'Alias': Go Undercover with These Facts About the 2001 Series
Going undercover wasn't the original intention of college student Sydney Bristow, but after discovering her lineage from a line of undercover agents, she agrees to join in and become an international spy for what she believes to be the CIA, but in truth is the covert organization SD-6. In the hit series Alias, actress Jennifer Garner plays SD-6's new recruit, and this is an opportunity to learn more with these behind-the-scenes facts about Alias.
Created by J.J. Abrams, Alias originally aired on ABC from 2001 to 2006 and, beyond Garner, stars Ron Rifkin as Arvin Sloane, Michael Vartan as Michael Vaughn and Bradley Cooper (perhaps you've heard of him?) as Will Tippin), focusing on Sydney's attempts to balance her life as a college student with that of being a spy out to save the world (or is that the intent of SD-6?).
When you're done checking out these facts about Alias, you can stream the show on Disney Plus.
1. Jennifer Garner performed many of her own stunts: Facts about Alias
While most thriller series and films hire stunt doubles to perform for the lead stars, Garner took it upon herself to do a lot of her own stunts. She did have a stunt double for certain moments in the series considered far too dangerous, but Garner was insistent on doing as much as she could herself.
2. A reboot has been considered multiple times
Over the past few years, reboots of older series have grown in popularity and Alias was certainly among those being discussed. The crew talked about reuniting for a reboot, but decided that without Bradley Cooper, who played Will, the show wouldn’t be the same.
The other stars, Garner included, were thrilled at the mention of getting the gang back together. “Sign me up! Grab Bradley by the scruff of his neck!” Victor Garber, who played Garner’s on-screen father, said. “We liked being with each other. It was just one of those things that doesn't happen. It hasn't happened to me before or since.”
3. The role of Sydney was written specifically for Garner: Facts about Alias
The show’s creator, J.J. Abrams, knew exactly what he wanted when it came to the role of Sydney in Alias. After hiring Garner for a guest spot on Felicity (which he co-created with Matt Reeves), he knew she was perfect for the show. “There was something about her that I just thought was really special,” he explained.
4. Garner and Victor Garber are close in real life
It’s not often that series casts grow close and even become like family, but that's what happened between Victor Garber and Jennifer Garner behind the scenes. The father-duo connection was mirrored in real life as he officiated Garner's wedding to Ben Affleck. He's also the godfather of one of her daughters.
5. Bradley Cooper didn’t enjoy his time on the series: Facts about Alias
As noted, Bradley Cooper — whose career has skyrocketed on the big screen — was Will Tippin on Alias, who was Sydney Bristow's best friend. But Cooper, as it turns out, wasn’t too thrilled with the role, his initial excitement growing into mounting frustration.
“I would only work three days a week. And then for the second season, I got even more sidelined. I was like, ‘Ugh.’ And then, the next thing you know, I was like, ‘I want to f—— kill myself.’” Although Abrams did accept Cooper’s request to be written off the show, Cooper made guest appearances later on in the series.
6. Garner and Michael Vartan briefly dated off-screen
It’s unusual that on-screen couples make it off-screen, but Garner and Michael Vartan gave it a try. Their characters initially got together in season 2 of Alias, but by season 3, the actors had become romantically involved. Fans of the couple were thrilled, but they split up by 2004. Garner then went on to marry Ben Affleck in 2005.
7. Garner had to stay in tip-top shape to play the role: Facts about Alias
While Garner was portraying the fit fighter on Alias, she had to be sure to stay in tip-top shape over the course of the series. To this end, the actress would wake up at 4 AM to complete an hour-long workout before her 5:30 AM hair and makeup time. Although waking up that early wasn’t ideal, Garner didn’t mind it.
“I love it, because it forces me to take care of myself physically. And normally working hours like this you would really let that fall to the wayside… It just keeps you honest with it, because you have to be warmed up and you have to be in good shape, or you'll get hurt.”
