Biography of Alex McLeod

All about Alex

Is it her sense of humor, her youthful spirit, or her natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression on people? Some ineffable trait in her personality makes everyone realize, without knowing why, that Alex McLeod is one of most unique individuals they've ever met and one of the most diverse talents working in the television hosting niche today.

After graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in Speech Communications, Alex headed for Hollywood and got her start in showbiz performing in many national commercials and situation comedies such as Married With Children, Nightstand, Partners and Ned & Stacey. McLeod got her first real break as the Hollywood correspondent of the irreverent and popular film review series Moviewatch, which aired on Channel Four in the United Kingdom. Alex engaged in mock interviews with Hollywood's mega-elite, including Meryl Streep, Russell Crowe, Diane Keaton, Ron Howard, Denzel Washington, and Mel Gibson. Lauded for her memorable interviewing style and comedic flair, Alex discovered that she had a real knack for hosting and ran with it!

Best known as the original host of TLC's runaway cable hit Trading Spaces, Alex guided millions of viewers worldwide through the unscripted, light-hearted process of helping neighbors across America race to redecorate each other's home. For her funny yet vibrant hosting work on Trading Spaces, Alex shared in a Daytime Emmy Award nomination with her producers after only one season on air. Critics immediately responded to Alex. Linda Stasi of The New York Post described Alex as the "perfect" host and Daniel McGinn of Newsweek compared Alex to Classic Coke, truly an "original."  After leaving Trading Spaces, Alex left audiences wanting more and it was not long before Alex's comedic sensibilities and all American beauty caught the eye of other TV networks. Alex was next asked to take the big leap into major network television as host of another TV ratings sensation, FOX's highly controversial first season of Joe Millionaire shot on location in France's Loire Valley. The first show of its kind, Joe Millionaire spawned a new "romantic twist" trend in the reality TV genre and like Trading Spaces, copycat shows ensued.

Although known for her sophisticated persona, this world traveler did not demur from giving viewers a glimpse into her tomboy spirit as co-host of A&E's Best of Both Worlds. In this reality travel special, she agreed to "rough it" on an economy tour of Hawaii and then to experience the reward of a luxury tour through Hong Kong. As co-host of Best of Both Worlds, Alex was placed in the role of stuntwoman as she penned cattle on horseback, surfed the big waves, and hang-glided over the Hawaiian islands. As the luxury traveler, Alex convalesced with Buddhist monks, walked the red carpet at a Jackie Chan movie premiere, and power shopped her way through Hong Kong. Never one to shy away from new challenges, Alex proved herself in yet another TV format, Alex soon landed guest co-host spots on shows such as ABC's all-female talk show, The View, and 20th Century FOX's nationally syndicated morning show, Good Day Live. Alex McLeod's diverse talent and insight for picking exciting show concepts, which receive high-ratings, continues to distinguish her in the reality based television niche. Viewers have since followed Alex to the Starz family of channels, where she hosted The Weekend on Starz, a weekend of academy award winning movies celebrating Oscar winners past and present. Alex has also covered many movie premieres and interviewed A-list film stars as a red-carpet correspondent for the Starz Movie News.

Although her on-camera charisma has garnered mass appeal, Alex has proven that her "kinetic energy" is just as irresistible off-camera when applied to volunteer work. Giving back to her community has been what she considers one of her greatest accomplishments. Alex has been a public speaker in Southern California for the US Fund for UNICEF's annual "Trick or Treat" campaign giving motivational speeches in K-12 schools to encourage America's children to help children at risk in developing nations. McLeod has worked tirelessly as a fundraiser for a number of charity events benefiting UNICEF. The Southern California chapter of UNICEF recently presented Alex with a President's Volunteer Award by The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation in recognition of her "commitment to the strengthening of the nation and making a difference through volunteer service."

As a personal health advocate McLeod has donated her time and services as a mistress of ceremonies for the American Heart Association's annual "Women's Legacy/Go Red For  Women" luncheons in Ventura county encouraging women to take control of their heart health through diet and exercise. Alex has also lent her home-improvement skills to several Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity Blitz Builds in Los Angeles including a Power Women, Power Tools Build hosted by First Lady of California, Maria Shriver. Most recently, Alex swung a hammer for the TODAY show and Habitat for Humanity International’s Operation Home Delivery building "homes in a box" for Hurricane Katrina's hardest hit victims on the Gulf Coast. McLeod's Trading Spaces background also came in handy recently as she and Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church-Red Cross Shelter, came to the rescue of 16 Katrina families seeking refuge in her hometown of Galveston, Texas with a charity decorating project entitled, Operation Decorate.  McLeod raised $75,000 worth of home furnishings donated generously by ten major corporations and personally delivered the items herself with Moody Memorial church volunteers.

Alex McLeod is based in Los Angeles and is a member of both The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.

When she is not busy volunteering in her community, interviewing A-list celebrities, or discovering the latest reality TV fad, Alex travels the world, and enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking.