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Yassmin Alers stars as Ally's mom, Erin, in MTV's movie, "The American Mall."
Yassmin Alers was born and raised in New York's Spanish Harlem. She is the middle child of a large, close-knit family, with two older brothers and two younger sisters.
Yassmin Alers started working professionally by performing with an original band while studying psychology at Marymount College, but after years of chasing a recording artist deal, she turned her attention to theatre. Within two weeks of making this decision, she landed a lead role in the Off-Broadway show "Bring in the Morning."
Yassmin Alers spent six months in Germany performing in the European premiere of "The Who's Tommy," starring Roger Bart as Cousin Kevin and Michael Cerveris as Tommy, where she covered eight dance tracks. "It was one of the most stressful things I've ever had to do. I developed a newfound respect for understudies. I was on stage an average of five shows a week, most of the time doing split tracks (the highlights of 2 tracks), in a country whose language I couldn't pick up and whose food I disliked. I lost a lot of weight. But I'd do it all again in a heartbeat."
It was the strength of that credit that she believes helped book her Broadway debut as part of the original company of "Rent." "I was fortunate to have experienced the spirit of the show from so many different views. Rent, to me, is perfect-imperfection." In total, Yaz went on for two principals, three female ensemble roles, and three male roles.
Other Broadway credits for Yassmin Alers include "The Rocky Horror Show," starring Terrance Mann, and Paul Simon's "The Capeman," directed by Jerry Zaks. "Being under the musical direction of Paul Simon and working with Mark (Anthony) and Ruben (Blades) was amazing. I learned a great deal about my culture." Unfortunately, "The Capeman" had a short life on Broadway due to its controversy.
Immediately upon its closing, Yassmin Alers found herself on the road with the national company of "Rent," this time in the role of Mimi. She branched out into television when she was requested by name for a featured guest role on an episode of "One Life To Live."
Yassmin Alers is a member of The Broadway Inspirational Voices, a gospel choir led by Michael McElroy. She is also an avid supporter of The Actors Fund of America and BCEFA (Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids), having performed at many of their functions including Gypsy of the Year, Easter Bonnet, and Broadway Bares.
Within months of moving to the West Coast, Yassmin Alers made her Los Angeles theatre debut in "The Ten Commandments," starring Val Kilmer as Moses. "That show heightened my spirituality. I felt blessed to be on stage every night."
Along with the above-mentioned performers, Yassmin Alers has shared the stage with Elton John, Jesse L. Martin, Stephanie Mills, Gilbert Gottfried, Philicia Rashad, Tom Wopat, Dick Cavett, and Penn & Teller. Currently in negotiation for production are a multitude of distinct, original characters Yassmin Alers has created for film, television and theatre.
Yaz is blessed with the love and support of her family, friends, Mofos and CD. "There is a rose in Spanish Harlem" is a song reference a good friend makes of Yassmin. The thought of it makes her smile. "God is Good."
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