Alexandra Paul

Alexandra Paul is an American actress, former fashion model, and environmental activist who gained international fame for her portrayal of Lieutenant Stephanie Holden in the hit television series Baywatch. Beginning her career in fashion before making a seamless transition into film and television, she has amassed over 100 acting credits across feature films, television movies, and drama series.

Early Life and Modeling

Born on July 29, 1963, in New York City, Alexandra Elizabeth Paul was raised in Cornwall, Connecticut, alongside her identical twin sister, Caroline, and younger brother, Jonathan. At sixteen, she began modeling professionally in New York, securing campaigns and editorial features in high-profile fashion publications such as Vogue and Elle. Choosing to pursue a full-time career in performance, she passed on attending university to focus entirely on acting.

Acting Career

Paul made her screen debut in the 1982 television film Paper Dolls, quickly followed by a leading role as Leigh Cabot in John Carpenter's classic 1983 horror film Christine. During the 1980s, she established herself in major motion pictures, starring opposite Kevin Costner in American Flyers (1985) and alongside Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd in Dragnet (1987). Her signature role arrived in 1992 when she joined the cast of Baywatch, playing Lieutenant Stephanie Holden for five seasons until 1997. Beyond Baywatch, she has starred in over fifteen Lifetime television films, hosted documentary programs like EarthTalk Today and Wild Waters, and appeared in numerous independent features.

Activism and Advocacy

In addition to her entertainment career, Paul is a prominent animal rights and environmental activist. She co-hosted the award-winning Switch4Good podcast from 2019 to 2025 and has actively supported causes centered on animal welfare, marine conservation, and human overpopulation awareness. An accomplished endurance athlete, she completed the 1997 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii and has participated in long-distance ocean swimming races around the world.

Personal Life

Paul holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. In September 2000, she married triathlon coach and writer Ian Murray. The couple resides in the United States and actively advocates for sustainable living and plant-based nutrition.