her lead role in Mayfair Witches. While Daddario was part of an ensemble cast in The White Lotus, Mayfair Witches sees the actor in the lead role, playing neurosurgeon Dr. Rowan Fielding who discovers that she’s the heiress to a dynasty of witches. Alexandra Daddario’s journey from Baywatch to The White Lotus and beyond ultimately illustrates the actress’ resilience and impeccable ability to navigate through the typecasting she experienced.