You’ve definitely seen her. Even if the name doesn't immediately ring a bell, that sharp, almost unnerving corporate poise is hard to forget. Sydney Cole Alexander has this way of commanding a scene without saying much, which is probably why she’s become such a fixture in some of the most talked-about projects of the last few years. From the eerie hallways of Lumon Industries to the high-octane world of Tom Cruise blockbusters, her trajectory is a masterclass in "slow burn" success.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see an actor who actually puts in the work. No overnight TikTok fame here. She’s a Purchase College alum—class of 2015, if you're counting—who spent years in the New York theater scene before the cameras really started rolling.
The Severance Breakthrough
If we're talking about sydney cole alexander movies and tv shows, we have to start with Severance.
She plays Natalie Kalen. You know, the high-ranking corporate stooge who speaks for the mysterious Board? She is the literal face of corporate gaslighting. Alexander has mentioned in interviews that her performance was inspired by her own time working soul-crushing corporate jobs. She captured that specific vibe where everyone is smiling and "friendly," but there is a jagged, vicious edge just underneath the surface.
It took her four months of auditing to land that part. Four months! That tells you something about the precision Ben Stiller was looking for. She isn't just a recurring guest; she’s the bridge between the audience and the unseen masters of the show.
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Early TV Grinds
Before she was the "voice of the Board," she was doing the standard New York actor rounds.
- Limitless (2016): A small role as a receptionist. It was the "Stop Me Before I Hug Again" episode. Blink and you'll miss her, but it was the start.
- She’s Gotta Have It (2017): She worked with Spike Lee. She played a character also named Sydney. It’s a small world.
These roles weren't massive, but they built the foundation. She was also a SoulCycle instructor during this time. Talk about a hustle. Imagine taking a spin class from a future Mission: Impossible star.
Moving Into Big Screen Territory
The jump from TV to film has been aggressive lately. 2024 and 2025 have been huge for her.
She landed a role in Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer. It’s a mouthful of a title, I know. She plays Zoe. The film is this dark, satirical look at the creative process and obsession, and it allowed her to show a lot more range than the rigid, controlled Natalie from Severance.
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But the real "wow" moment? Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025).
Joining a Tom Cruise franchise is the ultimate "I've made it" stamp. She plays Lt. Cmdr. Bennet. It’s a role that demands a certain level of physical presence and intensity. It’s quite the leap from a CBS procedural to one of the biggest action franchises in cinematic history.
What Most People Miss About Her Work
There is a technical detail about Sydney Cole Alexander that actually adds a layer of depth to her screen presence: she has heterochromia.
Her eyes are two different colors.
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In a show like Severance, where everything is about duality and the "severing" of the self, it’s an incredibly striking physical trait. It adds to that slightly otherworldly, "is she human or a corporate drone?" vibe she does so well.
She’s also a powerhouse on stage. People forget she was in the world premiere of In The Upper Room and played Eleanor in The American Tradition. Theater training gives actors a certain "weight" on camera that you just can't fake. You can see it in her posture.
Why She Matters Right Now
We are in an era of "prestige TV" and high-concept sci-fi. Directors are looking for actors who can convey complex, often repressed emotions. Alexander is the queen of that. She doesn't need a three-minute monologue to tell you her character is dangerous. She just needs to adjust her blazer and give a cold smile.
Key Filmography and TV Appearances
- Severance (2022–2025) – Natalie Kalen (The breakout role)
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) – Lt. Cmdr. Bennet
- A Neighbor's Vendetta (2023) – Sonja Richards
- Psycho Therapy (2024) – Zoe
- She's Gotta Have It (2017) – Sydney
- Limitless (2016) – Receptionist
If you want to track her progress, keep an eye on the upcoming season of Severance. Her character’s role in the corporate hierarchy of Lumon is only getting more complicated. For those interested in her transition to film, The Shallow Tale offers the best look at her lead-acting capabilities outside of the "ice queen" archetype she perfected on Apple TV+. Watching her work chronologically is actually a pretty cool way to see a New York stage actor slowly take over the mainstream.
Check out her early work in the short film The Lair (2020) if you want to see her in a more indie, experimental light. It’s a far cry from the big-budget polish of her recent projects, but the talent is clearly the same.